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Skegness RNLI lifeboat launched to a casualty in the water in The Wash

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew from Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station rescued an injured commercial angler who had gone overboard in The Wash in the early evening of 26 May 2023.

Nick Walton

Skegness RNLI all weather lifeboat

The man had fallen overboard from the deck of 14m fishing vessel after becoming entangled in a line.

Skegness RNLI all-weather class lifeboat Joel and April Grunnill launched at 5:50pm following a MAYDAY request for help from the UK Coastguard. The volunteer crew were joined by Hunstanton inshore RNLI lifeboat, the Spirit of West Norfolk and Coastguard Helicopter, Rescue 912.

The Skegness crew joined Hunstanton inshore lifeboat on scene around 6:20pm and transferred the casualty, who was safely back on board the fishing vessel, onto the Shannon class lifeboat. The rest of the fishing boat crew were uninjured and remained on the boat, offering assistance to the volunteer lifeboat crew.

The casualty was airlifted into Rescue 912 from the aft (rear) deck of the Shannon class lifeboat and taken to a nearby hospital for preventative treatment.

Craig Willard, Skegness RNLI Station Coxswain, said: ‘Today’s rescue was evidence of the importance raising the alarm with the Coastguard as soon as possible to enable a quick response.

‘It was a testament to the professionalism of the fishing vessels crew and Skipper to ensure the casualty was cut loose and brought back onboard as soon as possible.

‘The actions and professionalism of the fishing vessel’s crew, reacting so quickly to the incident, prevented this occurrence from escalating into a more serious incident. I wish the casualty a safe recovery and thank the Skipper and their crew for their assistance.’

Skegness's Shannon class lifeboat was commanded by Coxswain, Craig Willard, assisted by volunteer crew members Mark Holley, Martin Stokes, Joe Pieniak, Nick Smith and Craig Hopkins.

The charity’s lifeboat arrived back at Skegness Central Beach, and the crew debriefed following the service launch. Then they washed down and refuelled the Joel and April Grunnill to ensure the lifeboat was ready for the next emergency.

6. Photo credit

Lead photo

Shannon class lifeboat Joel and April Grunnill underway

Additional:

Craig Willard, Station Coxswain of Skegness Lifeboat Station

Shannon class lifeboat Joel and April Grunnill ready for launch

Shannon class lifeboat Joel and April Grunnill underway

Notes to editor

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.

7. RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact:

Brad Johnson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for lifeboat station RNLI on [email protected]

RNLI Press Office 01202 336789 or [email protected]

RNLI

Skegness Shannon class lifeboat

RNLI

Shannon class lifeboat Joel and April Grunnill ready for launch

RNLI/Nigel Millard

Craig Willard, Station Coxswain of Skegness Lifeboat Station

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.