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Withernsea multi agency call out to aid of diver in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

Withernsea RNLI volunteers were tasked on Saturday 29 June by HMCG at 1.13pm to assist Withernsea Coastguard in the recovery of a diver who was possibly suffering from the effects of the bends five miles off Withernsea.

RNLI/Withernsea

Dive vessel, lifeboat crew and coastguard helicopter
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Withernsea RNLI volunteers gathered at the station immediately and by 1.16pm were ready to assist when it became apparent a landing site for the Coastguard helicopter was required on the beach to the south of the lifeboat station.

Withernsea Coastguard and the RNLI volunteers helped clear the beach of holidaymakers to safely allow the beaching of the dive vessel between one set of grounds and the landing of the Coastguard helicopter in the next.

Throughout the incident it was overseen by one of the RNLI lifeguards who had only come on service at 10am that morning. He administered first aid until the paramedic from the Coastguard helicopter was on scene.

Upon assessment the casualty was transported by air to Castle Hill hospital for treatment at the hyperbaric chamber.

The Coastguard, lifeguards and lifeboat all effectively worked together on the job in hand, making it a successful rescue.

The diver is safe and well.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Rachel Gowen, RNLI Volunteer Press Officer: [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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

About the author

Rachel Gowen
Lifeboat Press Officer, Withernsea Lifeboat Station

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