A Guernsey fisherman was rescued in the early hours of Friday November 29th 2019 after spending around 12 hours on a remote rocky islet north of Herm.
Guernsey Coastguard requested the assistance of a UK HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee on the Solent shortly after 11pm last night (Nov 28th 2019) after a fishing vessel was reported as overdue by seven hours.
The fisherman was located on the Cul de L'Autel rocks north of Herm by the HM Coastguard helicopter using thermal imaging cameras on board, where he was also winched to safety.
The helicopter crew of four managed to spot the missing fisherman waving his arms from a ridge on the rocks. He had swum to the Cul de L'Autel rocks after his boat capsized at 1pm on November 28th 2019.
The casualty was transferred to Guernsey Airport and then by St John Ambulance to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.
The all weather and inshore lifeboats from the Guernsey RNLI were also launched by Guernsey Coastguard. The fishing boat itself had sunk several hours earlier.
Duty Captain of the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter Simon Hoare said:
"In just a T shirt and jeans, soaking wet, and with no shelter, or protection from the elements, this man was very lucky to be found when he was. We were all elated to find him. A successful outcome, such as this, is what makes our job so rewarding."