
Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI assist dinghy in difficulty
Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard at 3.23pm on Monday 21 August 2023, to launch the inshore lifeboat (ILB) to attend to an inflatable dinghy that had broken free from its tethering and was being blown out to sea, with people onboard.
The first sighting of this was by a HM Coastguard Officer who was enjoying a day out with his children on Spittal beach. Due to the quick action of him calling this in, Berwick upon Tweed RNLI crew were assembled and launched immediately, into a fresh westerly breeze. Once out past the Berwick Pier end, the inflatable dingy was spotted half a mile from Spittal beach.
On arrival there were three people on board who were checked over by the crew who then took them back to shore, where they were handed over to the care of Berwick upon Tweed HM Coastguard.
Due to the quick actions of this incident being reported, this incident in this case ended well.
The RNLI urges people not to use inflatables whilst at the shore, even the slightest breeze can wash people out to sea in a matter of seconds.
If you see someone in difficulty don't hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
For further safety advice on how to stay safe whilst on the water, please visit:
https://rnli.org/safety
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Hazel Bettison, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [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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