Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat launched after emergency distress signal received
Lowestoft RNLI's relief lifeboat Eric's Legend was launched after an emergency distress signal device had been activated 15 miles from the Suffolk Coast.
Lowestoft RNLI Lifeboat Coxswain John Fox said "We soon launched and were half way towards the source of the emergency signal know as an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) which we understand was coming from a whelk boat, when we were stood down.
After trying for some time, HM Coastguard had made contact with the vessel and were satisfied that no person or vessel was in danger and that the emergency device had somehow been activated accidentally or unknowingly."
Mr Fox added : "We’re all concerned for people’s safety when the pagers go off and we are always glad when all is well and that no one is in danger.
Although it seems that the emergency device was accidentally activated we would always much rather launch and search to ensure no one is in danger, than not launch at all."
The lifeboat returned to the mooring at 1.30am
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Mick Howes Lowestoft RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 01502 562488 / 07814 468917 [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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