Filey RNLI called out in heavy seas and driving rain.

Just before 4.30am, UK Coastguard (Humber) requested the launch of Filey’s all-weather Mersey class lifeboat (ALB), Keep Fit Association, to the 12 metre fishing vessel, Ceol Na Mara, which had suffered engine problems about 25 miles east of Filey Brigg.

A short time after the alert, the ALB launched with Coxswain / Mechanic Neil Cammish in command and Matthew Wilkins, Paul Wilson, Ian Butler, Fraser Haddington and Lewis Frampton as crew.

Particularly heavy onshore breaking waves made the launch quite challenging and weather conditions continued to deteriorate as the lifeboat made its way to the fishing vessel’s position. Conditions on scene were described as very poor indeed.

Once the ALB was alongside, it was agreed to take the fishing vessel to Scarborough where conditions were better than at Bridlington and with the wind forecast to increase, it also provided a safer passage.

After a four hour tow, the Ceol Na Mara was safely berthed alongside in Scarborough Harbour. Filey ALB returned to station where she was re-carriaged by 12.30 having been at sea for over eight hours.

John Ward, Filey Lifeboat Press Officer said: The ALB crew did an excellent job in very challenging conditions with a very rough sea, strong winds and driving rain. It is these types of very difficult rescues that the ALB crew always train for. Scarborough Harbour provided a safer refuge than other ports. It was an excellent job well carried out. Many thanks to the crew and all the RNLI volunteers who attended”-

Notes to editors

• Filey Lifeboat Station was founded in 1804. It currently operates both a Mersey-Class All-Weather Lifeboat and an Inshore Lifeboat. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Filey Lifeboat Station Facebook page.

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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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