Whitby RNLI Lifeboat launched to fishing vessel with engine failure,

The lifeboat crew were paged by HM Coastguard at around 1pm yesterday (Friday 16 January) when the vessel made a distress call after suffering engine failure at sea.

The vessel, with around five crew aboard, had broken down near Saltwick, just south of Whitby.

Senior Station Technician Richard Dowson said: 'With the position of the vessel being so close to the shore it was decided that the safest outcome was for us to tow the vessel to the nearest safe haven. The vessel running aground could have posed a danger to those on board.

The crew train regularly in towing procedures so were able to quickly and safely establish a tow line and return the vessel to its mooring in Whitby harbour.'

For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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