Newbiggin RNLI volunteers call out to sail training vessel
It was a Saturday teatime call for the lifeboat following reports of a vessel potential engine problem.
Humber Coastguard had received a request for assistance from the sail training vessel ‘James Cook’ that was out from Blyth who had reported a possible fore on board.
Newbiggin RNLI lifeboat ‘Richard Wake Burdon’, with four volunteer crew on board was launched around 5.00pm and headed south to the vessel. Once on scene they were joined by the tugboat ‘Forth Warrior’ who was able to evacuate the majority of the persons off the sail training vessel and assess the fire issues. The larger tugboat took the casualty in tow back to Blyth while Newbiggin RNLI stood by during the passage into Blyth.
On arrival into the port the casualty was met by the fire service as well as the Blyth Coast Rescue Team.
With all matters safely resolved the lifeboat returned to station.
Notes to editors
Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Richard Wake Burdon. This year, 2026, is our 175th year of saving lives at sea, an anniversary where we reflect on the incredible dedication of our volunteers, past and present and the incredible support we receive from our community and beyond - all of this has made our 175 year journey possible.
If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then please look at the local website.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Richard Martin, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]
Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]
Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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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