Redcar RNLI rescue fisherman swept into the sea

The Redcar RNLI lifeboat was tasked at 4.46pm on Sunday 7 June 2020 after UK Coastguard received reports that a fisherman had been washed into the sea at the South Gare lighthouse near Redcar.

While the lifeboat was proceeding other members of the lifeboat crew drove to the scene to try and guide the lifeboat to the man. When the shore party arrived, they were directed by members of the public to a man in the sea close to the water’s edge.

He was pulled clear of the water by the shore party, who then administered emergency care until paramedics from North East Ambulance Service took over. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

Dave Cocks, for Redcar RNLI, said: ‘This was a terrible accident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man involved.

‘The South Gare has been a popular fishing spot for many years. Those who fish there know that rough seas attract the fish. The recent strong winds coupled with spring tides mean the sea has been particularly rough over the past few days.

‘We would urge anybody who plans to go to the coast in rough weather to consider the dangers. If you see anyone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself in the water, our advice is wherever possible to adopt the FLOAT position. Lay on your back and spread your arms and legs until the effects of cold water shock have passed. You will then be more able to save yourself.’

For more advice, visit RNLI.org/safety.

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Notes to editors:

Attached is a library image of the South Gare near Redcar. Credit RNLI/Dave Cocks

Redcar lifeboat station has been operating since 1802

Redcar currently operates a B-class lifeboat named Leicester Challenge III, paid for by the people of Leicester, and an IB1-class lifeboat named Eileen May Loach-Thomas, paid from the legacy of the late Mr Nick Thomas of Shropshire

For more news, information and images go to www.redcarlifeboat.org.uk. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redcarrnli and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RedcarRNLI

Any images used should be credited RNLI/Redcar unless indicated

RNLI media contacts:

For more information please contact Dave Cocks, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07894 558 483. Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789; [email protected]

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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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