Skegness RNLI lifeboat launched to a drifting dinghy near wind farm
Skegness RNLI lifeboat launched to a drifting dinghy near wind farm
Lifeboats News Release
The volunteer crew from Skegness RNLI lifeboat station responded to reports of a dinghy drifting towards the Wind Farm off Ingoldmells in the early evening of 19 June 2023.
Skegness RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew promptly launched at 6:00pm after receiving reports of an inflatable drifting towards the Wind Farm off Ingoldmells. The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat at Skegness made its way to the Ingoldmells area, where the inflatable was last seen drifting.
Working in partnership with Humber Coastguard and the local Coastguard Rescue Team, it was determined that the reported 'casualty' was actually two paddle boarders who did not require assistance. The Coastguard team confirmed that the individuals matched the initial description of the reported dinghy, concluding that there was no need for further action.
With this new information, the lifeboat crew was stood down and returned to the station. Although the incident turned out to be a false alarm, it is an excellent example of the public's vigilance and willingness to raise the alarm when they suspect someone may be in danger at sea. This proactive approach can make all the difference in a genuine emergency, ensuring the safety of those venturing out on the water.
RNLI Coxswain Craig Willard also reinforces the importance of raising the alarm in such situations while reiterating the message about inflatables: 'If you see someone in trouble at sea, don't hesitate to call for help using 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Despite this not being an inflatable, we must stress the importance of not using inflatables on the sea, as they pose a significant risk to those on board and can lead to unnecessary emergency calls.'
The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, commanded by Coxswain Craig Willard and assisted by volunteer crew members, reached the scene within ten minutes of launching. Willard was assisted by volunteer crew members Lee St Quinton, Mark Holley, Craig Hopkins, Lyz Thein and Billy Brookes.
The charity's lifeboat arrived back at Skegness Central Beach, and the crew debriefed following the service launch. Then they washed down and refueled the
Joel and April Grunnill to ensure the lifeboat was ready for the next emergency.
Notes to editors
The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Skegness RNLI is based on Tower Esplanade, Skegness. The lifeboat station was founded in 1825 and the volunteer crew use an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat
Joel and April Grunnill.
RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact:
Brad Johnson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for lifeboat station RNLI on [email protected]
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.
