Lifesavers pluck overboard sailor from ocean in dramatic rescue caught on film

Lifesavers called in a pair of helicopters to locate and pluck an overboard sailor from the ocean in Torquay in a dramatic rescue caught on film. WATCH THE VIDEO

Lifesavers called in a pair of helicopters to locate and pluck an overboard sailor from the ocean in Torquay, in a dramatic rescue caught on film.

About 2pm on Wednesday, Life Saving Victoria called in two rescue helicopters to conduct and air search and rescue of a man off Whites Beach in Torquay, with one helicopter catching footage of the rescue.

The moment the sailor was plucked from the ocean.

“He had been boating with a friend approximately 1km offshore when he fell overboard and due to rough conditions, was unable to reboard the vessel,” LSV Lifesaving Services director Kane Treloar said on Wednesday.

“At 2.03pm, both of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopters deployed to the scene for the search and rescue operation.

“The male was spotted at 2.17pm and immediately winched to safety, where he was assessed by Ambulance Victoria.

“The male had been wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident, providing invaluable flotation assistance which may have saved his life.

The boat left on the shoreline as the sailor was rescued.

“No matter how strong a swimmer you are, or how experienced you are with your vessel, this is a timely reminder of how quickly circumstances can change. Paddlers, jet ski riders and recreational boaters must always wear a lifejacket and make sure they head out with a friend.”

Ambulance Victoria confirmed two people were assessed by paramedics at the scene, with neither requiring treatment.

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Originally published as Lifesavers pluck overboard sailor from ocean in dramatic rescue caught on film