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Cromer RNLI launched to a report of a boat in distress.

Lifeboats News Release

Cromer all-weather lifeboat (ALB) Lester was tasked by Humber Coastguard at 1:55pm on Friday 23 June to aid a motor cruiser in distress.

View of RNLI Cromer's ALB on scene on 23 June 2023

Jane Brucass

View of RNLI Cromer's ALB on scene on 23 June 2023

The vessel was reported as north-north-east off Cromer, and about 1/2 mile off Overstrand.

The volunteer crew mustered and the ALB launched at 2:44pm and made best speed to the reported location.

The vessel was Mimosa, a 1935 48-foot Dunkirk veteran boat. Mimosa was requisitioned along with many other pleasure boats in 1940 for 'Operation Dynamo’.

Once on scene, Coxswain Paul Watling assessed the situation and ascertained the wellbeing of the crew on board. Paul launched the ALB’s Y-class lifeboat with two crew to investigate further as Mimosa’s propeller was caught on a fishing buoy. Attempts were made to free the boat from the line but the rope eventually had to be cut. This left Mimosa adrift; however the using the port engine they were able to head to Wells Harbour. The ALB escorted them as the remaining rope was still attached to the damaged propellor and could have caused further issues.

Once at Wells, Mimosa dropped anchor and its crew waited for the tide to enable Wells Harbour Master to come and escort them into Wells harbour.

Cromer ALB returned to station at 7:15pm and made ready for service at 7:25pm

Paul Watling, Coxswain at RNLI Cromer, said: ‘Once again our extensive training ensured we were able to assist Mimosa and ensure the safety of its crew. Thankfully the location of the Mimosa and the calm sea helped make this rescue considerably easier; for example, the conditions meant we could launch the Y-class lifeboat. The crew did a fantastic job and it was a great outcome.’

Photo credit Jane Brucass (distance shot of ALB on scene) and on scene pictures credit: Mark Southgate

See more information on the Mimosa

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Clare Stagg, Cromer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or telephone: 07866 436464

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

Mimosa 23 June 2023

Mark Southgate

Mimosa 23 June 2023

Mark Southgate

Cromer RNLI's ALB 23 June 2023
Cromer RNLI's ALB 23 June 2023

RNLI/Mark Southgate

Cromer RNLI's ALB 23 June 2023

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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