Both Hartlepool RNLI lifeboats launched to report of missing swimmer.

The Hartlepool RNLI inshore lifeboat 'Solihull' launched at 10.51am and arrived on scene at 10.56am and began a search of the area along with the local Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team.

Hartlepool RNLI all weather lifeboat 'Betty Huntbatch' also launched at 11.18am and was on scene shortly afterwards to assist with the search.

After a search of the area and nothing found both boats were stood down by Humber Coastguard at 12.40pm and returned to the Ferry Road boathouse at 12.50 where they were refuelled and made ready for service by 1.10pm.

Deputy Launch Authority Steve Pounder said “Once again a great turn out from the crew meant we launched quickly and started to search the area as requested by Humber Coastguard but with nothing found we were eventually stood down by the Coastguard and returned to the boathouse where the boats were refuelled and made ready for service to allow the volunteer crew to return to their homes and spend the rest of New Year’s Day with their families”.

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.