Seahouses RNLI lifeboat launched to adrift vessel

Seahouses RNLI all-weather lifeboat, The John and Elizabeth Allan, launched at approximately 1:50pm following a request from Humber Coastguard. Initial reports indicated a small rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was drifting in the channel towards Ross Sands.

The volunteer crew were tasked to locate the vessel and confirm if anyone was on board. While en route in a choppy sea state, the Coastguard provided an update that the owner of the boat was safe ashore and in contact with the Holy Island Coastguard Rescue Team. As the adrift vessel posed a potential hazard to other marine traffic and could lead to further call outs, the lifeboat was requested to continue and recover it.

Upon reaching the search area, the land-based Coastguard team, who had maintained visual contact with the small boat, assisted the lifeboat crew in locating it. The inflatable tender was then safely recovered onto the lifeboat's aft deck and returned to its owner on Holy Island.

The crew returned to Seahouses Harbour, where the lifeboat was refuelled, cleaned, and made ready for service.

Bruce, a volunteer crew member at Seahouses RNLI, said: ‘This was a great example of different agencies working together. Due to the size of the vessel and the rolling swell, it was very challenging to spot, but luckily the Holy Island Coastguard Rescue Team was on scene to assist. The owner did the right thing by not attempting to retrieve the boat themselves and calling for help.’

If you see someone in trouble at the coast or sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI contact John Atkinson| RNLI Press Officer

Mob: 07990 592222 | Email: [email protected]

Out of Hours/RNLI Press Office 01202 33 67 89

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland stations.

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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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