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Scarborough RNLI assist vessel with two adults and three children on board

Lifeboats News Release

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.

Inshore lifeboat been pushed into the sea

RNLI/Tabz Nixon

Inshore lifeboat launching

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.
  • 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]

Inshore lifeboat getting ready to launch

RNLI/ Tabz Nixon

Inshore lifeboat launching
crew walking out of the water after the boat was recovered

RNLI/ Tabz Nixon

Inshore Lifeboat Crew returning

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.