Donate now

Overnight search operation for Whitby RNLI crew

Lifeboats News Release

The crew were tasked after a beacon was activated from an aircraft North of Whitby.

RNLI Crew on the all weather lifeboat in the dark

RNLI/Neil Williamson

Getting ready to launch to all-weather lifeboat at around 12.30am
The beacon, which usually indicates an aircraft emergency was activated off Whitby at around 12.15am.

Whitby RNLI crew were tasked to launch the all weather lifeboat, Lois Ivan and begin a search operation 58 miles North East of Whitby.

The location took almost two hours to get to, with the boat going at full speed to get there.

The volunteer crew then began a parallel track search, searching up and down in 5 mile long tracks.

Meanwhile two HM Coastguard helicopters also searched the area from above.

After around an hour and a half of searching, and with nothing found, all parties were stood down and the lifeboat began the two hour trip back to Whitby Lifeboat Station.

On arrival back at station at around 6.30am this morning the crew then refuelled and washed down the lifeboat ensuring it was ready for service.

Richard Dowson who was Coxswain on the call out said: 'It was a long night at sea for our volunteers but it is what we train to do, and they still had a smile on their faces this morning as they helped wash the boat down and get it ready to go back on service.'

For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]
RNLI crew washing down the all-weather lifeboat

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

The crew preparing the boat to go back on service at the end of a long shout.

RNLI

The search pattern used on the call out.

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.

Categories