Double diversion for Morecambe lifeboat crew
On Sunday 28 April 2019, members of Morecambe’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew were out on a training exercise when they were tasked by HM Coastguard to respond to a request from Cumbria police to investigate sightings of a group of people who appeared to be stranded on a sandbank.
The inshore rescue hovercraft proceeded to the area, between Grange over Sands and Silverdale; to discover the Queen’s Guide, Cedric Robinson, with his successor, Michael Wilson, and friends marking out a route for a cross-bay walk.
After a brief chat, the crew continued their exercise before being diverted again; to go to the aid of a male adult, and two young boys, who were attempting to drag their small inflatable boat ashore near the Stone Jetty. The outboard engine on the boat had failed and they were having difficulty dragging it back to shore across the mud. After assuring themselves that the ‘casualties’ had not entered the water and did not require any medical assistance, the RNLI volunteers carried the boat and its contents to safety; aided by members of the local Coastguard Rescue Team.
Key facts about the RNLI
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.