First call out for new Helm at Fleetwood RNLI
Both lifeboats from Fleetwood RNLI were launched on Monday 19 December following a request by UK Coastguard. This followed calls asking for assistance, after two fishing vessels broke down on the River Wyre near Stanah.
The first female Helm at Fleetwood, Angela Sanderson, took the inshore lifeboat, Mary Elizabeth Barnes and other volunteer lifeboat crew members to the first boat and towed it back to port. This was Angela’s first call out as Helm.
Kenneth James Pierpoint, the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, towed the other fishing boat back to Jubilee Quay.
Both vessels were met at the quayside by Fleetwood Coastguard.
Fleetwood RNLI Coxswain Gary Randles said: ‘It was a good call out for Angie to start her role as Helm. With the extensive training the volunteers receive, as expected, the whole operation went very smoothly for both lifeboats.'
RNLI Media contacts
For more information please contact Ken Harcombe, Fleetwood RNLI Volunteer Press Officer, on 07970 197195 / [email protected] , Alison Levett, RNLI Public Relations Manager, North, on 07786 668912/ [email protected]. Or, Clare Hopps, RNLI Public Relations Officer North, on 07824 518641/ [email protected]
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.