The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea
Content anchor

Print this page PDF this page

Blyth RNLI lifeboat called to the assistance of 17ft motor boat

About the author

Image of Steven Fitch

Steven Fitch
Helmsman

Lifeboats News Release

  • Date:
    28/05/2012
  • Author: Steven Fitch

Blyth RNLI lifeboat called to the assistance of 17ft motor boat

RNLI Blyth Lifeboat called out by HM Coastguard 28th May 2012 to go to the assistance of a 17ft motor boat in difficulty off St Mary’s Island.

HM Coastguard called out the RNLI Blyth lifeboat Alan and Amy to go to the assistance of the motor boat Predator with three people onboard after it was reported that the craft had mechanical failure, off St Mary‘s Island.

The RNLI Blyth Lifeboat was launched at 9.13am and reached the scene at 9.28am. The casualty was taken in tow, to Seaton Sluice where the motor boat was normally berthed. Because of the falling tide the crew of the RNLI Blyth lifeboat decided it would be safer to take the casualty to Blyth Harbour.

At 10.22am when about one and a half miles south of the Port of Blyth, the lifeboat’s engine suffered a loss of power. HM Coastguard then decided to call Blyth Rescue.

Blyth Rescue arrived at the scene and the two craft were taken in tow at 10.59am. The RNLI Blyth lifeboat was towed to its berth at the lifeboat station and safely berthed at 11.40am. The motor boat Predator was then taken to a berth in the South Harbour Blyth.

The RNLI Area Engineer arrived at the Blyth station at 11.37am and was ready to make an inspection of the lifeboat engine. After inspecting the lifeboat engine, the Area Engineer decided the lifeboat engine shoud be replaced. The work was promptly carried out and the RNLI Blyth lifeboat was back on service at 3.45pm.

RNLI media contacts

For more information contact Blyth Lifeboat Operations Manager John Scott on 07802940663 or Blyth Lifeboat Press Officer Gordon Elwen on 01670 354568

Back to News Centre

Key facts about the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland from 236 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 180 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0845 122 6999 or by email.

The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

Out on a shout

Our lifeboat crews launch 24 times a day on average. Find out which station has launched near you around the UK and Republic of Ireland. View shouts.

Shouts