Seahouses inshore lifeboat called out after incomplete 999 call
At 1.16pm on Sunday 11 April 2021, UK Coastguard requested the launch of Seahouses inshore lifeboat after a 999 call was received from a female, who appeared to be distressed and on the rocks near Seahouses.
The Coastguard was unable to contact the caller to determine the nature of the call and there was concern she may have been cut of by the rising tide or was injured in some way.
Local Coastguard rescue teams were despatched to the scene and the inshore lifeboat was launched to support them.
On arrival in the area, the Coastguard units reported having found the caller, who was fit and well, and was in fact reporting a seal on the beach.
The inshore lifeboat was immediately stood down and returned to station.
Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Clayton said: 'It is quite normal for seals to come ashore to rest, and juvenile seals may rest there till the parent seal returns from feeding at sea.
'It is important that people do not approach or disturb these seals, and under no circumstances should them touch them as any human scent may cause the parent to abandon their offspring. These are wild animals, and a bite will likely require hospital treatment.'
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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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