Cromer and Lowestoft RNLI aid fishing boat in distress.

The volunteer crew of Cromer RNLI were called into action on Tuesday morning after a fishing vessel reported a loss of steering approximately three miles north-east of Sheringham.

Cromer RNLI lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard at 10:47am and launched around twenty minutes later. Upon arrival, the crew found one person aboard the disabled fishing boat. After assessing the situation, Coxswain Paul Watling determined that the safest course of action was to take the vessel under tow and proceed towards Yarmouth.

At the request of the Coastguard, Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat launched to meet Cromer’s crew partway and took over the tow to complete the operation safely.

The callout also marked a special moment for one of Cromer’s volunteer crew, Pete Abbs, who was taking part in his first operational shout since qualifying on the all-weather lifeboat in September. Pete joined the station as a volunteer in February this year.

Following the successful handover, Cromer’s lifeboat returned to station, was refuelled, and made ready for service, later resuming planned training exercises that afternoon.

Cromer RNLI Coxswain Paul Watling said: 'It was a straightforward but important rescue. The sea conditions were fair, but with no steering, the skipper was vulnerable and unable to make headway. Our priority was to ensure his safety and secure the vessel before handing over to our colleagues from Lowestoft. It’s always good to see teamwork between lifeboat stations working exactly as it should.'

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

Key facts about Cromer RNLI

The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, and currently there is a D Class inshore boat and Tamar all-weather lifeboat. The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947. During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.