Whitby RNLI assist with medical emergency on trawler off Whitby
Whitby RNLI's all-weather lifeboat was launched this morning (Tuesday 18 April) to assist with a casualty on board a trawler who needed urgent medical attention.
The volunteer crew launched the George and Mary Webb lifeboat at 8.47am and quickly reached the trawler which was 10 miles east of Whitby.
The lifeboat crew stood by while the casualty was safely airlifted from the trawler before being transferred to James Cook hospital.
Whitby RNLI duty mechanic George Clemitshaw said: 'It is believed the casualty had suffered an epileptic fit on board the trawler. Airlifting the patient to James Cook was the safest and quickest way to get the casualty the medical attention required. We stood by while this took place as there was some northerly wind. Well done to those on board who reacted quickly and the Coastguard for their fast response and recovery.'
Once the casualty had been safely transferred to the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 912, Whitby RNLI were stood down and returned to harbour, reaching port just before 10am.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information contact Whitby RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]
RNLI Picture captions
Whitby RNLI's all-weather lifeboat George and Mary Webb is launched by the volunteer crew. Credit: Ceri Oakes/RNLI.
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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