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16ft motorboat escorted to safety by Scarborough RNLI’s lifeboat

Lifeboats News Release

One person was brought to safety on the afternoon of Monday 1 May 2023 by the crew of Scarborough RNLI lifeboat. The vessel had developed mechanical problems.

RNLI/Rodger Buxton

Scarborough all-weather lifeboat heading out
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Fredrick William Plaxton launched at 2.30pm, following a crew pager alert and proceeded four miles south off Scarborough.

Visibility was good, sunny with a light breeze. Sea state was slight.

Scarborough RNLI's Coxswain 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 and was dangerously close to the shore with its anchor dragging, 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 3.00pm. Due to the casualty’s vessel size, the tow was slow and steady. The vessel's arrived into the harbour around approximately 4.00pm and HM Coastguard assisted with safely mooring the vessel up alongside.

Speaking after the callout, RNLI Scarborough’s Coxswain said: 'We located the motor vessel drifting four miles south 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. The tow home was slow due to the size and weight of the casualty vessel, adjusting the towline as required to suit the conditions.'

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.


RNLI Picture captions
For the photographs, please credit RNLI/ Roger Buxton and RNLI/ Rudi Barman.

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]


RNLI/Rudi Barman

Scarborough all-weather lifeboat towing casualty vessel

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.

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