Scarborough RNLI three call outs in one day
On the morning of Wednesday 3 January 2024, the skipper and crew of a 10-metre fishing vessel sought assistance from Scarborough RNLI lifeboat. They were concerned about getting back to the harbour safely.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Fredrick William Plaxton was launched at 11:55am, following a crew pager alert and proceeded just under a mile off the pier end. The visibility was good, with a south-westerly, wind force three to four. The sea state was rough with 3 to 5 meters of swell.
Scarborough's all-weather lifeboat reached the vessel promptly, offering to stand by as the vessel tried to make its way back to the harbour. As the vessel headed towards the harbour, it was struck with a set of large waves which forced it to alter course and head away from the harbour.
It headed further offshore where the waves were breaking far less. The decision was made that it would attempt to enter the harbour on the incoming tide later on in the day.
The all-weather lifeboat returned to the harbour to await being tasked again to assist the vessel once more. At 2.53pm the crew were tasked again to assist the vessel in making its way back to the harbour. The tide had slackened and the conditions had improved making the situation safer for it to enter the harbour.
The crew were paged a third time at 7.36pm, the all-weather lifeboat was swiftly launched and stood down shortly after as no further assistance was required.
Speaking after the callout, Scarborough RNLI's coxswain said: 'We located the fishing vessel quickly, just less than a mile north of Scarborough harbour. When arriving on scene, we stood by the vessel as it tried to approach the harbour. The skipper knew the limits of their vessel and made the safest decision'.
'We would encourage anyone planning a trip to the coast or an activity at sea to go prepared. Always check the weather forecast and tide times before you set off. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device. Let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'
For more information please visit https://rnli.org/safety/how-to-call-for-help-at-seaRNLI 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 01723 360520 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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