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Wells RNLI Shannon Class lifeboat launches on first service call

Lifeboats News Release

Wells RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched to assist a 60ft steel hull motor cruiser with two casualties aboard that had run aground at the mouth of Wells Harbour.

The Duke of Edinburgh launched at 9.30pm, following a request from HM Coastguard, from the boathouse slipway with a crew of six under the command of Coxswain Nicky King.

The all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene alongside the casualty vessel 9.48pm, upon assessing the situation it was found that the vessel was now afloat and under power but without navigation or deck lights.

The skipper of the vessel was also suffering from sea sickness. It was decided that the best course of action was for the Duke of Edinburgh to stand by the casualty vessel until the tide was high enough to enter Wells harbour.

At 10.25pm, two crew from the all-weather lifeboat were put aboard the casualty vessel to assist with the passage into Wells harbour and to assess the condition of the casualty on board.

The Shannon Class lifeboat followed by the casualty vessel proceeded into Wells harbour. Three members of the shore crew were also dispatched to Wells-next-the-sea quay from the Wells station, to meet and assist the casualty vessel to berth and further assess the casualties condition.

Wells RNLI Coxswain Nicky King said: ‘It was fantastic to see the capabilities of the Duke of Edinburgh on the first call out since the arrival. The whole station crew working together demonstrated the extensive training we have undertaken. I am incredibly proud of all the volunteers and the state-of-the-art equipment we work with.’

Mark Frary second Coxswain added: ‘No shout is ever a good shout, but it was great to put all the training we have undertaken as volunteers put into action to assist those in need and save lives at sea.’

At 11.17pm the casualty vessel was made safely fast alongside another vessel at Wells-next-the-sea quay, the Duke of Edinburgh left the scene at 11.42pm after making sure the vessel and casualty required no further assistance.

As a charity RNLI lifeboat crew's training, kit and equipment is all funded by voluntary donations. You can help the RNLI continue its lifesaving work by supporting their current fundraising prize draw with Omaze, who are giving away a stunning £4.5m coastal property in Norfolk, close to Wells lifeboat station - as well as £100,000 in cash.

The partnership with Omaze will not only raise significant funds, but also widespread awareness for the RNLI. Omaze has set a fundraising target of at least £1,000,000 for the charity.

To be in with a chance of winning the beautiful house in Norfolk, whilst supporting the RNLI at the same time, visit https://goto.omaze.co.uk/RNLIPress

Notes to editors:

· * Wells RNLI 62nd annual lifeboat service will take place on Sunday 13 August 2023 at 5.00pm from Wells-next-the sea Quay side

* Sunday 13 August RNLI Wells station will be open to the public to view the Shannon class lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh meet the volunteers and learn more about the station and the lifesaving work of the RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Jessica Curtis, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07860200790 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps Regional Media officer (North and East) on 07824518641 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI/James Betteridge

Duke of Edinburgh launching on first service call

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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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