One of our stations received a tasking one afternoon to respond to a MayDay. The on-call crew were notified, and after assembling at the boathouse, they were brief and each assigned duties. After completing their pre-departure checks, they left base and arrived at the scene in 17 minutes.
Out in Haro Strait (off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island), they quickly located the disabled vessel and its occupant—a lone person clinging to the overturned hull – wet and cold but thankfully wearing a lifejacket. With rough seas and gusty winds adding to the challenge, the crew swiftly moved into action, communicating with other responders and coordinating rescue efforts.
After several attempts, our crew successfully brought the individual aboard the rescue boat and immediately focused on warming them up with blankets, a toque and heat packs. With the patient stabilized, they radioed for the local Emergency Health Services (EHS) to meet them at a nearby boat launch, ensuring further medical attention upon arrival.
As the crew waited for EHS, the patient’s wife arrived, relieved to see help on the way. Once EHS arrived, the patient was safely transferred to the ambulance, leaving in good spirits.
Meanwhile, RCMSAR volunteers assisted with securing the overturned dinghy, which had somehow had it’s hull punctured. Despite the setback, they worked diligently to drain the water, derig the mast, and move the dinghy out of harm’s way, ensuring the safety of all involved.
This story could have ended quite differently. Ultimately, it was a successful rescue mission, underscoring the importance of being prepared, as the rescued sailor was wearing a weather jacket and a lifejacket, and was carrying both a cell phone and VHF radio.