
Fleetwood RNLI launches in multi-lifeboat rescue
Fleetwood’s RNLI Lifeboat launched on Saturday to support another Lifeboat which was providing assistance to a yacht in difficulties.
The RNLI relief Lifeboat Brianne Aldington was on passage travelling from Pwllheli to Fleetwood to be surveyed when it passed a yacht that was experiencing difficulties and which, upon sighting them, called for help. Diverting from it's passage, the Coxswain assessed the situation and determined an immediate risk to the casualty vessel due to its proximity to the Morecambe Bay oil platforms. After attaching a tow line to the yacht to stabilise their position, the crew contacted HM Coastguard for further assistance and Fleetwood RNLI volunteers launched the all-weather lifeboat at 5:15pm.
Upon reaching the location, Fleetwood’s Shannon class Lifeboat Kenneth James Pierpoint reassessed the situation. Taking control of the tow line, Fleetwood RNLI brought the yacht, which was on passage from Guernsey to Fleetwood, back into Fleetwood harbour where the crew of the yacht were then able to secure their vessel and make their own way to a safe berth. Relief lifeboat Brianne Aldington then made her way to Fleetwood Lifeboat Station to refuel and moor overnight.
Tony Cowell, Deputy Launch Authority at Fleetwood RNLI, said 'Brianne Aldington is an old friend of the station, having been based here as a relief boat under my own command in 2020. We’re glad to see her again, and to come to her aid as she assisted a vessel in danger.'
Notes to editors
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Fleetwood’s RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat is named KENNETH JAMES PIERPOINT and is a Shannon class boat.
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Fleetwood’s RNLI Inshore Lifeboat is named HARBET and is a D-Class boat.
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Fleetwood lifeboat station has been operating since 1859. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: http://fleetwoodlifeboat.org.uk/
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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