Dive boat and crew towed to safety by Hoylake lifeboat.
The volunteer crew of Hoylake RNLI lifeboat were called to give assistance to a RHIB with a group of divers on board after it suffered engine failure near the Mersey Bar.
The crew pagers were set off at 9.55 am and the lifeboat was towed across the East Hoyle Bank and launched within 15 minutes. Proceeding at full speed they reached the casualty and had it under tow by 10.50 am. They towed the 6 metre Argo back to its launch site at New Brighton beach where it was safely recovered at 12.30 pm.
Experienced lifeboat crewman and professional seaman Alistair Knowles said “The crew of the Argo were experienced and their craft well-equipped. They did exactly the right thing in calling for assistance from the Coastguard using their radio as soon as they realised that they had a problem. Although a mobile phone may sometimes be useful close inshore, there is no safe substitute for a marine band VHF radio, either fixed in the vessel or a hand portable. We were able to render assistance and bring them back safely to shore without problems. My advice to anyone who enjoys leisure time on the sea is to go prepared for an emergency.”
For more good safety advice search RNLI.org/RespectTheWater
Hoylake lifeboat returned to the boathouse at 1.45 pm.
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.