Lucky escape after boat capsizes at Redcar

The pair were thrown into the sea and had to swim to the shore for safety. This craft was washed onto rocks close to the lighthouse at the entrance to the River Tees.

Both RNLI lifeboats from Redcar and a coastguard rescue team were tasked just after 11.30am after the men were seen waving for help.

When the lifeboat arrived the crews found the men were in the care of the coastguard team and were safe and well.

The lifeboats then stood by until the rising tide allowed the smaller inshore lifeboat to tow the craft off the rocks. It was then towed into the Tees where the RNLI crews were able to get it onto its trailer.

Dave Cocks, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Redcar RNLI said: ‘I think the two men realise they were extremely lucky. Neither were wearing lifejackets. On another day they wouldn’t have been able to get back to shore.

Dave Cocks added: ‘The effects of cold water shock could easily have taken hold and we could now be talking about fatalities.

‘In a strange twist of fate the owner of the boat has asked for a visit by our sea safety adviser who will be giving our Advice Onboard check. This is our free, independent advice which gives boat owners practical suggestions about how to improve the safety of the boat and its equipment.’

To arrange a visit, go to rnli.org/safety.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Attached are images of the rescue. Credit RNLI/Redcar

Redcar lifeboat station has been operating since 1802

Redcar currently operates a B-class lifeboat named Leicester Challenge III, paid for by the people of Leicester, and an IB1-class lifeboat named Eileen May Loach-Thomas, paid from the legacy of the late Mr Nick Thomas of Shropshire

For more news, information and images go to www.redcarlifeboat.org.uk. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redcarrnli and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RedcarRNLI

Any images used should be credited RNLI/Redcar unless indicated

RNLI media contacts:

For more information please contact Dave Cocks, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager on 07894 558 483. Alternatively, contact Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer, North 07824 518641 or at [email protected], or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789; [email protected]

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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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