Injured Yachtsman SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 1973, was overcast with rain squalls when, at 5.35 p.m., the deputy launching authority of Eastney station, Hampshire, was informed by Hayling Island Coastguard that a helicopter from the SAR flight, HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-Solent, attending the yacht Jo of Ryde three miles south south west of Eastney Point, was unable to lift her two crew clear owing to their injuries.

The Eastney 18' McLachlan ILB 136A508, manned by Helmsman Denis Faro and Crew Member Ronald Needle, was launched within five minutes. A south south west force 7 wind against the first of the spring ebb tide had whipped up heavy, confused seas off the harbour entrance and in the vicinity of Langstone bar, and, after becoming airborne twice on clearing the harbour entrance, the ILB had to reduce speed.

Having shown Jo of Ryde's position by a smoke marker, the SAR helicopter landed at Hayling Coastguard lookout to conserve fuel; but the ILB lost contact with the casualty, so the helicopter took off again, re-located the yacht and hovered over her until the ILB came within sighting distance, at 5.56.

Jo of Ryde was lying bow to sea on a dragging anchor and the ILB approached to within 15' astern whilst it was explained how her crew would be taken off. The first attempt to put the bow of the ILB alongside was unsuccessful, but at the second attempt both men were safely taken on board. As one of the men was suffering from a suspected rib fracture and the other had had his foot jammed in some of the yacht's gear, it was a manoeuvre of considerable difficulty; nevertheless, it was accomplished in about seven seconds and the ILB cleared the yacht at 6.01 to return to station.

By this time the wind was estimated to be gusting to force 9 from the south south west and the sea was very rough and confused. Approaching Langstone Harbour the ILB partially broached to and shipped a considerable quantity of water. In recovering she was pooped, but, with skilful handling by her helmsman and with her well-designed freeing ports, the water quickly cleared and she was able to negotiate the harbour entrance safely. By 6.20 she was back on station. Both survivors were landedto a waiting ambulance and taken to hospital.

For this service a bronze medal has been awarded to Helmsman Denis Faro and a medal service certificate to Crew Member Ronald Needle..