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Both Whitby RNLI lifeboats launched in search for upturned vessel

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew were paged yesterday (Thursday 3 August) after a call was made by a member of the public.

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Coastguard Rob Parkin searches from the West Cliff
A call was made to the Coastguard yesterday afternoon reporting a vessel with around eight people on board overturning in waves near Whitby's harbour entrance.

The local Coastguard crew began a visual search from the cliffs and Whitby RNLI launched both lifeboats.

A search was undertaken but no vessel could be found. It was established that the most likely scenario was that the person has seen one of Whitby's pleasure boats entering the harbour and then mistaken large swell and some pot enders as the boat in difficulty.

Once a search had confirmed that there was no one in danger the crews were stood down and returned to station.

Launch Authority at Whitby, Stephen Upright said. 'The local Coastguard team together with our volunteer crew worked quickly and efficiently together to establish the facts. In this case it was a false alarm made with good intent by the informant.

We would encourage anyone who sees a vessel or person in danger at sea to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, it is always better safe than sorry.'

For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]


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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

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