Seahouses RNLI assist two people from capsized yacht

The radio distress call was very weak and distorted, and barely readable and was heard by the Lifeboat Station personnel as well as the UK Coastguard Operations Centre.

Both Seahouses lifeboats were quickly launched and made their way to the yacht’s position. The inshore lifeboat was first on scene, and found that a local fishing boat had also gone to the yacht’s assistance, and the crew were pulling the two yachtsman on board.

They were transferred to the inshore lifeboat, and as they were cold and wet, the inshore lifeboat took them to the approaching all-weather lifeboat, where they could be given medical assistance.

The yacht was righted by the lifeboat crew and towed to the safety of Beadnell Beach, where it was taken ashore. One of the rescued yachtsman was then showing signs of shock and cold, so was transported by the lifeboat straight to Seahouses and an ambulance called by the Coastguard.

The yachtsman was given a full medical check by the ambulance paramedic at Seahouses, but did not require to be taken to hospital. He was given medical advice and taken home by a local shore based Coastguard Rescue Officer. Meanwhile, both Seahouses lifeboats once again returned to station, and were made ready for service.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Ian Clayton commented: 'This was a time critical job, because people were in the water. The two guys are safe and well, and do not seem to be too badly affected by their experience. It was a text book operation with good co-operation between all the services involved – Coastguard, RNLI and Ambulance.'

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Ian Clayton, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07981 069177.

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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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