Hoylake RNLI lifeboat launches to disabled fishing boat.
Hoylake’s RNLI Shannon class lifeboat showed just how capable it is when tasked by H.M. Coastguard to the assistance of a fishing vessel 38 miles from the lifeboat station.
The lifeboat was able to cover the 38 miles in a moderate sea to reach the casualty at 11.44. The fishing vessel was a 24 metre 200 tonne craft but in spite of her size the Hoylake lifeboat was able to take her in tow and make good progress towards Liverpool. The twin water jets of the lifeboat expel three tonnes of water every second, giving her enormous power. The lifeboat towed the casualty 10 miles towards Liverpool and then north where another nearby fishing vessel took up the tow towards Cumbria. This released Hoylake lifeboat which was then able to return to her station by 5.00 pm
Coxswain Andy Dodd said ‘The Shannon is a very capable craft and proved it was more than up to the task. We reached the casualty very quickly and in spite of the size of the vessel were able to tow her without any difficulty. The many hours of crew training coupled with our superb lifeboat and launching vehicle has meant that we can reach a vessel in difficulty faster than ever before and once on scene we are far more capable than ever. We are reaping the reward of the generosity of the public in giving to the RNLI.’
Notes to editors.
- Hoylake Lifeboat Station has been operating since 1803 and is one of the oldest in the country. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/hoylake or www.hoylakelifeboat.org.uk/
- Lifeboat Operations Manager Dave Whiteley and Coxswain/Mechanic Andy Dodd are available for interview by arrangement.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone or email:
- Hoylake RNLI Volunteer Press Officers, Peter Ruddell, on 07974 800 106 peter_ruddell@rnli.org.uk or Louise Dodd on 07833 734 964 [email protected]
- Public Relations Manager North, Alison Levett, on 07786668912 [email protected]
- RNLI Central Press Office on 01202 336 789 (24 Hours).
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Key facts about the RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland from 236 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 180 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.
The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 139,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.
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.