Islington News: Police crew in sea rescue, Andy Robinson, Chris Allison

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 28 March 2008

Police crew in sea rescue

THE crew of a yacht skippered by an Islington police sergeant have won praise for their part in a rescue operation in the Solent over Easter.
Sgt Andy Robinson was in charge of the Met police vessel when the crew heard shouting from a nearby yacht on Good Friday.
A crewman had fallen overboard, dangerously close to a passing container ship, when the other vessel suddenly leaned over in strong winds.
Sgt Robinson’s crew immediately sent a Mayday message to the coastguard, dropped their sail and threw a lifebelt to the man in the water.
In difficult conditions Sgt Robinson skilfully manoeuvred the yacht so that the rest of the crew could retrieve the 17-year-old Australian youth from the freezing water.
The crew then gave the teenager first aid and a change of clothing before transferring him to a lifeboat.
He was taken by coastguard helicopter to Southampton Hospital.
Detective Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, commodore of the Metropolitan Police Sailing Club, said: “We are extremely proud of the expert and professional response demonstrated by our members in this challenging incident.
“It has clearly evidenced the value of our extensive club training programme and the quality of our club yachts in difficult sailing conditions.”

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