Blackpool RNLI volunteers are called out to tragedy at midnight on New Years Eve

Blackpool’s RNLI volunteers were called out shortly after midnight on 01 January 2013 to reports of a man in the water at South Pier, Blackpool. The man had entered the water at high tide in very rough conditions and had got into difficulties.

​Tragically, despite an extensive search by the RNLI and other emergency services the man could not be found.

Shortly after midnight the man had entered the water but quickly got into difficulties in the treacherous sea conditions.  Another man tried to assist him but was forced back to the shore where he raised the alarm.  At 00:13am Blackpool and Lytham RNLI lifeboat crews were paged.  Conditions on scene were extremely rough and were exacerbated by the high tide and as a result Blackpool’s inshore lifeboats could not be launched immediately.  However, Lytham’s RNLI all weather lifeboat, the police helicopter and the RAF search and rescue helicopter began a search and Blackpool’s RNLI volunteers prepared to launch at the earliest opportunity.

Shortly after high water the sea conditions allowed two of Blackpool’s RNLI inshore lifeboat’s to launch.  The sea conditions were extreme and the search was difficult and dangerous.  Unfortunately despite the extensive combined efforts of the RNLI, Coastguard, police and RAF the man could not be found and the Coastguard took the decision at 03:30am to stand down the search teams.  However, coastguard rescue teams have continued the search of the beach and shoreline this morning.

Blackpool RNLI spokesman Paul Parton said ‘tonight’s search was a long and difficult one and sadly we were unable to find the casualty.’

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Esther Lowe Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, RNLI Blackpool. Home 01253 508603, mobile 07917091948, lifeboat station 01253 620424 or email robbyn89@yahoo.com  Alternatively please contact Alison Levett, RNLI Media Relations Manager, North, on 01642 750585 or 07786 668912.