North Berwick RNLI lifeboat crew launched to investigate hazard to shipping

North Berwick RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) inshore lifeboat Evelyn M launched at 11.45 am at the request of Aberdeen Coastguard, in response to the report of an item floating on the surface of the water, near the Bass Rock.

The item was reported as being about the size of a fridge, difficult to see as it was almost submerged and could pose a hazard to shipping or other boat users in the area.

The lifeboat launched, with three volunteer crew members on board and was on seen in less than 15 minutes. The crew carried out a thorough search of the area and were able to confirm that the reported hazard was no longer present.

This launch enabled the crew to put into practice their training in executing search patterns, radio communications and for one crew member their first launch in response to his pager.

At  1.35pm Evelyn M and its three volunteer crew members returned to North Berwick lifeboat station. After being washed down and refuelled she was ready for service by 2.00pm.

This search was made possible through charity fundraising carried out by our dedicated fundraising team.

North Berwick & Gullane fundraisers will be present in the High Street, North Berwick and the Main Street, Gullane on Saturday 28 April continuing their work towards the Nationwide RNLI Mayday fundraiser running 26 April to 2 May 2016.

Photo shows North Berwick RNLI inshore lifeboat Evelyn M, launched to search for a hazard to shipping near Bass Rock. Credit Duncan Barbour, Sea Safety Officer.

RNLI media contacts:

Rhona Meikle, volunteer lifeboat press officer at North Berwick, 07767 251023, [email protected] 

Richard Smith, Public Relations Manager Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or [email protected]

Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, [email protected] 

RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.