Wightlink’s crew rescues two boys from a capsized dinghy off Lymington

The crew of Wight Sky rescued two young teenage boys who had been thrown into the Solent from a capsized dinghy just outside the Lymington River on Tuesday evening.

Captain Dave Booker was alerted when a passenger spotted the boys in the water near their upturned craft and ordered the ferry’s rescue boat be launched to recover them and take them safely to shore. He informed Solent Coastguard and the Lymington inshore lifeboat was scrambled to assist and salvage the dinghy.

Coxswain Nick Street and rating Doug Bedford were on board the rescue boat.

It was the Wight Sky’s 18:05 departure from Lymington.

Captain Dave Booker explains: “We regularly carry out emergency drills but rescuing people in real life is another matter. My crew worked together efficiently and professionally to recover the boys and take them back to shore and I am very proud of them all.”

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield adds: “I congratulate the crew of Wight Sky who took such took prompt action to ensure the young boys’ safety.”