New experience for two of Blyth RNLI volunteer crew
On Sunday 12th August two of Blyth RNLI volunteer crew used their training to assist a vessel which had suffered a mechanical breakdown.
Whilst out on exercise on Sunday afternoon the volunteer crew on the D class inshore lifeboat Alan & Amy were waved over by the Julieann2.
The vessel with three persons on board was experiencing mechanical issues and it was agreed with the UK Coastguard that a tow would be organised to the Old Ferry Landing at the north end of Blyth Harbour.
Knowing that the Station's B class inshore lifeboat was also out on exercise in the Blyth Bay,the D class crew contacted them to provide the tow. The B class lifeboat made the short distance to the entrance to the Port of Blyth where the stricken vessel was arriving on scene at 12.54pm.
The B class inshore lifeboat established a tow and headed up north up the River Blyth.
It was then decided due to where the vessel's berth was and the tide at the time that the D class would take over an alongside tow to make it easier to reach the Old Ferry Landing.
At 1.29pm the volunteer crew had positioned the Julieann2 at its berth where it was met by the local Blyth Coastguard Unit.
Both inshore lifeboats then returned to the lifeboat station at 1.48pm and were made ready for service.
For the two volunteer crew of the D class inshore lifeboat it was a new experience. It was Mark Walker's first shout as a Helm and the first shout for crew member Jamie Johnston.
Helm Mark Walker, speaking about the experience said;'It was great to be able to put all our training into practice and undertake a simple tow back up the River Blyth, working with the B class lifeboat. Even though it was Jamie's first shout and mine as a Helm, we knew what we needed to do and that's why we put in the hours of training to work together as a team.'
RNLI Media Contact
Robin Palmer Volunteer Crew Member and Lifeboat Press Officer
Email [email protected]
Mobile 07801 290638
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.