An aircraft from landlocked RAF Brize Norton helped rescue a sailor in distress in the Atlantic after his yacht lost its mast in stormy conditions.
An Atlas A400M from Brize and a Poseidon P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth were used to locate a civilian yacht 700 nautical miles west of Ireland.
This weekend, two @RoyalAirForce aircraft, including an A400M Atlas aircraft from RAF Brize Norton, were involved in the rescue of a sailor from the Atlantic Ocean after his yacht lost its mast in stormy conditions.
— RAF Brize Norton (@RAFBrizeNorton) October 17, 2022
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The Atlas dropped life rafts into the water near the ship while the Poseidon created a communications link with the sailor to help direct a rescue ship to the location.
The distressed sailor was struggling in six-metre-high waves, midway between the UK and Greenland on Saturday (15/10).
The Atlas dropped their Air Sea Rescue Apparatus (ASRA) to the yacht through a rear ramp drop, where it descended with a parachute.
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The rescue pack was retrieved by the yachtsman who remained under the watchful eye of the Poseidon aircraft while the Atlas returned to RAF Brize Norton.
The Poseidon then set out second mission overnight on Saturday to help merchant vessels, which travelled 120 miles off their planned route to recover the sailor.
The vessels arrived alongside the yacht on Sunday morning.
The sailor was recovered by one of the vessels and is now being treated for minor injuries.
The Atlas captain, Flt Lt Mainwaring, said: “The team at RAF Brize Norton was simply superb today, it really felt like they were propelling us into the air with a shared sense of purpose and mission.
“There was huge relief when we confirmed the location of the yacht. There was a sense of purpose as we prepared to release the rescue equipment because you only get one chance to get it right.
"Seeing the yachtsman able to recover the equipment made us all very proud of the achievement.”
“I am incredibly proud of Team Atlas today, with the whole force helping to deliver emergency equipment at very short notice and under challenging conditions.
"It is a timely reminder of why we hold constant readiness and of the tremendous reach and capabilities of the Atlas aircraft.”
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And Wing Commander Livesey, OC CXX Sqn, said: “Today the power of the weather once again highlighted the importance of a meaningful Search and Rescue capability. It was excellent having Poseidon working together with Atlas dropping stores to the stricken sailor.
“Co-operative events such as these demonstrate the professional and cohesive way crews from across the Royal Air Force can work together to deliver great effect.
"As a result, their efforts helped save a life; they should all be immensely proud of the contribution they make to keeping this nation and its people safe.”
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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris
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