Wells RNLI launches to Mayday call after distress message received

Wells RNLI volunteer crew were paged at 8.53pm after a Mayday call was heard on VHF Channel 16 via the Langham aerial. The transmission included a report of a person overboard, however no further communication was received and attempts to re-establish contact were unsuccessful.

Wells RNLI all-weather lifeboat quickly launched from the northern slipway at 9.14pm and proceeded out of Wells Harbour to begin a search of the area.

After clearing the harbour, the crew carried out a close proximity search seaward towards Burnham Overy Harbour before continuing towards Brancaster. Throughout the search, the lifeboat crew made repeated broadcasts on Channel 16 requesting any vessel involved in the Mayday call to respond, but no further transmissions were heard.

During the search, the crew encountered two yachts and confirmed that both vessels and their occupants were safe and well and required no assistance.

On arrival off Brancaster, the lifeboat requested further tasking from HM Coastguard. Humber Coastguard advised that the source of the distress call was believed to be somewhere between Wells and Brancaster, as no other stations or vessels outside the area had received the transmission.

Following an extensive search of the area, no vessel or casualty was located. The search was completed and the lifeboat was stood down at 9.57pm before returning to Wells Harbour.

Wells RNLI Shannon class lifeboat was recovered at 10.23pm and, following refuelling and preparation, was ready again for service at 11.30pm.

Chris Hardy, Wells RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘An extensive search of the area was carried out by the crew following the Mayday transmission. Despite thorough searching and repeated attempts to establish contact, no vessel or casualty was found.

‘Humber Coastguard subsequently deemed the incident to be a false alarm with good intent. We are pleased that no one was found to be in danger and that no assistance was ultimately required.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Jess Curtis, Wells RNLI Press Officer [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.

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.