Lifeboat launched for person in the water

Humber coastguard requested the lifeboat launch shortly after 5.45pm as there was a report of a person in difficulty in the bay.

Minutes later volunteers at Newbiggin launched their Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat Richard Wake Burdon and immediately headed to the casualty, who could be clearly seen. At the same time the Newbiggin coastguard rescue unit team were tasked to the promenade to give further assistance in the search and rescue.

The casualty was quickly brought safely on board the lifeboat with immediate casualty care administered by the volunteer crew. The lifeboat was quickly recovered and brought up to the boathouse where paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service received the casualty for transfer to hospital.

The lifeboat and equipment was washed down again for the second time today and made ready for service.

Ron Henderson Lifeboat Operations manager said 'This was a successful multi agency operation, that resulted in a life saved, a testament to the high standard of training by our volunteer team here as well as collaboration with all the other agencies involved today. If you believe someone to be in trouble or see someone in difficulty along our coastline or at sea or even something that's just not right, don't hesitate to call 999 and ask for the coastguard.'

Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Richard Wake Burdon. This year, 2026, is our 175th year of saving lives at sea, an anniversary where we reflect on the incredible dedication of our volunteers, past and present and the incredible support we receive from our community and beyond - all of this has made our 175 year journey possible.

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then please look at the local website.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Richard Martin, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [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.

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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.