Staithes and Runswick RNLI diverted to rescue during Monday evening training
The volunteer crew of Staithes and Runswick RNLI were diverted by Humber Coastguard during their regular training exercise on Monday 9 September to reports of two people in difficulty at Runswick Bay.
The station’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Sheila and Dennis Tongue III was only half a mile away from the scene and the volunteer crew soon located the casualties who were with an inflatable kayak washing against the rock armour.
Two lifeboat crew went ashore and assisted the casualties to safety and recovered the kayak and a paddle board clear of the water. The casualties were unharmed other than slight shock and they were left in the safe hands of Staithes Coastguard.
James Stoker, Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘our volunteer crew train regularly ready for when the call comes to save lives at sea.
‘We are ready to launch at any time. Even, like today, when taking part in our training. If you would like to join the charity as a volunteer at Staithes and Runswick RNLI please contact us or visit the station.'
If you are taking to the water carry a means of calling for help and wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Safety advice for kayaking can be found here: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/kayaking-and-canoeing
Notes to Editor
Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat has been in operation since 1978 with Atlantic B-Class inshore lifeboats (ILB’s). The present ILB at the station B-897 Sheila and Dennis Tongue III has been on station since 2016.
The RNLI is the charity which saves lives at sea. Without donations lifeboat crew training would not be possible.
In 2024, the RNLI is celebrating 200 years - and counting, commemorating this remarkable past, celebrating our lifesaving achievements today, and inspiring a future where we can save every one. More information on RNLI 200 can be found at https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024
RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact James Stoker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at: [email protected] or Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (North and East) on 07824 518641 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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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.