RNLI Portsmouth lifeboats were launched during Sunday afternoon to a capsized speedboat off Eastney Beach, Portsmouth.
 
RNLI lifeboat, Atlantic 75 CSMA - Frizzell, was launched at 4.50pm to assist the 18ft speedboat after it had been swamped by the sea close to shore adjacent to the Royal Marine Barracks Museum.   Although the sea was calm, it was thought that wash from a large passing vessel caught the boat owner by surprise.
 
Fortunately, the owner of the craft and his family were on shore at the time of the incident and were not injured. 
 
Members of Portsmouth Mobile Coastguard Unit were concerned about leakage from the vessel's fuel tank and the public, both on shore and in the water, were kept clear of the area as a precaution.
 
Portsmouth lifeboat station's second lifeboat, D class Heyland, was launched at 5:10pm to assist with the righting of the casualty.  The D class carried a salvage pump but it was not possible to deploy it effectively.
 
To prevent the partially submerged vessel becoming a hazard to shipping, the Atlantic towed the casualty to Eastney Cruising Association slipway, at the entrance to Langstone Harbour, where it was brought ashore and reunited with its owner.
 
 
Photograph shows:  Partly submerged speedboat being brought ashore at Eastney Sailing Association slipway by RNLI crew during Sunday evening.
 
 
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone John Feltham, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 023 9273 5803  or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.
 
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

The Moelfre RNLI lifeboat launched on Wednesday afternoon (24 September) to a 29ft yacht off the Anglesey coast. The yacht with one man on board, in his 60s had been on passage from the Isle of Man to Red Wharf Bay, when the boat’s engine failed in rough seas and strong winds.

When the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat arrived at the scene, a fisheries protection vessel was standing by the casualty.  Following an assessment of the situation, a senior RNLI volunteer first aider was transferred onto the yacht to assess the man, as he was looking very pale and anxious. It was discovered that he had a cardiac condition which improved following reassurance. A tow was established to Amlwch port.

Moelfre RNLI Lifeboat spokesman Dave Massey said:

‘All the RNLI volunteer crew undergo intensive first aid training which gives them the confidence and knowledge to deal with a variety of incidents, thankfully on this occasion the man was fine.’

This was the second call out for the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat in three days. On Sunday the RNLI volunteer crew launched to assist a 30ft yacht with two people on board with engine failure 15 miles off Moelfre. The Moelfre RNLI lifeboat towed the casualty to the Menai Straits, where they were met by the Beaumaris inshore RNLI lifeboat who took over the tow into the straits.

Notes to editors
Moelfre RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1830. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.moelfrelifeboat.co.uk

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Dave Massey, Moelfre RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press officer on 07917 267213

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coast. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Elusen sydd wedi ei chofrestru yn Lloegr, yr Alban a Gweriniaeth Iwerddon

Newhaven’s RNLI lifeboat crew were called to the aid of young girl who was injured after slipping on rocks by the sea in Seaford at the weekend.
 
The volunteer crew of the lifeboat station were called after reports that an eight-year-old girl had slipped and potentially injured her spine after playing on rocks at Splash Point, at the eastern end of Seaford bay.
 
The incident happened at around 4.40pm on Saturday (27th September), when families had flocked to the seaside to bask in the warmth of the unusually sunny weather.
 
Lee Bracknell, Deputy Second Coxswain of Newhaven RNLI Lifeboat, explained how the Coastguard contacted the crew after an ambulance crew attended the scene and requested extra support. He says: ‘We understand the little girl, Ellie, slipped while she was rock pooling or playing on the rocks down by the waters edge. The sea was right at low tide and there had been quite a lot of rock cover exposed. I believe she fell awkwardly and her mother immediately called for an ambulance.
 
‘An ambulance arrived on scene and paramedics placed Ellie on a spinal board to prevent any risk of further injury. However, there was a large stretch of rocks which paramedics would have had to carry her across to get to the ambulance, which also could have been slippy.’
 
With this in mind, Newhaven’s Severn class lifeboat, the David and Elizabeth Acland, launched and the crew made their way to Seaford Bay. Because of the low tide, the crew decided to launch the onboard inflatable “Y” boat in order to reach the shore.
 
Lee says: ‘It was just too shallow for our all weather lifeboat to get to them so three crew members - Nick Gentry, Chris Hamilton and Alan Novis - went onboard our inflatable to get to shore. They helped a paramedic get on board with Ellie and brought both of them back to our lifeboat. We then sailed back to Newhaven Lifeboat Station where an ambulance was waiting to take Ellie to hospital.’
 
The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea, and relies on voluntary contributions for its volunteer crew members to save lives at sea. The incident also illustrates how the sea can pose danger even for those who are just near to it.
 
Lee says: ‘This incident doesn’t appear to be the result of any kind of reckless behaviour or lack of safety awareness. At the end of the day, kids will be kids, and the sea can be dangerous no matter how careful a person is. Fortunately the RNLI worked with paramedics to ensure she was safely transported back to dry land and on to hospital.
 
‘Ellie remained in high spirits throughout her journey from the rocks to the lifeboat and on to hospital. The whole crew wishes her a speedy recovery.’
 

Ends

Loch Ness RNLI lifeboat team, on a training session this morning, discovered a motor cruiser aground in Urquhart Bay, Drumnadrochit, shortly after 8am. The group of Welsh tourists and pet dog "Chadwick" had been stuck fast since last night.

The family had felt safe enough to wait out the night in the bay and deal with the problem after a good night's sleep.

The RNLI Loch Ness team were training in the area and noticed the rented vessel was in an unsafe position. An RNLI volunteer crew member, Howie Whyte, was transferred to the cruiser "Teal" and found all to be fit and well. A tow was established and the vessel was pulled free. The cruiser appeared to be watertight and not to have suffered any serious damage so was able to continue on its journey.

Aberdeen Coastguard had been informed of the situation and acted as a coordinating authority.

Howie Whyte, Loch Ness RNLI Crewman and local Crofter says "The family appeared in good spirits and were very relieved to see the lifeboat "Mercurius" and its crew".

Notes to editors· Loch Ness RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since April 2008.
· Loch Ness is Scotland's only RNLI Inland Lifeboat

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Martin Douglas, RNLI Loch Ness Lifeboat
Press Officer on 07788 414 254 martindouglas147@googlemail.com
Rachel Martin, Media Relations Manager Scotland on 01738 443255 (office), 07786
668903 (mobile) ramartin@rnli.org.uk or RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and
other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are
available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100
lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland
and the Republic of Ireland.

On Saturday morning, the Horton and Porteynon RNLI lifeboat was called out to a vessel off Porteynon Point.

It was suspected the person on board has suffered a heart attack. The Horton and Porteynon inshore RNLI lifeboat launched and headed towards the position given, also airborne was Rescue helicopter 169 from the RAF in Chivenor.

The rescue helicopter soon located the vessel and proceeded to lift the casualty into the helicopter for transportation to the nearest Morriston Hospital, Swansea. The RNLI lifeboat was turned back and proceeded back to station.

The second incident of the day was to Worms Head, where two people were cut off by the incoming tide during the afternoon. The lifeboat soon located two students who were safely brought ashore at Kitchens Corner Rhosilli safe and well. The lifeboat safely returned to station ready for the next service. This was the RNLI station at Horton & Porteynon twenty-ninth rescue this year.

RNLI media contacts
Please contact Richard Davies, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at Horton and Porteynon on 01269 594324. Alternatively contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager in the West on 01745 585162 or 07786 668829, or email drush@rnli.org.uk Contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

The RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk or www.rnli.ie. News releases and other media resources are available at www.rnli.org.uk/press.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Elusen sydd wedi ei chofrestru yn Lloegr, yr Alban a Gweriniaeth Iwerddon.

Galway RNLI Lifeboat came to the rescue of two men whose powerboat broke down near Barna late this afternoon (Friday 26th September).

The 18 ft powerboat suffered engine failure shortly before 4pm, two miles south of Barna.

The Irish Coastguard contacted Galway RNLI Lifeboat at Galway Docks and requested their assistance. 

The lifeboat Dochas launched at 4.10pm (16.10 hrs) and towed the powerboat to Ballyvaughan Pier.  

The two men on board were wearing lifejackets and did not require any medical assistance.

The Galway Lifeboat crew involved in this rescue were Shane Folan (Helmsman), Martin Oliver and Declan Killilea.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Regina Daly, Galway RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO), on 087-9618355 (m) and/or email regdaly@gmail.com

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 43 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

RNLI Bangor Lifeboat launched at 3:50 pm on Saturday 27th September to
assist three people aboard a 36ft yacht which had gone aground at Greys Point
on the southern shores of Belfast Lough.

RNLI Bangor lifeboat crew launched within minutes of receiving the call and quickly
located the grounded yacht close to the shore at Crawfordsburn Beach.
Calm weather and sea conditions allowed volunteer lifeboat crew to quickly rig a rope
to the stranded yacht. Over an hour past before tidal conditions allowed RNLI
Bangor Lifeboat to tow the yacht from the rocks into safe deeper water.

With no apparent damage, the yacht was able to make her own way back to the
safety of Bangor Marina.

Connor Lawson, RNLI volunteer helmsman involved in the successful rescue said
‘Large swells created by passing fast commercial boats could have caused damage
to any boat stranded in that location. By towing the yacht to deeper water you are
potentially preventing the crew aboard getting into danger while trying to minimise
damage to their boat.’ He added ‘We were happy the yacht and its crew are now
safely back in Bangor Marina’

RNLI media contactsFor more information please telephone Kevin Baird, Bangor RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat
Press Officer on 07896702757 or kbaird@quaymarinas.com or John Brown, Media
Relations Manager Ireland on 09876 234561 or Niamh Stephenson Media Relations
Manager Ireland on 00 353 871254124 or nstephenson@rnli.org.uk
or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and
other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are
available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100
lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland
and the Republic of Ireland.

This Christmas hundreds of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteer lifeboat crew, will leave festive family celebrations behind to brave rough seas and winter weather to save lives at sea.

Last year saw a large increase in the number of people rescued in Wales, with more people assisted between Christmas Eve and New Years Day than in previous years. With 10 lifeboat launches and nine people rescued, RNLI crews in Wales rescued more people last Christmas than they have in the past five years.

Last year in Wales, RNLI volunteers at Trearddur Bay, The Mumbles, Porthcawl, Beaumaris, Holyhead, and Burry Port were all called into action over the Christmas period. RNLI volunteers at Porthdinllaen had a particularly busy period, offering assistance twice on 29 December and again on 30 December. Wales’ all-weather lifeboats launched five times, rescuing six people, whilst the inshore RNLI lifeboats launched five times and rescued three people.

Last year, there were 88 RNLI lifeboat launches nationally carried out over the Christmas and New Year period*, with the volunteer crews spending a combined total of 602 hours at sea, dealing with everything from fishermen falling overboard to fires breaking out on boats.

RNLI statistics show that the number of call outs during the festive period is rising. Over the last 20 years, RNLI lifeboat launches during this period have increased by 87 per cent. In the last five years alone crews around the British Isles have responded to 457 calls for help, rescuing 240 people, at the one time of year most people are at home with their families.

And this year, the RNLI’s 4,500 volunteer crews will be ready to drop everything as soon as their pagers go off. The call could come while they are opening presents with their family or just as the turkey is about to be carved, yet they are willing to respond at a moment’s notice. They may be called to help those in trouble at sea, and if they are part of the RNLI Flood Rescue Team, they will be on standby to rescue people if any part of the country should suffer the affects of inland flooding.

RNLI Training Divisional Inspector Andy Hurley says:

‘Last year was particularly busy for RNLI volunteers in Wales, and with the rise in the number of people rescued, the demand on the time of our crews also increases. They could be doing anything from opening presents to carving the Turkey when the call comes, but they are always willing to give up what they are doing to put their training into action.

‘The RNLI is proud to have such dedicated volunteers, with such supportive families who spare them at a time when most other families come together. I wish them all a safe and peaceful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.’

The charity’s volunteer crews are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help save lives not just at sea, but also inland during floods – last month the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team, sponsored by Goodyear, helped to rescue 300 people from the catastrophic flooding in Cumbria along with other emergency services.

RNLI Operations Director, Michael Vlasto comments:

‘Our lifeboat service receives no UK Government funding and relies on donations. It is thanks to the generosity of the public that we are able to go on providing this service. Their donations and support for events like RNLI SOS Day, help to ensure that our lifeboat crews can continue rescuing people and saving lives, whether inland or at sea.’

Now RNLI volunteer crews are hoping that members of the public will respond to their own ‘SOS’ call this Christmas, by supporting the charity in the run up to its biggest day of fundraising, RNLI SOS Day on Friday 29 January 2010. Anyone can get involved in RNLI SOS Day and have fun on Friday 29 January 2010 and there will be events taking place around the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are open to members of the public.

Visit www.rnli.org.uk/sos to find out how you can get involved or to make a donation.

Ends

Please find attached a j-peg image of RNLI volunteers at Barry Dock, one of the 31 RNLI lifeboat stations in Wales on call over the festivities.

Notes to editors

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Pamela Saunders or Joanna Quinn on 01202 662510 or psaunders@rnli.org.uk or jquinn@rnli.org.uk .

Kinghorn and Anstruther RNLI lifeboats launched at 5.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 22 December) after fears were raised for a dive boat last seen leaving Largo Bay around 7am.

Both lifeboats were stood down shortly after 6pm after a local fishing boat found the dive boat safe and was returning to Methil.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Rachel Martin, Media Relations Manager Scotland on 07786 668903 or Rachel_martin@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

The Shetland Coastguard tasked the Stromness RNLI at 19:05 to join in a search for two hill walkers who were overdue after setting out to walk to the Old Man of Hoy. The lifeboat launched at 19:17 and proceeded towards Hoy. Whilst en route to Hoy Shetland Coastguard informed the lifeboat that the Hoy Coastguard team had found the two persons who had become disorientated during their walk and missed their ferry.

The lifeboat rendezvoused with the Hoy Coastguard team at Moaness Pier where the two persons were taken onboard the lifeboat and conveyed to Stromness Pierhead. There they were assessed by a First Responder and then sent by ambulance to Balfour Hospital for a precautionary checkup. It is understood that the walkers were cold but otherwise in good health.

Notes to editors.

• Stromness lifeboat station has been operating since 1867. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.stromnesslifeboat.org.uk  

• A video of the Severn Class lifeboat can be viewed at http://www.rnli.org.uk/who_we_are/press_centre/videos/video_detail?articleid=321818&category=®ion=&listing=  

• A photo of Stromness’s Severn lifeboat can be viewed at http://www.rnli.org.uk/who_we_are/press_centre/photos/photo_detail?articleid=354060  

RNLI media contacts.

For more information please contact: Tim Barthorpe, Stromness Lifeboat Station Volunteer Press Officer Telephone: 01856 850258 or email tim@barthorpe.me.uk  

or

Rachel Martin, Media Relations Manager Scotland Telephone: 07786 668903 or email ramartin@rnli.org.uk  

or Contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789 or email pressoffice@rnli.org.uk  

The RNLI crew at Lerwick will be a volunteer short in the New Year, as John Best, 45 heads to Afghanistan for twelve months.

John Best joined the Armed Services in 1983, and after 24 years service in various countries, he left in 2007 and since then has worked for the NHS in Lerwick.

Malcolm Craigie, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lerwick says:

‘John became a volunteer with Lerwick RNLI Lifeboat Station in February 2008 and is one of the keenest new crewmembers we’ve ever had, he’s nearly always first at the station. In fact one rainy night he turned up first but with no shoes on! Of the 15 search and rescues we have been to this year, John has turned up on most occasions and been aboard for eight of them. Only eight months after joining the crew in October of 2008, he faced hurricane force 12 conditions when on board the lifeboat with his crewmates during the rescue of the fishing vessel Shermara II nearly 40 miles from station.

‘John is highly dedicated volunteer to the RNLI, a point proven on our fundraising day when even though he was only tasked to do a two hour shift above and in the dunk pool, he enjoyed the kids reactions when they knocked him in, and as the kids kept coming back he stayed, and he spent the whole day even missing his lunch break. He’ll be a great loss and we all look forward to his safe return home, and hopefully back with the Lerwick lifeboat.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Malcolm Craigie, Lerwick Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07796 937884 or Rachel Martin, Media Relations Manager, Scotland on 07786 668903 or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Volunteers based at Sunderland RNLI lifeboat station were amongst the emergency services that were called into action late on Christmas Eve to assist two men who had been seen climbing on the structure of Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge.

Shortly after 10.30pm last night (Thursday, 24 December), Humber Coastguard contacted the Lifeboat Operations Manager of Sunderland RNLI to request the immediate launch of their Atlantic 85 lifeboat Wolseley.

The request came after Northumbria police received reports of two men climbing on the structure of Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge.

The RNLI lifeboat was deployed to the scene along with shore-based teams from Sunderland coastguard and Northumbria police.

Shortly after arriving at the scene police officers successfully talked the two men into climbing down from the structure of the bridge. Lifeboat and coastguard volunteers were then informed to stand down from the incident.

Paul Nicholson, Senior Helmsman at Sunderland RNLI said: ‘As our volunteers were arriving at the lifeboat station we were informed by Humber coastguard that the incident had been successfully resolved, as police officers had managed to talk the two men into climbing down from the bridge to safety.’

As a registered charity the RNLI relies on voluntary donations and legacies from the public for its income.

Notes to editors

• Image caption: Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone either Paul Nicholson, Sunderland RNLI Press Officer on 07957 494077 or email pauldnich@yahoo.co.uk or Anthony Jobling, Sunderland RNLI Assistant Press Officer on 07977 152399 or email anthonyjobling@sky.com. As an alternative please contact Alison Levett, Media Relations Manager North on 07786 668 912 or alevett@rnli.org.uk or RNLI Headquarters Public Relations on 01202 336789.

Swansea Coastguard requested the launch of the Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat amidst concerns the boy may have entered the water.

Volunteers from Port Talbot Coastguard and local Police joined RNLI volunteers in the search along the beach and in the River Afan.

After searching for a considerable time, the boy was later found by Police in Port Talbot town centre.

Media Contacts

For further information, please contact Mel Cooper, Lifeboat Press Officer at Port Talbot RNLI on 07814 985057.

The casualty, believed to be a man in his sixties, fell from a yacht moored in Darthaven Marina into the River Dart in South Devon shortly before 8pm on Sunday 13 (December). The Dart RNLI inshore lifeboat was joined by the all-weather lifeboat from Torbay along with the Coastguard helicopter from Portland. The helicopter located the casualty on the surface and directed the RNLI inshore lifeboat to him.

A lifebelt and line was thrown to the man after he fell overboard by his friends on the yacht, but he was unable to grasp it. The inshore lifeboat was launched within six minutes of the call and the Coastguard helicopter from Portland joined the search 20 minutes later.

Following an initial search, the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat was launched to search the estuary, with both lifeboats working together with the helicopter to thoroughly cover the area.

When found, the casualty had been carried some 900 yards downstream by the ebb tide and was located by the helicopter crew between the Dartmouth and Kingswear castles.

The Dart inshore lifeboat had a paramedic crew member on board who carried out CPR until the casualty was transferred to a land-based ambulance crew on the Kingswear Lower ferry slip four minutes later. He was then transferred to Torbay Hospital.

The weather was described as bitterly cold.

This was the second full-scale night search of Dartmouth harbour involving both Dart RNLI inshore lifeboat, Torbay's all-weather lifeboat and search and rescue helicopters in under three weeks.

Notes to editors

Dart lifeboat station has been operating since November 2007. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.dartmouth-lifeboat.org.uk 

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact John Fenton, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01803 770761 or 07970 921504 or jsfdart@tiscali.co.uk or Tamsin Thomas, Media Relations Manager on 0778 666 8847, or RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

Festive celebrations will be abandoned by dozens of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteers this Christmas as they are called out in rough seas and winter weather to help save lives at sea off the north east coast.

Each year, there are an average of 13 lifeboat rescue launches over the Christmas and New Year period* in the charity’s North Division. Last year, volunteer RNLI crews spent a combined total 42 hours at sea during the festive season, dealing with everything from fishermen in trouble to walkers lost on sand banks.

On Boxing Day last year, Tynemouth RNLI volunteer lifeboatman Dave Robinson was hosting a family party for 30 guests at his home in Cullercoats. It was the first time for many years Dave, a police officer, had both Christmas Day and Boxing Day off work but when his pager went off at 3pm to alert him that the all weather lifeboat was needed, he did not hesitate.

Dave explained: ‘A sea angler was having difficulties in the lower Tyne harbour, between the Tyne piers. Although conditions were ok, the weather was closing in out at sea and the angler thought he would be safer inside the piers. When he tried to move, though, he found his anchor was stuck fast and he was unable to shift it.

'We launched the lifeboat and used our winch to release the anchor. Although it wasn't a difficult job, it was important to help the angler quickly before the weather worsened or he started panicking. As an RNLI volunteer crewmember, you train for any eventuality and know you can be called out at any time, night or day, even at Christmas. I hope we don’t get called out this Christmas but if we do, I’m sure the crew will be at the lifeboat station as quickly as ever to help whoever is in trouble at sea.'

Dave returned home after the shout and the party was still in full swing!

RNLI statistics show that the number of call outs during the festive period is rising. Over the last 20 years, RNLI lifeboat launches during the festive period have increased by 87 per cent. In the last five years alone, crews around the British Isles have responded to 457 calls for help, rescuing 240 people, at the one time of year most people are at home with their families.

RNLI Operations Director, Michael Vlasto, commented: ‘More lifeboat launches means more volunteer crews called away from their family and friends during the Christmas period. At this time of year, I’m always reminded just how extraordinary our volunteers are, giving up valuable time with their families throughout the year to rescue on average 21 people a day – and Christmas time is no exception. We are proud to have such dedicated volunteers, with such supportive families who spare them at a time when most other families come together.’

The charity’s volunteer crews are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help save lives not just at sea, but also inland during floods – last month the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team, sponsored by Goodyear, helped to rescue 300 people from the catastrophic flooding in Cumbria along with other emergency services.

Michael Vlasto continued: ‘Our lifeboat service receives no UK Government funding and relies on donations. It is thanks to the generosity of the public that we are able to go on providing this service. Their donations and support for events like RNLI SOS Day, help to ensure that our lifeboat crews can continue rescuing people and saving lives, whether inland or at sea.’

Now RNLI volunteer crews are hoping that members of the public will respond to their own ‘SOS’ call this Christmas, by supporting the charity in the run up to its biggest day of fundraising, RNLI SOS Day on Friday 29 January 2010.

Anyone can get involved in RNLI SOS Day and have fun on Friday 29 January 2010. There will be events taking place around the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are open to members of the public. Visit www.rnli.org.uk/sos to find out how you can get involved or to make a donation.

* The period in question runs from December 24 to New Year’s Day inclusive.

Picture captions

1. Tynemouth RNLI volunteer lifeboatman Dave Robinson at the helm of the all weather lifeboat Spirit of Northumberland. Credit Adrian Don.

2. Tynemouth all weather lifeboat Spirit of Northumberland in action. Credit Adrian Don.

RNLI media contacts

For more information contact Alison Levett, RNLI Media Relations Manager, North, on 01642 750585 or 07786 668912 or at alevett@rnli.org.uk

Festive celebrations will be abandoned by dozens of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteers this Christmas as they are called out in rough seas and winter weather to help save lives at sea off the north west coast.

Each year, there are an average of 13 lifeboat rescue launches over the Christmas and New Year period* in the charity’s North Division. Last year, volunteer RNLI crews spent a combined total of 42 hours at sea during the festive season, dealing with everything from fishermen in trouble to walkers lost on sand banks.

Last New Year’s Eve, Lytham St Annes’ RNLI volunteer lifeboatman Trevor Holloway had just arrived at a festive get together with some friends at a local hotel when his lifeboat pager went off. A man who had been walking his dogs on nearby sandbanks was lost in fog and the Lancashire lifeboat station’s two lifeboats were called out to help search for him.

Trevor, a self-employed labourer, left his friends and went straight to the lifeboat station, joining the crew on the all weather lifeboat for a three-hour search for the man, who was eventually found and transferred to hospital by helicopter.

Trevor said: ‘It was a cold, miserable afternoon and obviously we were all concerned for the safety of the missing man. As volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew, we know that we can be called out at any time of the day or night, whatever the weather, and we train to ensure that when the call does come, we are ready to respond – whether it’s Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve or any other day of the year.

‘On this occasion, the man and his dogs were found and he was taken to hospital suffering from hyperthermia. By the time I got back to the hotel, my friends had left for the night – but they did leave me a drink on the bar! Hopefully we won’t be called out again this Christmas or New Year, but if we are I know the crew will be down at the station as quickly as ever and ready to launch the lifeboat to help whoever is in trouble at sea.’

RNLI statistics show that the number of call outs during the festive period is rising. Over the last 20 years, RNLI lifeboat launches during the festive period have increased by 87 per cent. In the last five years alone, crews around the British Isles have responded to 457 calls for help, rescuing 240 people, at the one time of year most people are at home with their families.

RNLI Operations Director, Michael Vlasto, commented: ‘More lifeboat launches means more volunteer crews called away from their family and friends during the Christmas period. At this time of year, I’m always reminded just how extraordinary our volunteers are, giving up valuable time with their families throughout the year to rescue on average 21 people a day – and Christmas time is no exception. We are proud to have such dedicated volunteers, with such supportive families who spare them at a time when most other families come together.’

The charity’s volunteer crews are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help save lives not just at sea, but also inland during floods – last month the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team, sponsored by Goodyear, helped to rescue 300 people from the catastrophic flooding in Cumbria along with other emergency services.

Michael Vlasto continued: ‘Our lifeboat service receives no UK Government funding and relies on donations. It is thanks to the generosity of the public that we are able to go on providing this service. Their donations and support for events like RNLI SOS Day, help to ensure that our lifeboat crews can continue rescuing people and saving lives, whether inland or at sea.’

Now RNLI volunteer crews are hoping that members of the public will respond to their own ‘SOS’ call this Christmas, by supporting the charity in the run up to its biggest day of fundraising, RNLI SOS Day on Friday 29 January 2010.

Anyone can get involved in RNLI SOS Day and have fun on Friday 29 January 2010. There will be events taking place around the UK and Republic of Ireland, which are open to members of the public. Visit www.rnli.org.uk/sos to find out how you can get involved or to make a donation.

* The period in question runs from December 24 to New Year’s Day inclusive.

Picture captions

1. Lytham St Annes RNLI volunteer lifeboatman Trevor Holloway. Credit RNLI/Dave Forshaw.

2. Lytham St Annes all weather lifeboat Her Majesty the Queen in action. Credit Martin Fish.

RNLI media contacts

For more information contact Alison Levett, RNLI Media Relations Manager, North, on 01642 750585 or 07786 668912 or at alevett@rnli.org.uk

Oban RNLI lifeboat was tasked at 9.37pm on Tuesday 15 December to launch to assist an 80-metre ‘coaster’ in difficulties in the Sound of Jura, with six people onboard. Islay RNLI lifeboat and rescue helicopter 177 were also requested to attend.

The coaster Fingal, laden with timber, had departed Corpach bound for Troon, and ran aground at the North East tip of the island of Jura. When Oban lifeboat arrived on scene, the boat had refloated and was drifting Westwards through the Gulf of Corriebhreacan on the new flood tide, with two liferafts and her daughter boat in the water alongside.

The decision was taken to escort the coaster to Oban. The helicopter and Islay lifeboat were stood down, while two crewmen from Oban lifeboat were left aboard the ship with the lifeboat’s two pumps and to assist with navigation.

The coaster and lifeboat left the scene at 11.45pm and arrived in Oban at 3.00am.

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact Assistant Lifeboat Press Officer (volunteer) Willie Melville on 01631 562778 or 07717 725894

Oban lifeboat station website: www.obanlifeboat.co.uk

Tenby's new inshore RNLI lifeboat proved her worth just days after arriving at her new home. The newly designed D-class which is named after the late Mrs Georgina Taylor arrived on station on 8 December 2009 and was called out on her first rescue mission on Sunday (13 December).

The newly designed D- Class lifeboat is now faster with a top speed of 25 knots and carries updated navigation and rescue equipment. The lifeboat has been named after Mrs Taylor who personally donated over £10,000 towards the build cost. Mrs Taylor also funded the two previous inshore lifeboats The Stanley Taylor in 1993 and Georgina Stanley Taylor in 2001 memory of her husband. The RNLI have received a further £2,000 towards the build cost that has been donated locally in lieu of flowers in memory of Peter Lowe who died in October and £3,000 from various other local donations.

The lifeboat was launched at 2.14pm after a volunteer RNLI crew member spotted a teenage boy lying motionless in the sea just below the Paragon on the south side of Tenby.

The lifeboat was launched and on scene within minutes and the volunteer RNLI crew found the casualty had been recovered to an inaccessible part of the beach by two friends that had entered the water with him. A member of the Tenby Coastguard rescue team who had just arrived assisted them with first aid. All three boys, who were on holiday were recovered to the lifeboat and treated for hypothermia, one barely conscious was also given oxygen therapy. The lifeboat returned to the harbour where the casualty in the poorest condition was air lifted to hospital via the air ambulance and the other two were treated by crew and paramedics then evacuated by land ambulance.

A major search and rescue operation got underway today when Tynemouth RNLI inshore and all-weather lifeboats were launched after three surfers prompted onlookers to call for help while surfing near the infamous Black Midden rocks inside the Tyne harbour.

At 12.05pm a concerned member of the public contacted police to say he had seen three people in the water in trouble near the Black Middens.

Police rushed to the scene and contacted Humber Coastguard, who requested the immediate launch of both Tynemouth RNLI lifeboats, as well as a shore team.

The RNLI lifeboats swiftly arrived at the scene and began their search in very heavy seas and strong winds, quickly finding three surfers in the water, who, the crew discovered, were in no difficulty.

It became apparent to all of the search units that the three surfers were indeed the people thought to be in trouble on the water but, as a precaution, both RNLI lifeboats continued to search the area until their crews were satisfied there was no-one else in the water.

Adrian Don, spokesman for Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat station, said:

‘A member of the public contacted police in good faith saying that he thought three people were in difficulty in the water and, although they turned out not to be in trouble, it could have been a genuine emergency.'

‘Surfing off the Black Middens is popular with more experienced surfers looking for extra thrills but it’s easy to see how they could be mistaken for people in trouble, especially given the rough sea.'

‘The surfers seemed a bit surprised about all of the fuss and came out of the water without any assistance.’

‘We would always urge members of the public who suspect anyone to be in trouble on the water to raise the alarm – RNLI crews will always launch to help those in danger at sea.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Adrian Don, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07834 731833.

Fishguard RNLI's inshore lifeboat with three volunteer crew was launched on Saturday afternoon after a pet dog called 'Angel' became trapped on rocks on the shoreline near Saddle Point, (the location of another rescue earlier in the week).

The small dog was safely plucked from the rocks in tricky conditions with a strong wind blowing and darkness imminent. The uninjured dog was taken to LowerTown quay where a HM Coastguard representative was waiting and kindly drove 'Angel' back to its anxious owner on Marine Walk.

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Peter Kedward on 01348 872359 or 07813 180062.