Whitby RNLI in multi-agency rescue after boat capsizes with four persons onboard

The RNLI beach lifeguards who were on duty at the time also attended the scene using jet skis and retrieved a casualty from the water.

When the inshore lifeboat (ILB) reached the sunken boat the other three casualties had been plucked from the water by local fishermen, who saw the incident unfold in front of them.

With immediate medical attention required it was decided that the quickest course of action was for the ILB to escort the vessels with the casualties to the lifeboat station in the harbour.

First aid was given by the Coastguard and RNLI volunteers as well as the local paramedics who were in attendance.

One casualty was treated for hypothermia and all were checked for signs of cold water shock.

Geoff Hodgson who was Helm of the inshore lifeboat at the time said: ‘The casualties were very lucky in this instance that they were reached quickly. The effects of cold water shock can be very serious and in some cases lead to drowning. We are all very relieved that this was not the case.

Thank you to crew aboard a local fishing boats who reacted quickly and to all the emergency services who pulled together to deliver the appropriate first aid and treat the casualties.

We would urge anyone who is out on the water, no matter how experienced you are to always wear a life jacket. It is also important to double check the tidal conditions before you set off on your trip. Things can change very quickly at sea if the conditions become manageable.'

The inshore lifeboat was relaunched after the casualties were treated, to retrieve any debris that may pose a danger to people in the water.

For more information please contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 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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