St Bees RNLI launched to overdue yacht.

At 6:40pm on 11 July St Bees RNLI volunteers were requested by Belfast Coastguard to try and locate a vessel reported as overdue en route to Whitehaven.

St Bees lifeboat launched and quickly made contact with the overdue vessel and confirmed that everything was okay, the passage was just taking longer than expected. The vessel continued on to Whitehaven and our lifeboat returned to the station.

Dick Beddows St Bees RNLI Operations Manager said "The people waiting for their friends did the correct thing and contacted the coastguard as soon as they were aware their friends were overdue. When planning a trip at sea you should always let the coastguard or someone on shore know your plans and advise them of any changes that happen along the way".

For further information contact St Bees RNLI volunteer press officer Colin Wadey on 07742207222

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.