Bridlington RNLI lifeboat diverted in search for paddleboarder

The Bridlington RNLI inshore-lifeboat (ILB) ‘Ernie Wellings’, with a volunteer crew of three, was diverted to investigate a possible missing paddleboarder near Belvedere. At the time, the inshore-lifeboat was already taking part in a pre-planned training exercise with the all-weather lifeboat ‘Antony Patrick Jones’ and the HM Coastguard Helicopter.

The ILB diverted from the exercise and set off at best speed to the last known location of the paddleboarder. Upon reaching the scene, the volunteer crew located an object in the water and following an assessment, the crew established that the object was not connected to the incident.

After liaising with Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team, the paddleboarder was subsequently located safe and well further along the shoreline. With no further assistance required, the volunteer RNLI lifeboat was stood down at 3.55pm, recovered, refuelled and washed down and was back on service shortly afterwards.

Bridlington RNLI Volunteer Launch Authority, Anna Needham, said, ‘Our volunteer crew responded quickly after concerns were raised for a possible missing paddleboarder. Thankfully, after working alongside Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team, the individual was located safe and well and no further assistance was required.’

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