Bridlington RNLI responds after reports of an emergency radar signal

The Search and Rescue Transponder known as (SART) is used by various vessels at sea from a basic life raft to a large tanker.
When a vessel is in danger of sinking an emergency signal beacon is transmitted that can be picked up by the radar on vessels in the area.
The search and rescue incident was overseen by the Humber Coastguard and the Bridlington lifeboat was joined in the search by a Coastguard helicopter and a number of other boats in the area.
The position given to the RNLI volunteer crew to search was originally 38 miles East North East of Flamborough Head but as the Shannon crew searched the area they were requested to change course to cover up to 50 miles North North East of Bridlington.
With nothing found the search was called off around midnight by the Coastguard leaving the RNLI lifeboat to head for home arriving on the beach at 2.23am on Friday morning
During their time at sea the lifeboat crew had sailed a distance of 95 miles to and from the incident and searched an area of almost 40 square miles.

Ends

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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.