Both Filey RNLI lifeboats launch to swimmers in difficulty.
Both of Filey’s lifeboats were launched this afternoon (Saturday 3rd August) in the middle of Lifeboat Weekend activities to reports of swimmers caught in rip currents.
At 2.20pm, UK Coastguard (Humber) directly paged for the immediate launch of Filey’s inshore lifeboat (ILB) Braund, following reports that up to four persons were in difficulty in seas just off Reighton Gap, four miles south of Filey.
As the crew were already on station taking part in Filey’s annual Lifeboat Weekend, the ILB had launched within a couple of minutes, crewed by Sam Cross, Ben Hargreaves, Vanessa Thomas and Liam Frampton..
In view of the potential number of casualties, Filey’s all-weather lifeboat, Keep Fit Association, launched shortly afterwards under the command of Coxswain/ Mechanic Neil Cammish with Matthew Wilkins, Tom Barkley, Paul Wilson, Tyler Fawthrop and Jules Macauley as crew..
Filey RNLI Lifeguards along with Rescue Helicopter 912 and Coastguard Units from Filey and Bridlington were also dispatched to the scene.
As the ILB arrived, 3 casualties had made their way back to the beach. The ILB crew landed the boat on the beach and administered oxygen and first aid. They were assisted by the Coastguard teams, RNLI Lifeguards and the paramedic from the helicopter. Two of the persons were transferred by ambulance to hospital; the third recovered whilst on the beach.
John Ward, Lifeboat Press Officer said: “ A direct launch page from the Coastguards always signals an urgent call and once it was realised that there could be a number of people in difficulty, it was prudent to send the ALB as back-up.It was a job very well done. The crew trains hard for scenarios such as this. Many thanks to the RNLI Lifeguards, Coastguard Rescue Teams and Rescue Helicopter 912.”
Notes to editors
- Filey Lifeboat Station was founded in 1804. It currently operates both a Mersey-Class All-Weather Lifeboat and an Inshore Lifeboat. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Filey Lifeboat Facebook page.
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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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