Tragedy of 10 yearold

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reginaldon

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During the night Sunday/Monday my son was nursing a 10 year old lad in Recovery; he'd capsized when sailiing at Plymouth - details are hazy - been in the water some time, a rescue boat went to recover him - prop caught his leg, now amputated. The boy said to my son 'is my leg bad? I don't want them to take it off', told my lad he just wanted to play football and sail - his lower leg had already gone, of couse he could still feel it. So sad, parents had just split up. What was the rescue boat's crew thinking of!! He had a lifejacket on so there was no need to panic, although he was cold.
 
I've seen similar, without the tragic consequences, when a MOB comes up against the rescuing boat the legs get drawn underneath.
Although I'm not a "qualifications" supporter, training and practice should be mandatory for Safety Boats.
Of course, as you say, we don't know the circumstances.
 
On my Safety Boat course we were told to always do the final approach to a MOB in neutral and come to halt without having to use reverse. Also stop the engine, by removing the kill cord just as you get to them. It takes practice.
 
I know the circumstances of this tragic accident as I know the person who was driving the safety boat.

Before people make too many comments without knowing the details, the driver of the safety boat was not only highly qualified, but one of the most careful and considerate seamen you will find anywhere. It is not appropriate for me to explain the nature of the accident - not doubt it will all come out in due course, but don't jump to assumptions about what happened...
 
Perhaps the "emotion of the moment" overtakes common sense and training. On Windermere there was a full scale Emergency Practice with all the Emergency Services responding to a "Sinking Ferry".
Some boiler suits stuffed with straw became floating casualties. One Rib arrived in a flurry and mascerated one of the casualties. Straw everywhere. I can't remember which particular patrol boat it was so I'd better not name names.
 
Safety Boat drivers should be qualified - it takes a lot of practice to stop perfectly alongside a casualty without running them over or using the prop.

Your legs naturally float too - you should keep them down by treading water.
 
Re: Tragedy of 10 year old

most RIB drivers make the mistake of trying to get right alongside the casualty, rather than using the wind to drift gently down onto them. If you have ever been in the water when a rib (or any other boat) has approached you, you will know how frightening that is. Unfortunately most practices using fenders tend to reinforce the need to get as close as possible.
 
Well there's a storey to send a shivver down your spine. Hope the little chap is able to get on with life and doesn't give up sailing.

I'm pretty sure that all the safety boats at our lake have cages on the props. I'll certainly be asking them next time I'm there (and before they haul me and or my son out of the water again).
 
I've heard that the RYA are no longer recommending prop guards for safety boats... ours do not have them. I would recommend training to everyone who has to go in the safety boat - helm or crew.
 
The logic is from beach accidents overseas. If you are hit by a turning prop, your leg is thrown clear (damaged) but a guard prevents clearing and the leg is drawn through and macerated.
But for the Grace of God, etc. All of us who have instructed and rescued for years have had close calls, but as I got older I did encourage rescues to take place over the bow, if at all possible. My heart goes out to rescued boy and rescuer.

Ken
 
But the engine should have been cut prior to the final approach, there should have been no mechanism for the prop to be spinning.
 
[ QUOTE ]
He must be mortified.

[/ QUOTE ] He is very very upset. I have just spent an hour or so with him. As I have already said, I can't comment on the incident, but I wish people would stop making statements that are based on guesses and are a long way from the truth about what actually happened.

I know that's difficult, but its my natural reaction to some comments that have been made. He's more qualified and experienced than most of the people on this forum but I'm whistling in the wind on the request for less guesswork I expect...

If he ever gives me permission, I will write up the incident so you can all know what happened.
 
Thankyou - it may just prevent some knee-jerk actions from the lesser informed.

Some accidents are just accidents - no ones fault, but we can all learn from them.

The only 100% safe prop is one left on the suppliers shelf ... but that doesn't propell the boat very well does it!
 
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