Swanage RNLI volunteers always on duty
As we approach the New Year many of us are preparing for family gatherings and parties with friends. But spare a thought of our local emergency service volunteers who will be on duty 247.
The Swanage Lifeboat Crew has volunteers available to launch throughout the festive period, many of the crew ensuring they are based in Swanage throughout this time. Thankfully callouts at this time of year are rare, but if the pagers do sound, we know that someone is in trouble on the cold winter seas.
In 2017, as the volunteer lifeboat crew prepared for New Year’s Eve celebrations, the pagers sounded requesting a launch into rough seas and a westerly force 8 wind. Within minutes of the request a team of volunteers had arrived at the station and were kitting up to launch to a stricken commercial vessel that had lost power just south of Lulworth. The casualty vessel was quickly being pushed towards St Albans Head. A tug was on scene to take the vessel under tow, and the lifeboat was asked to standby in case further assistance was required as the vessel was rapidly approaching the rocks.
Thankfully after several attempts in the rough and windy conditions a tow was successfully connected by the tug and the Swanage lifeboat escorted the vessel and tug to Poole Harbour.
After 4 hours at sea the lifeboat returned to station at just before midnight. The crew didn’t quite make back home to their loved ones before the clock chimed midnight, but they saw the New Year in with their second family, the RNLI.
Wishing everyone a safe New Year.
Notes to Editors
Photo shows Swanage RNLI credit RNLI/RoydonsPhotography
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Rebecca Mack, Swanage RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07812 558487 or at [email protected]
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.