When someone falls overboard which actions should the skipper take?

When someone falls overboard, the skipper should immediately shout "Man Overboard!" to alert the crew and maintain visual contact with the person in the water. The skipper should then execute a quick turn to return to the victim, ideally performing a "figure-eight" maneuver to minimize distance. Next, the crew should prepare rescue equipment and be ready to assist the person back on board, while keeping the individual in sight at all times. Safety protocols, including throwing a flotation device, should also be initiated.