RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboat Launched to Rescue Two Crew from Sinking Boat
RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the Freddie Cooper was launched on Saturday 11 December, at approximately 4.55am, following a Coastguard request, to a report of a 40 foot motor cruiser with engine failure and taking on water, north east of Aldeburgh.
The RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was requested, by the Coastguard, at 4.33am to launch. Once launched the Coastguard reported that the casualty vessel, with two people on board, was sinking fast.
The casualty crew were preparing to abandon their motor cruiser and take to their life raft. The ALB, once closer to the casualty, had a visual on the life raft. The ALB crew promptly recovered the casualty crew from their life raft, which had not fully deployed correctly.
It had only semi inflated and the two casualty crew were lying on top, they were cold but appeared well. Both were wearing lifejackets.
Once onboard the ALB, casualty care was initiated. At this point the casualty vessel had almost sunk, with only the bow showing. The ALB stood by to ensure it sank and to collect any debris, so as not to be a shipping hazard.
Once the casualty vessel had sank and ensuring that the area was safe, the ALB was stood down and returned to station. The casualty crew were transferred into the care of the shore crew and given a hot drink. Both were safe and well.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone :-
• Caron Hill, Aldeburgh RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07837 263210 email [email protected]
• Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer (North and East)
07824518641/ [email protected]
• Jim Rice, RNLI Regional Media Manager (North and East), 07810658072/ [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
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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