Response to boat explosion at yacht haven earns Lymington RNLI rescuers commendations from medical director

EIGHT Lymington RNLI rescuers who helped treat two sailors burned in a boat explosion have been commended for their actions.

Letters of thanks from the lifesaving charity’s medical director were presented to the volunteers, who were among the response to the emergency at the town’s yacht haven on 11th June.

As reported in the A&T, there was a flash fire and explosion below deck on the vessel, with two men on board.

One of the RNLI crewmembers, Rob Merrix, was working at the site when it happened around 12.50pm and provided first aid.

He alerted the launch authority who sent the lifeboat crewed by Declan O’Riordan, Allan Punton, James Douch and Piers Horobin.

Three more casualty care-trained crew – Phil Baker, Simon Nuding and Ed Warlock – travelled to the scene by road with additional first aid equipment.

One of the casualties had significant burn injuries to his face, hands, and legs.

A Lymington RNLI spokesperson said: “The care given by the RNLI crew involved cooling and protecting the burns and reassuring the casualties whilst waiting for the arrival of an ambulance and an air ambulance which brought paramedics to whom the casualties were handed over.”

The volunteers also administered a nebuliser to negate any risk of inhalation burns.

Other emergency response at the scene included a Lymington Coastguard crew, firefighters and police.

The air ambulance’s doctor and specialist paramedic travelled with the casualties as they were taken by road to Southampton General Hospital.

Lifeboat crew member Mr Douch said at the time: “All the rescue services and marina staff worked together seamlessly to administer vital casualty care.”

Area operations manager James Kilburn presented the framed letters to the recipients at Lymington Town Sailing Club after a training evening.