Whitby RNLI crew called to sea bird in distress

The crew were tasked by Humber Coastguard after a concerned member of the public rang in, and was considering descending the steps into the harbour to rescue the bird.

The bird, a Turnstone, was caught in fishing wire around its neck and wings. It was hanging from metal steps leading down from the Whitby's pier into the water.

Concerned that a member of public may get into difficulty trying to rescue the bird, the crew launched their inshore lifeboat.

They located the trapped bird and crew member Andy Brighton climbed the steps to cut it free.

The crew then returned to station with the animal, which was wrapped in wire.

On the short journey back to station they managed to detangle most of the line from around its neck and wing.

Helm on the shout Jonathan Marr said: It wasn't your average call out, but with it being so close to the station and the risk of the public attempting a rescue, we decided that the best course of action was to free the bird. We hope that is makes a speedy recovery and can be returned to the wild very soon.'

We would urge anyone that sees an animal in difficulty on the coastline to not attempt to rescue it if that means putting themselves at risk.'

For more information contact Whitby Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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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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.