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Lymington RNLI lifeboat diverted from exercise to investigate explosions

Lifeboats News Release

Shortly after 7pm on Monday 12 March, the UK Coastguard received a 999 call regarding explosions heard in the vicinity of Totland Bay at the western end of the Isle of Wight.

RNLI/Sportography.tv

RNLI Lymington Stock Photo: Atlantic 85 'David Bradley'- seen here at its naming ceremony September 2015

As Lymington RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat B-882 David Bradley had just launched on exercise, the volunteer crew were diverted at 7.15pm to carry out an immediate bay and shoreline search of the area.

Arriving on the scene just before 7.30pm with a North Westerly Force 4/5 and a moderate sea running onto the beach, Lymington lifeboat commenced its search pattern before being stood down at 8pm by the coastguard when it became clear from shore teams that the noise heard had been from beachside fireworks.

RNLI Media Contacts:

  • Peter Mills, Lymington RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07767 213583 [email protected]
  • Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 email: [email protected]
ยท For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789


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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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