Reading the article below reminded me of a ‘man overboard’ incident from Whimbrel with my good mate, Christobel, being the victim. We were berthing in Limehouse Marina during Easter week, April 2017.

We had gone up for two reasons – to see a Passion Play at Trafalgar Square and see the tall ships which congregated off Greenwich for start of race to Canada.

Our assigned berth was in a far corner used at the time for visitors. A large yacht meant a tight turn to berth with our bow pointing out as it were.

Christobel got herself ready, however, I failed to spot that she was standing forward of the shrouds. The turn was a cinch … as we glided towards the pontoon, I bent to give a thrust astern to stop the boat…

As I looked up Christobel made to step onto pontoon and promptly ‘disappeared’ from sight. There was a great sploosh as she plunged into the freezing water then a loud hiss as her life jacket exploded into life.

I leapt ashore with a stern line taking it round a cleat and back to boat – the guard rail I seem to remember. Boat was secured.

Next, to rescue Christobel!

A group of adults with a few young ones saw it all happen. A lady called from the quayside, ‘Do you want a coffee…’

I called back, ‘Got that aboard … I need to get her out…’ None of the chaps offered to help me.

I got Christobel to hold onto jetty while I looked for a ladder. There was one, but the big boat ahead and a ‘Dutchman’ were in the way!

I had to drag Christobel up little by little until her chest was on pontoon, allowing water to drain. Once water drained from her upper clothing layers, I managed to complete the job.

Her life jacket made it difficult to pull her over the pontoon edge!

At that point our watchers sauntered off.

I gathered a bag of clothing and wash tackle and Christobel hot footed to the shower unit…

The article makes interesting reading – a tragedy and a major point regarding pontoon ladders.

Marina safety: Teacher’s drowning prompts ladder design warning

I have noticed that ladders are often difficult to reach due to berthing arrangements. Most though seem to be logically placed at the head of berths along the main walkways.

I haven’t (yet) had to use one in the emergency situation, nor do I really know how deep they go below the surface.

The transom ladder fitted to Whimbrel has two submerged steps which makes getting out far easier.

The report homed in on the ‘depth below’ aspect and has recommended a review by Marina operators…

Food for thought, for sure.