Hartlepool RNLI tow fishing boat to safety.

The all weather lifeboat 'Betty Huntbatch' launched at 11.10am and was alongside the casualty vessel at 11.30am where a tow line was attached and the vessel was towed to Kafiga Landings at the Headland where a local Coastguard team were waiting to assist. The lifeboat returned to the Ferry Road lifeboat station at 12.25pm and was refuelled and made ready for service by 12.45pm. Hartlepool RNLI Coxswain Robbie Maiden said 'despite the windy conditions it was a straight forward tow job which the crew train for on a regular basis and it was good to bring the fishing boat and its occupants safely back to Hartlepool'.

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.