Wightlink crew praised by RNLI for swift Solent rescue

The crew of Wightlink’s Wight Sky, operating on the Yarmouth to Lymington route, has been praised by the RNLI for their quick-thinking actions which helped rescue two people from the water in the Solent.

The incident took place on the evening of 25 February, shortly after the ferry departed Yarmouth. A member of the bridge team aboard Wight Sky spotted two individuals in the water who had been thrown from a small high-speed craft. It was cold, dark and the rib was unlit. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the crew acted immediately.

The vessel’s rescue boat was launched and both casualties safely recovered from the water. Fortunately, neither person sustained any injuries. The operation was carried out in close coordination with HM Coastguard, ensuring a swift and organised response.

At the same time, the RNLI lifeboat from Yarmouth was also tasked to the scene. Once on location, the lifeboat crew took over care of the casualties, transferring them safely aboard. Meanwhile, Wight Sky remained in the area to assist with the search for the unmanned craft, which had drifted after ejecting its occupants. The vessel was recovered by the RNLI a short time later.

Captain Richard Cruse of Wight Sky praised the teamwork displayed throughout the incident. “I would like to pass on my gratitude to the RNLI for their swift response and commend my crew for their timely and professional actions in bringing the incident to a quick and successful conclusion,” he said.

Al Mackay, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lymington RNLI station, also highlighted the ferry crew’s decisive response. He noted that the outcome could have been far more serious without their vigilance and rapid intervention.

“Huge credit to Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries for spotting the casualties and rescuing them so quickly,” he said. “Their crew acted with real professionalism and urgency, ensuring those in difficulty were brought to safety without delay. Without their response, the situation could have ended very differently.”

The incident highlights the importance of constant vigilance at sea and the value of strong partnership working between commercial operators and emergency services to keep those on the water safe.