
Scarborough RNLI assist vessel with two adults and three children on board
The 25ft vessel was angling off Scarborough and developed mechanical problems. The vessel contacted the Coastguard via VHF radio when they realised they were unable to get the vessel back under its own power.
The inshore lifeboat RNLB John Wesley Hillard IV launched at 3.30pm, following a crew pager alert and proceeded one mile south east off Scarborough.
Visibility was good, sunny with a light breeze. Sea state was slight with the tide still ebbing.
Scarborough RNLI Helm and crew carried out an assessment of the vessel which was found to have engine failure. As the vessel had no propulsion and was unable to return to port under its own power, it was decided the best and safest course of action was to tow the vessel back to Scarborough Harbour.
A towline was established, and a course was set for Scarborough harbour at approximately 3.45pm.
Speaking after the callout, RNLI Scarborough’s Helm, Jason Hedges said: 'We located the motor vessel at anchor one mile south east of Scarborough harbour. After assessing the situation and deciding that a tow was the safest course of action, the crew worked well and had no difficulties preparing a towline and bringing the vessel back to the harbour.
'All the people onboard were wearing lifejackets. After the service the boat was swiftly cleaned refuelled and made ready for service by the boat and shore crew.
'When going afloat the RNLI would remind everyone to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Ends
When spending time on the water, the RNLI would like to remind everyone to:
- Tell someone where you are going and what time you intend to be back.
- Carry a means of calling for help and keep it on you at all times. https://rnli.org/safety/how-to-call-for-help-at-sea
- Check the weather forecast and tide times before heading out at sea. https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/tides
- Wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid. https://rnli.org/safety/lifejackets
- Know how to Float to Live, to help keep yourself safe in an emergency in the water. https://rnli.org/safety/float
- Know the risks and how to minimise them so you stay safe by open water. https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks
- In the case of an emergency, dial 999/ 112 or marine radio Channel 16 VHF, asking for the Coastguard. Tell them your last known location, what has happened and what assistance you need.
RNLI Picture captions
For the photographs, please credit RNLI/ Tabz Nixon.
Notes to editors
Scarborough lifeboat station has been operating since 1801. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to:
https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Laura Lyth, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01723 360520 or [email protected] or Nick Gough RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on [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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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.