RNLI lifesavers at Seahouses to feature in new series of popular TV documentary

Real life rescue footage captured on their helmet cameras gives a frontline view of how the charity’s lifesavers risk their own lives as they go to the aid of those in danger at sea and strive to save every one needing help or rescue.

Now in its fifth series, the 10-part documentary showcases the lifesaving work of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards from around the UK and Ireland. The series will air on BBC Two on Thursdays at 8pm, as well as being available on BBC iPlayer following broadcast.

Real rescue footage is accompanied by emotive interviews from the volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards alongside the people they rescue and their families.

This forthcoming episode, on 17th November, sees Seahouses RNLI going to the assistance of two cars trapped by the tide at Holy Island Causeway, alongside rescue stories from their colleagues at other stations and beaches around our coasts. The Seahouses incident occurred at 12:23hr on Sunday 8th March 2020. UK Coastguards received multiple emergency calls reporting a number vehicles and people trapped on Holy Island Causeway, by the fast incoming tide. One vehicle contained two adults and a 3yr old child, who were starting to panic as the choppy sea was breaking over the windows and had filled the car with sea water. A successful rescue was effected. At the time Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Clayton added, “This was a call that required a quick response as the cars were beginning to float, and were at risk of being washed away, which could have resulted in loss of life. Good co-operation with our colleagues from the Coastguard, Berwick RNLI, Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance, ensured a potentially dangerous situation was safely managed with a positive outcome.”

Keith Slater, Helm of Seahouses Inshore lifeboat crew who features in the forthcoming episode with Crewmen Marc Pearce and James Higgins, says:

‘It's great that we can showcase the lifesaving work of RNLI volunteers do in a TV programme like this. In recent months, the pandemic has presented us as lifesavers some added challenges, but we’ve continued to maintain a 24/7 search and rescue service. This year, due to Covid, fundraising events have been cancelled and we’ve seen a drop in our charitable income. Without the generous support and donations from the public, we wouldn’t be able to save lives at sea and it’s great to be able to share what we do with our supporters from the comfort of their own home. We need their support more than ever during these challenging times.’