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Early morning call wakes Withernsea RNLI volunteers

Lifeboats News Release

Withernsea's RNLI volunteers assist fishing vessel after being woken by the sound of their pager.

The Withernsea lifeboat is launched into the sea by its marinised agricultural tractor.

RNLI/Darren Hickey

Withernsea Lifeboat launching on service (library photo from 2017)
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At 04:53 on Sunday 21st May the Withernsea RNLI lifeboat crew were woken from their beds to go the aid of broken down fishing vessel, Misty Blue.

The volunteer crew of 4 launched and made their way to the casualty which had suffered mechanical failure 1.5 miles North of Withernsea.

Once on scene, a towline was attached between Withernsea's lifeboat Henley Eight and the stricken fishing vessel.

Misty Blue was towed back to Withernsea beach before the lifeboat crew made their way back to station and then back home to their beds.

Volunteer crewman John Talbot said: 'Even though it was early and the pager woke us up, our instinct kicks in and you're immediately out of bed, dressed and heading to the station to see who needs our help.

'The fishing crew had been out for an hour already with a full day ahead of them before they suffered mechanical problems. They did the right thing by calling the UK coastguard even though it was early in the day - we're here to respond whatever time of day, 24/7. That's why we're here. We're all glad they're OK.'

RNLI media contact
For more information, contact Matthew Woodhouse, Withernsea RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07875 485784

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

About the author

Matthew Woodhouse
Lifeboat Press Officer, Withernsea Lifeboat Station

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