Lifeboats and helicopter used in search after finding sinking vessel with nobody on board
Crews were looking for someone in 'distress'
Richard MillsBrighton & Hove Albion correspondent
Lifeboat setting out into the sea after receiving a 'distress' call (Image: RNLI Portishead)
Lifeboats and a helicopter were used in an extensive search for a person in 'distress' - but all that was found was a sinking vessel with nobody on board.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Portishead was called to a 25ft sailing vessel, reportedly in distress off Avonmouth Docks, at 11.37am on Friday (June 7).
The Coastguard at Milford Haven said family member called asking for help.
Lifeboats and helicopter find sinking vessel with nobody on board (Image: RNLI Portishead)
The report led to a multi-agency search of the area with HM Coastguards from Portishead and Chepstow, plus rescue helicopter 187. Seven Area Search and Rescue (SARA) launched two of its lifeboats.
RNLI Portishead said on Facebook: "The RNLI crew launched into strong winds and rough sea conditions with limited visibility.
"After approximately half-an-hour the RNLI crew found the drifting sailing vessel near one of the piers by Avonmouth Docks where it was clear that it was taking on water.
This sinking boat was found in the sea with nobody on board (Image: RNLI Portishead)
"A crew member climbed on board to check for any sign of the boats' occupant. Nothing was found. It was at that point the search widened as it was feared the person could be in the cold water."
After this, a full search was carried out of the whole area by all of the search and rescue teams.
Debris from the sinking boat was then found. The RNLI volunteers then checked the coastline for any signs of a person in difficulty.
The post continued: "After a number of hours to everyone's relief, it was reported that the person had been found and taken to the medical centre at Avonmouth Port where he was then airlifted to hospital by the Coastguard Helicopter crew.
"The casualty was believed to be suffering from the effects of the cold.
A helicopter was required as part of the multi-agency search (Image: RNLI Portishead)
"With all other services being stood down, the RNLI volunteers proceeded to relocate the sailing vessel which was virtually submerged and with the sea conditions and wind calming down, they were able to hand it over to the safety of the Portishead Coastguards on the shore."
Many people were quick to praise the work of the rescue teams on the Facebook post.
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