Morecambe’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew launch to aid of boy stuck in mud
At 6.30pm on Wednesday 11 April 2018, HM Coastguard requested Morecambe’s RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew to assist the Fire Service and local coastguards who were engaged in freeing a young boy stuck in the mud near Skerton Bridge in Lancaster.
Within 10 minutes of the call, the inshore lifeboat and inshore rescue hovercraft had proceeded by road to their launch site at Snatchems; where the hovercraft launched onto the River while the inshore lifeboat crew remained on standby. The inshore rescue hovercraft was making its way up river to the scene of the incident when the crew were informed by Coastguard control that the Fire Service had successfully freed the boy and they could stand down.
Morecambe RNLI volunteer Deputy Launching Authority, Colin Midwinter, said ‘We understand the Fire Service had been on scene at the incident for some time but the Coastguard, who have the Operational Command responsibility for all incidents occurring in tidal areas, decided that when the incoming tide began to flood, it was prudent to have our specialist equipment and expertise on scene in case it was needed. We are just glad that the young man is safe and, as we are about to re-launch our “Respect the Water” campaign, wish to remind the public that in the event of similar incidents they should always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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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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