Sunderland RNLI take part in major search and rescue operation for 9 year old
Volunteers from Sunderland RNLI were this afternoon part of a major multi-agency rescue operation which took place following reports of a nine year old boy potentially being washed into the sea at Seaburn, Sunderland.
At 2:30pm this afternoon Northumbria Police received a ‘999’ emergency call from a member of the public concerned that a 9 year old boy may have been swept into the sea from Seaburn promenade, Sunderland.
After being passed the details Coastguard's immediately requested the launch of Sunderland RNLI’s Atlantic 85 and D Class inshore lifeboats along with Officers from Sunderland Coastguard Rescue team, Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service and South Shield Volunteer Life Brigade.
Paul Nicholson, Helmsman at Sunderland RNLI said: ‘The sea conditions were very difficult for both of our inshore lifeboats with them having to manoeuvre through breaking seas of about one and a half metres’.
Shortly before 3:15pm Police Officers relayed a message to Coastguards and all teams involved with the search confirming that they had found the young boy at home safe and well. The search was immediately terminated and our volunteers were instructed to return to station.
Paul added: ‘Everybody involved is delighted about the outcome with the child being found safe and well at home. This was a good reminder that people should make sure they call 999 and ask for the Coastguard when something like this happens.
Shortly after 3:30pm the lifeboat volunteers returned back to their station where the boat and equipment was washed off and cleaned ready for the next emergency call.
ENDS
Notes to editors
• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station is the oldest continually operation lifeboat in the United Kingdom. It was originally opened in 1800 before being adopted by the RNLI in 1865.
• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station has a profile on Twitter (SunderlandRNLI) and Facebook (RNLI Sunderland) where supporters can keep up to date with station specific activities and news.
• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station operates two inshore type lifeboats: An Atlantic 85 8.3m inflatable capable of 35 knots and a D Class (IB-1) 4.5m inflatable capable of 25 knots.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone:
Paul Nicholson, Sunderland RNLI Press Officer on 07957 494 077 or email - [email protected] or
As an alternative please contact RNLI Headquarters Public Relations on 01202 336000.
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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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