Newbiggin called to persons in the water

The call came in from UK Coastguard Humber Operation Centre with reports of two persons well off the shore in the Sandy Bay area who requested immediate lifeboat assistance.

Newbiggin's Atlantic 85 lifeboat 'Richard Wake Burdon' was launched from the beach shortly afterwards with four volunteer crew on board. The lifeboat headed at full speed south to the search area and arrived at Sandy Bay shortly afterwards to find the persons on an inflatable. They were brought onto the safety of the lifeboat then transferred to the beach and checked over. Throughout the incident on scene support was given by the Coastguard Rescue Teams from Amble and Blyth.

Newbiggin lifeboat then returned to station and the incident was closed.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected] or Jim Rice Regional Media Manager – North East & East telephone 07810 658 072 email [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then take a look at the local websites.

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.

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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.