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Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat called to investigate an unusual object in the sea

Lifeboats News Release

A sighting of an unusual object in the water, which was initially thought to possibly be a microlight aircraft that had ditched in the sea, brought Lowestoft lifeboat crew to investigate.

A sizeable model aircraft was recovered from the sea by the crew of Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat

RNLI/Michael Howes

A sizeable model aircraft was recovered from the sea by the crew of Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat

Lowestoft RNLI relief lifeboat ‘RNLB Cosandra’ was called at 12.40pm on Tuesday 25th September to search for the mystery object, which was reported to be not far offshore at Pakefield.

Senior Fleet Staff Coxswain Andrew Mchaffie said “when we arrived at position of the sighting our volunteer crew soon spotted something colourful floating just below the surface about 200 yards offshore. We used our boat hook and brought the object onto the lifeboat and discovered it was the remains of a sizeable model aircraft. There was additional debris in the water as the model had broken up into several bits which we recovered to make sure that the rest of the area was cleared and then we were released to return to station."

A lifeboat spokesman added "The object was initially reported to be a microlight aircraft which is a manned aeroplane powered by a propeller - and there were concerns for the welfare of a potential pilot."


The model aircraft picked up by Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat crew

RNLI /James Tacon

The model aircraft picked up by Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat crew
The Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat crew searching off Pakefield

RNLI/Michael Howes

The Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat crew searching off Pakefield
The Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat crew searching off Pakefield

RNLI/Michael Howes

The Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat crew searching off Pakefield

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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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