Saving Lives at Sea - Series 7 Episode 2

Rhyl: Man overboard

When a man fell into the water from his dingy, Rhyl RNLI leapt into action – but before they arrived on scene, he was pulled to safety aboard a fishing boat. In the episode, we saw Rhyl’s D class having engine problems after launching – so we caught up with Machinery Trainer Scott Richardson to talk about the repair kit onboard the lifeboat, and how crew members can quickly fix a failed engine.

Swanage: Hanging on

We also saw the volunteers at Swanage RNLI launch both lifeboats to a climber trapped on the side of a cliff with a fractured ankle. After a Coastguard cliff rescue technician abseiled down the cliff with the injured climber, the crew skilfully transferred her onto their inshore lifeboat and took her ashore.

Douglas: Fire onboard

Over in Douglas, RNLI crews launched to reports of a fishing boat that had suffered an engine fire. Although those aboard had extinguished the flames, their engine power was gone, and they needed help. The Douglas crew towed the fishing boat home, fighting against strong winds during the long journey.

Gravesend: Birds of a feather

And finally, we saw the crew at Gravesend RNLI help recover an injured swan. Two volunteers carefully approached the bird before managing to net it and pass it into the care of Kent Wildlife Rescue.