At the same time a
merchant vessel contacted Dover Coastguard reporting an aircraft
ditching close to their position. Dungeness and Littlestone RNLI
lifeboats, Rescue Helicopter 94 (from Koksijde, Belguim) and the
Coastguard Spotter aircraft were all asked to immediately respond.
The pilot of the light aircraft was picked up from the water by
another merchant vessel, the ‘Dutch Faith’. He was then
transferred to the Dungeness Lifeboat for evaluation. The casualty
was subsequently winched to the Rescue Helicopter for onward
transfer to hospital. The casualty, who was the single occupant of
the aircraft, is reported to be otherwise fine though with mild hypothermia.
For further details please call:
Mark Clark, The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press
Officer on: (02380) 841840 / (07711) 002678 (mobile) / 07693
345278 (pager) or during office ho9401