RIB Incident in Solent

[Stephen-RIB]

This could have turned out a lot worse!.........................

THREE PEOPLE THROWN FROM RIB IN SOLENT

Three people were thrown from their 17 foot, 150 horse power RIB,
late this afternoon in the Solent. The RIB's engine did not cut out
and continued on.

Solent Coastguard received a call at 5:35 p.m. from two of the
casualties who had managed to make their way ashore at Seaview, Isle
of Wight, after being in the water for at least half an hour. They
raised the alarm for their missing friend. Shortly afterwards their
friend also called Solent Coastguard from Bembridge concerned for his
missing friends.

David Williams, Solent Coastguard Watch Manager, says:

"Due to the fact that the RIB was still underway we scrambled the
Coastguard rescue helicopter 'India Juliet' and requested the launch
of the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation's Gosport Rescue RIB 1 and 3
and Ryde Rescue 2. Coastguard rescue teams from Bembridge and Hayling
Island were sent to assist. A broadcast was put out to all vessels on
channel 16 and the Queen's Harbour Master at Portsmouth also issued a
local broadcast.

The Rescue helicopter identified the RIB off Chichester Harbour
entrance which then enabled one of the Gosport Rescue RIB's to target
the casualty RIB and board it and take control.

This is an incredible incident where not only the three casualties
were very lucky not to have sustained serious injuries but neither
did the boat incur any damage. We believe one of the casualties to be
suffering from hypothermia and is now receiving medical attention.
Their RIB has now been returned to Seaview. We urge all RIB users to
always ensure that their lanyard (kill cord) is always secure to the
vessel's driver in order to cut the engine when an incident arises."

The weather conditions on scene were southerly winds force 5 - 6 with
moderates seas and visibility moderate to good. END

[Jonny Fuller]

People falling off their ribs does seem rather common!

Note the use of the word 'Off'.

[Rogue Wave]

If you run out of knowledge or your bollix are too big then it could well happen, if you don't put your kill cord on in the first place in the seas we had this weekend then you didn't have a lot of knowledge to begin with!

Kill cords however are only an electrical switch and we all know that electrical components can fail on a RIB so I hope everybody tests the Kill cord every trip.

[Louise]

It strikes me that either the length of boat has been reported incorrectly or the horsepower is incorrectly stated or that is a dangerous(?) combination of boat and engine. Just my very humble opinion of course, and very glad that there was a 'happy'(ish) ending!

[Rupert Bear]

I thought that the power quoted was a tad high as well.
mine is the same length with 60hp, while I wouldn't mind a bit more power as it is heavily loaded with dive kit most of the time I reckon 150hp would be enough to put a boat that size into orbit when you goosed the throttle.
Is It just me or does this amount of power on a boat this size seem over the top?

[SDGANDER]

Sketchy reporting! Doesn't say if they wore kill cords or if it failed - guess though the report and public wouldn't have a clue if the coastguard mentioned it anyway. Maybe the bill for the response would encourage them to use one next time!

On subject of engines and size combinations I looked at a 4.5m which had a 90hp 4 stroke stuck on the back, commented to the dealer that I thought it was too big and would he consider splitting the package and let me put my own engine on it as I thought it too big. He agreed it was far too powerful for the boat but that was the buyer's problem not his! I walked away!

SG

[Phil]

this month in RIB Int there's an article from the guy who runs the ribs through "The Bitches " and he makes the point that at a certain sea state and in certain conditions you have to be sure that you don't accidently trigger the kill cord and leave the boat foundering.

It came to mind on Saturday when I did exactly that inshore with some big rollers but luckily with no adverse consequences.

Although not kill cord related we did have the unfortunate situation where a 6 metre RIB capsized in the surf - no injuries but a lot of damage

[Louise]

Sorry to hear that, Phil, but glad everyone is OK.

[Phil Davies]

And it's not just us leisure users who get it wrong, either. The Treaddur Bay Atlantic 75 lifeboat capsized last week in the notoriously violent area of the Anglesey coast known as 'The Fangs', just off South Stack lighthouse. And it happened in complete darkness following a shout to some stranded rock climbers on the Stacks, who were eventually recovered by the cliff rescue team.

First reports indicate helmsman's error, although this has yet to be confirmed by the official investigation. Apparently the bow, which still contained about half a tonne of water ballast, stuffed in a massive following sea and unfortunately the helm's immediate reaction was to shut off the power. This resulted in the following wave broaching the lifeboat and capsizing her. Thankfully the three crew managed to activate the self-righting bag and got the engines started again. They also got a brand new Atlantic 75 of course, because any lifeboats involved in accidents are immediately taken out of service and returned to Poole.

[DM]

Originally Posted by Jonny Fuller

Note the use of the word 'Off'.

Noted. Now add bugger in front of it.

DM