Byline: Distressed female rescued from Sunderland Quayside Page Content: Sunderland’s RNLI lifeboat was amongst a host of emergency services that were called to assist a distressed female who was threatening to deliberately jump into the River Wear. Shortly after six o’clock this evening [Monday 1st December] Humber Coastguard contacted the Lifeboat Operations Manager at Sunderland RNLI to requested the immediate launch of their Atlantic 85 Lifeboat “Wolseley”. The request came after Northumbria Police received reports of a distressed female [no details known] being sighted sitting on the edge of Palmers Hill Quay [next to ex-Bonnersfield site], near to Wearmouth Bridge. The RNLI lifeboat was deployed to the scene along with shore-based personnel from Northumbria Police and Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team. After a quarter of an hour police negotiators managed to persuade the female to climb back over the railings before being taken into police custody. Paul Nicholson, Senior Helmsman at Sunderland RNLI said: ‘We were asked to launch and proceed to scene in case the female decided to jump into the river while the police were negotiating with her. Thankfully our rescue skills were not required; as the police successfully managed to talk her into climbing over the railings to safety.’ As a registered charity the RNLI relies on voluntary donations and legacies from the public for its income.ENDS  RNLI media contactsFor more information please telephone either: Paul Nicholson, Sunderland RNLI Press Officer on 07957 494 077 or email - pauldnich@yahoo.co.uk or Anthony Jobling, Sunderland RNLI Assistant Press Officer on 07977 152 399 or email – Anthony.jobling2@btinternet.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 336000. RNLI onlineFor 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 For specific information relating to Sunderland RNLI visit www.rnlisunderland.org Key facts about the RNLIThe 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. A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland Notes to editors·         Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station is the oldest continually operation lifeboat in the United Kingdom. It was originally opened in 1800 before being adopted by the RNLI in 1865. ·         The RNLI’s annual running costs are over £122M – approximately £335,000 per day.

Byline: Lifeboats call off their search for missing ferry crew member Page Content:

Seven RNLI lifeboats and two search & rescue helicopters called off their search for a crew member who went overboard from ferry in the North Sea.  No one has been found.

The casualty, who’s a crew member on board the ‘roll-on, roll-off’ ferry, The Pride of Rotterdam, was last seen at around midnight last night.  At 05:00 am this morning (Tuesday, 02 December 2008) it was established that he was missing and the ferry issued a mayday call to Yarmouth Coastguard.  

Wells Lifeboat, Doris Mann of Ampthill, was paged to launch at 05:55 am. Initially, six RNLI lifeboats from stations along the East Coast and two search & rescue helicopters took part in the search. They were Humber, Cleethorpes, Wells, Cromer, Great Yarmouth & Gorleston and Lowestoft Lifeboat Stations.  At daybreak they were joined by the lifeboat from Skegness.

The operation was co-ordinated by Yarmouth Coastguard and each lifeboat was given a sector to search along the track the ferry had taken.  Wells Lifeboat covered an area of approximately 100 square miles twenty miles NE of Wells.  Once the lifeboat had completed the sweep of its sector it moved inshore to search the shoreline.  It arrived back on station at 1:00 pm.  The other lifeboats also stood down after they’d completed their searches.

Second coxswain, Robert Smith, who led the search on the Wells Lifeboat said, “The sea temperature was eight degrees Celsius out there.  It was very cold, someone in the water could probably only survive for about twenty to thirty minutes.”

The Pride of Rotterdam was on passage from Rotterdam to Hull and the search re-traced the ship’s course which was approximately a sixty mile long track from Smith’s Knoll, North-East of Cromer to The Humber.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact John Mitchell, Press Officer, Wells Lifeboat Station 01328 710882 or 07831 103 166

RNLI online
For more information on the Wells lifeboat station please go to www.wellslifeboat.org. 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 

Byline: Exmouth RNLI boats tasked to find elderly man on bitterly cold night Page Content:

The wife of an 83 year old man rang Brixham Coastguards at 8pm on December 3rd, worried for her husband’s safety. The man had rang her earlier at 6.30pm to say he was stuck in the Exe Estuary on a sandbar in his 22ft yacht ‘Moonshadow” and that he would wait until the tide had turned.
 
As it was a bitterly cold night with gales forecast, all three Exmouth RNLI boats were tasked at 8.20pm to search and rescue the man. He was located, cold but well and was checked over by lifeboat crew member Dr Colin May. The yacht had developed engine problems and was towed back to its mooring near Starcross by the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) and the gentleman was taken back to land by the All Weather Lifeboat (ALB).
 
Kevin Riley, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Exmouth RNLI said; “We took the decision to launch all the boats, including the boarding boat, as it is very cold at this time of year - with temperatures plummeting fast.”

He added; “We urge people, when they are on the water, to maintain communications with the Coastguard, to keep them in the loop. Then should there be a problem, the earlier they can tell them, the earlier we can get things rolling here.”

Notes to editors
· Exmouth RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1858. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.exmouth-lifeboat.org.uk

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Jo Damsell, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07551 635363 or JDamsell@aol.com.

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.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

 

Byline: Exmouth RNLI boats tasked to find elderly man on bitterly cold night Page Content:

The wife of an 83 year old man rang Brixham Coastguards at 8pm on December 3rd, worried for her husband’s safety. The man had rang her earlier at 6.30pm to say he was stuck in the Exe Estuary on a sandbar in his 22ft yacht ‘Moonshadow” and that he would wait until the tide had turned.
 
As it was a bitterly cold night with gales forecast, all three Exmouth RNLI boats were tasked at 8.20pm to search and rescue the man. He was located, cold but well and was checked over by lifeboat crew member Dr Colin May. The yacht had developed engine problems and was towed back to its mooring near Starcross by the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) and the gentleman was taken back to land by the All Weather Lifeboat (ALB).
 
Kevin Riley, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Exmouth RNLI said; “We took the decision to launch all the boats, including the boarding boat, as it is very cold at this time of year - with temperatures plummeting fast.”

He added; “We urge people, when they are on the water, to maintain communications with the Coastguard, to keep them in the loop. Then should there be a problem, the earlier they can tell them, the earlier we can get things rolling here.”

Notes to editors
· Exmouth RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1858. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.exmouth-lifeboat.org.uk

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Jo Damsell, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07551 635363 or JDamsell@aol.com.

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.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

 

Byline: Dungeness RNLI lifeboat responds to fisherman’s ‘may-day’ call Page Content:

Early on Wednesday 3 December 2008, a lone fisherman made a ‘may-day’ call to authorities after his hand was caught in his boat’s winch, 5 miles southwest of Dungeness point. 

The Dungeness RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene to find the casualty had managed to free his hand but had serious injuries to his arm.

Coxswain Stuart Adams put four of his crew on vessel with stretcher to administer first aid and transfer casualty to the RNLI lifeboat. On returning to the Dungeness lifeboat station due to the tide being out, the Coxswain called for the assistance of RNLI tractor at the boathouse to go out into the sea and rendezvous with RNLI lifeboat to transport the casualty to the waiting ambulance on shore.

Casualty was taken to the William Harvey Hospital.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Judith Richardson, Dungeness RNLI lifeboat press officer on mob: 07925 576569 or 01797 320062 or email judith@stumark.freeserve.co.uk

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.
A charity registered in England and Wales No: 209603

Websites: www.dungeness-lifeboat.org.uk
                 www.rnli.org.uk

Byline: RNLI to take on Teignbridge lifeguard service Page Content: Visitors to Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren beaches in Devon can expect an even better lifeguard service from next year, as Teignbridge Council prepares to hand over its lifeguard service to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The move, representing more than a year of hard work and negotiations, will mean that two of Teignbridge's most popular resorts will benefit from the RNLI's highly trained lifeguards and specialised lifesaving equipment.  Established in 2001, the RNLI lifeguard service is run in partnership with local authorities and private beach owners on a non-commercial basis. In 2009, RNLI lifeguards will provide vital safety patrols on 89 beaches in the south west, working alongside the local volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews to provide a joined up lifesaving service. Cllr David Corney-Walker, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism says; 'This new and improved beach lifeguard service will be a tremendous benefit for visitors to Teignbridge resorts, bringing with it improved equipment and training at no extra cost to taxpayers. The possibility of more lifeguards operating more patrols is a very welcome one, and the move to provide an integrated rescue service from the beach to the open sea will be an added boost to our beaches. With this new opportunity to add value to the service we look forward to a successful partnership with RNLI, a world leader in beach safety.' Steve Instance RNLI Lifeguard Inspectors says the RNLI are delighted to be working with Teignbridge Council, he says; 'The RNLI are looking forward to using our knowledge and expertise as a lifesaving charity to enhance the existing lifeguard service provided by the council. RNLI lifeguards undergo an intensive induction and training programme, which includes training as first responders, these skills and training are backed up by specialised rescue equipment and technical support. RNLI lifeguards also play a big part in delivering vital beach safety education which helps prevent incidents happening in the first place, and we look forward to working with the council to ensure visitors and locals to Teignbridge can enjoy a safe day out at the beach.' The new RNLI lifeguard service is due to start in May 2009 and will provide safety patrols on weekends until peak summer season starts in July when it will become a full time service. In the meantime the RNLI will assess shore side facilities, recruit and train staff, and equip the patrol areas.Mike Schooling, Teignmouth's RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager welcomes the new lifeguard agreement, he said;  'The RNLI will be providing a comprehensive sea and beach safety ring around our popular resort beaches and coast line.' Notes to editors 

• The RNLI is a registered charity, which aims to save lives at sea. It relies on voluntary contributions and legacies to ensure its lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews have the very best training and equipment.

 

• As landowner and Local Authority, the Council will retain its duty of care and responsibility for the beaches, ensuring that the service is provided in line with a legal agreement with the RNLI. The Council will also be responsible for providing and monitoring public safety equipment and safety signage.

 

• An official event to launch the RNLI lifeguards service is planned for March 2009, when there will be the opportunity to find out more about the service, the lifesaving equipment used and to meet some of the RNLI lifeguard managers and lifeboat crew from Teignmouth. Details of the event will follow in the New Year.

 RNLI media contacts For more information please contact RNLI lifeguard Press Officer Amy Caldwell on 07920 818 807 or acaldwell@rnli.org.uk Teignbridge Council media contactsTim Borrett, Media and Communications Officer, 01626 215164 or Tim.Borrett@teignbridge.gov.uk RNLI onlineFor 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 RNLIThe 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.

Byline: Stunning Overall Support as Seth Lakeman supports RNLI’s SOS Day 2009 Page Content:

Devon born folk artist Seth Lakeman presented the RNLI with £1,827.28 raised through ticket sales and collections at a one off album launch gig in Perranporth, Cornwall this summer, before taking to the stage in Falmouth as part of this largest ever UK tour in November. 

Seth, who recently launched SOS Day, the RNLI’s biggest fundraising day on 30 January 2009, extended his support by inviting local RNLI crew and volunteers to collect donations at his gigs in Bournemouth, Exeter, Cheltenham and Bristol and Falmouth. Through donations at all five gigs, Seth’s fans raised a further staggering £1,403.73 for the SOS campaign in the south west.

Seth was given a VIP tour of Falmouth’s RNLI lifeboat station and introduced to some of the volunteer crew before the cheque presentation at the gig venue, Falmouth Pavilions on Monday 17 November. After it’s launch at the one off gig at the Watering Hole on Perranporth beach this summer, his critically acclaimed third album Poor Man’s Heaven reached number 8 in the UK charts. 

Seth says;

‘I wanted to try to do something positive in launching the ‘Poor Man’s Heaven’ album, rather than just another gig - and raising money for the RNLI felt appropriate as the new album has such a strong coastal theme.’

One of the albums pivotal tracks Solomon Browne was released as a single on 13 October. The song commemorates the 1981 Penlee lifeboat disaster in which 16 people lost their lives. Seth helped unveil RNLI SOS Day 2009 with a performance of the song aboard an RNLI lifeboat on the River Thames, and urged supporters to get involved on Friday 30 January.

Dave Nicoll, RNLI Area Fundraising Manager for Cornwall says the charity is grateful for Seth’s loyal support, he says;
 
‘The RNLI relies on donations and fundraising events like SOS day to ensure its volunteer crews and lifeguards have the equipment and training needed to continue their lifesaving work. Seth is one of the south west’s most talented stars and we are proud, and extremely lucky to have his support. His beautifully poignant song ‘Solomon Browne’ brings home the courage and bravery of the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crew and lifeguards, and I think the generosity shown by fans at his gigs illustrates it’s impact.’ 

RNLI SOS day 2009 is on Friday 30 January. RNLI supporters around the south west are encouraged to hold an SOS themed event of their choice to help raise vital funds for the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crew and lifeguards.  What about hosting a karaoke night Sing Our Songs, or a dress down day at work or school Spots Or Stripes, or maybe something more energetic after the excesses of the festive season such as Sponsor Our Swim. Absolutely anything goes, and events can be held at any time in the run up to SOS day at the end of January.

For more information and ideas on how to get involved please visit www.rnli.org.uk/sos 

Notes to editors

• Please find attach two pictures:

1. Seth aboard Falmouth’s Atlantic class inshore lifeboat taken before his gig on Monday 17 November 2008, please credit RNLI/Tom Dymond

2.  Seth presenting RNLI Area Fundraising Manager Dave Nicoll with a   cheque for £1,500 before his gig at Falmouth Pavilions on Monday 17 November, please credit RNLI/Simon Culliford

• RNLI volunteers collected donations at 14 of the 25 gigs during Seth Lakeman’s largest ever UK tour, raising a total of £3239.02. A further £1500 was donated from ticket sales for Seth's album launch in Perranporth and £327.28 was collected on that night. Making a grand total of £5066.30 for SOS Day.
• The RNLI is a registered charity, which exists to save lives at sea. It relies on voluntary contributions and legacies to ensure its lifeguards and volunteer crews have the very best training and equipment.

RNLI contacts         
For further information please contact Amy Caldwell, RNLI Lifeguard Press Officer on 07920 818 807 or acaldwell@rnli.org.uk

The RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk or for the latest news 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.

Byline: Aberdeen RNLI lifeboat in search for angler Page Content: Aberdeen RNLI lifeboat crew were involved in a search for a man who went missing during the early hours of this morning (Friday 5 December) whilst fishing from rocks six miles south of Aberdeen. A companion of the man raised the alarm after he spotted his friend had gone missing. The Aberdeen all weather lifeboat joined an RAF helicopter, Coastguard and Police teams to search for the man shortly after 6.30am this morning. The lifeboat was stood down shortly after 11am. RNLI media contactsFor more information call Rachel Martin on 07786 668903 or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789 RNLI onlineFor 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 RNLIThe 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. A charity registered in Scotland (SCO37736) and England and Wales (209603). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

Byline: Baltimore RNLI lifeboats launched to nine people missing off Schull Page Content:

In the early hours of this morning (Friday 5th December 2008) the volunteer crewmembers of Baltimore RNLI all weather and inshore lifeboats were called out to reports of nine people missing off Schull in County Cork. 

The missing group believed to be from Switzerland had set off in a 16-foot punt to travel from the mainland over to Coney Island when their engine failed and worsening weather conditions started filling the small boat with water. A tenth person had managed to swim ashore and raise the alarm.

The lifeboat crew launched shortly after 2am this morning and along with members of Schull Community Inshore rescue they proceeded to last known position of the punt. Conditions were very bad with a strong wind and heavy showers, which made visibility poor.  Soon after arriving at the scene it was discovered that eight of nine people missing had made it ashore and were sheltering in a house.  Around this time a casualty was spotted on the beach and recovered onto the all weather lifeboat.

The lifeboat crew passed out warm clothing to the group who were showing early indicators of hyperthermia.  Conditions were deteriorating and a decision was made to bring all of the casualties onboard the Baltimore all weather lifeboat and return to Schull.  There they were met by waiting ambulances and a doctor, which brought nine people to hospital.  One fatality was confirmed.

Commenting on the dramatic events, Balitmore Coxswain Kieran Cottor said, “ This was a terrible night to be out.  Conditions were very bad and the strong winds combined with the heavy showers and spray meant that the small punt filled quickly with water and overturned.  The nine people were lucky to make it to shore.  One of our lifeboat crew is fluent in French and thankfully was able to communicate with the survivor who swam to shore and get quickly apprised of the situation. Sadly it was confirmed by a doctor that one of the group didn’t survive.  It is in situations like these that time is so important.”

Notes to editors
Coxswain Kieran Cotter is available for interview
Blatimore RNLI operates two lifeboats.  A Trent class all weather lifeboat and a Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat

RNLI media contacts 
For more information please contact Niamh Stephenson, Media Relations Manager Ireland on 087 1254124 or nstephenson@rnli.org.uk  

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

Byline: Man rescued from Wearmouth Bridge Page Content:

Sunderland’s RNLI lifeboat was amongst the emergency services that were called into action to assist a distressed male on Wearmouth Bridge.

Shortly after half past seven this evening [Saturday, 6th December] Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Atlantic 85 Lifeboat “Wolseley” from the Sunderland Station.

The request came after Northumbria Police received reports of a distressed male [details unknown] being sighted sitting on the wrong side of safety railings on Wearmouth Bridge.

The RNLI lifeboat was deployed to the scene along with Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team, Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade, and Officers from Northumbria Police.

Shortly after arriving at the scene Police officers successfully talked the man into climbing back over the railings. Lifeboat and Coastguard volunteers were then informed to stand down from the incident.

Paul Nicholson, Senior Helmsman at Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station said, “As we were preparing to launch the lifeboat, we were informed by Humber Coastguard that the Police had been able to recover the man from the bridge.”

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

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone either:

Paul Nicholson, Sunderland RNLI Press Officer on 07957 494 077 or email - pauldnich@yahoo.co.uk or

Anthony Jobling, Sunderland RNLI Assistant Press Officer on 07977 152 399 or email – Anthony.jobling2@btinternet.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.

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

For specific information relating to Sunderland RNLI visit www.rnlisunderland.org

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.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

Byline: Bangor RNLI crew launch to sighting of red distress flare Page Content:

At 8.10 am on Saturday 6th December RNLI Bangor Lifeboat launched to investigate reports of a red distress flare having been sighted as coming from the northern shores of Belfast Lough.

Within minutes of receiving the rescue alert, volunteer lifeboat crew had assembled and launched RNLI Bangor lifeboat.  Calm seas and fine weather conditions allowed the lifeboat to proceed at full speed to the search area which was between the Salt Jetty and Kilroot Jetty on the northern shores of Belfast Lough.

After an extensive search of the area in conjunction with the Belfast Pilot Boat and Portmuck Coastguard Rescue Team, nothing was found. The search was terminated when enquiries found that there was a high probability that the red distress flare had been fired from ashore.

Steven Carson, helmsman aboard RNLI Bangor lifeboat said ‘It is irresponsible for people to fire distress flares from ashore as it involves RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew having to launch to investigate them.  It could be that somebody else might have been in real trouble at the same time, and in searching for the flare, there might have been a delay in getting to them’. He added ‘Thankfully this did not happen this morning’.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Kevin Baird, Bangor RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07896702757 or kbaird@quaymarinas.com 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.

Byline: Force 10 conditions for Oban RNLI Lifeboat Page Content:

Oban RNLI lifeboat ‘Mora Edith Macdonald’ was called out on yesterday (Friday 5 December) at 5.53pm to assist in the evacuation of a male patient from Craignure, Isle of Mull, to the mainland. An ambulance with two crew had left Oban on the afternoon sailing on the ferry ‘Isle of Mull’ to bring the patient to hospital but, on reaching Craignure the conditions were deemed too severe for the ferry to make the return crossing to Oban leaving the patient, ambulance crew and ambulance marooned on the island The lifeboat arrived at Craignure link span at 6.56pm departing with the patient and ambulance crew at 6.44pm.   During the passage the patient was also attended by Dr Colin Wilson. The lifeboat arrived in Oban at 7.22pm and the patient was transferred to LIDGH by ambulance. The lifeboat was re-fuelled and ready for service at 1.30am.   Coxswain Ronnie MacKillop described the conditions as ‘rather poor’ with storm force gusts of over 60 MPH. RNLI media contacts For more information please telephone J Patrick Maclean, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07900 822 202 or Rachel Martin Media Relations Manager Scotland on 01738 443255, 07786 668903 or ramartin@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789 RNLI onlineFor 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 RNLIThe 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. A charity registered in Scotland (SCO37736) and England and Wales (209603). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

 

Byline: Skerries RNLI responded to two yachts in difficulty in two separate incidents one immediately after the other this afternoon (Saturday 4 May). Page Content:

The lifeboat station’s volunteer crew was requested to launch to assist a 30ft yacht with two people on board that had become entangled on a lobster pot near Lambay island. Direct communications with the stricken yacht could not be established, however, another yacht had spotted the vessel in distress and was able to relay GPS co-ordinates to Dublin Coast Guard over their VHF radio, standing by them until the lifeboat could get there.

The lifeboat crew was able to enter these coordinates into their GPS as they were launching. This meant that they could proceed directly to the casualty as soon as they had navigated around the headland and past the Skerries islands.

Once on scene a member of crew was put on board the vessel to assess the situation and ensure everyone on board was ok. It was soon established that the tide was keeping the yacht firmly trapped against the line it was caught on. A tow was established to the stern of the yacht, the crew member on board was then able to free the obstruction and as the life boat pulled the boat back against the tide.

The vessel was then taken under tow to safer water where they could assess if there was any damage to the propeller. There did not appear to be damage and they were happy to proceed to their destination under their own power.

As the volunteer crew was preparing to head back to station, a call came in from Dublin Coast Guard, advising that there was a 32ft yacht, again with two people on board sailing towards Skerries from the Laytown area with both rigging and engine problems, and requested that the lifeboat escort the yacht back to Skerries harbour. Once again GPS co-ordinates were provided, enabling the lifeboat to very quickly locate the yacht. Once on scene, the lifeboat stood by as the yacht made its way under sail towards Skerries.

As the yacht approached Skerries, it was established that the engine was not running well and could not be relied on, so a crew member was put on board to set up a tow. However, one of the sails was jammed and could neither be taken down nor stowed away and as the conditions deteriorated, the rigging for the sail broke free and it began to trash quite badly against the rest of the rigging for the mast.

A second crew member was put on board to assist in getting the sail under control. A tow was then established and the lifeboat began to head in to the lee of the shore before proceeding to the harbour. However, shortly after the tow began, the rigging tore it’s fittings from the deck and once again began trashing against the rest of the rigging. With the very real danger of the boat being dismasted, it was decided to head directly to the shelter of the harbour as quickly as possible.

Once in the harbour, a number of crew were on shore to assist in bringing the vessel alongside. One crew member then donned a safety harness before being winched up the mast to disconnect the rigging for the sail and drop it to the deck.

Afterwards, Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI volunteer crew member said: ‘Both calls presented their own challenges, but the second call in particular highlighted the importance of our protective gear. Once the rigging tore free of the deck it became a very dangerous environment. Our gloves, steel toed wellies, padding in our lifejackets and in particular our helmets were absolutely essential’.

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Photo Details
Photo_1: Skerries RNLI Volunteer Crewmember is put on board vessel trapped on lobster pot.
Photo_2: Skerries RNLI Volunteer Crewmembers are put on board vessel with engine and rigging problems.
Photo_3: Skerries RNLI bringing vessel safely in to Skerries harbour.
Photo_4: Skerries RNLI Volunteer Crewmember climbs mast to remove jammed rigging (Photo Courtesy of Donall O’Baoill)

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gerry Canning Skerries RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer on 087 988 4965 email gerryjcanning@gmail.com or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Byline: During their second call out of the year, Abersoch RNLI volunteers stayed with two casualties, stranded on rocks pummeled by a swelling sea, to await the arrival of RAF Rescue helicopter 122 which winched them all to safety. Page Content:

These dramatic events, which also involved teams of local Coastguard and Beach Patrol, took place at the precarious base of steep sea cliffs at the south eastern end of Porth Ceiriad, three miles south of Abersoch.

Abersoch RNLI's inshore lifeboat, Margaret Bench of Solihull, was launched at 5.20pm on Saturday 4 May after receiving initial reports that the casualties were two children. After 10 minutes the RNLI volunteers were on scene, having spotted two men in apparent difficulties on the rocks.

One crew member was able to jump from the bow of the inshore lifeboat on to the rocks and make his way up to assess the casualties. There was a big swell breaking on that point, so the lifeboat retreated to a safer position for the volunteers to consider the next move. It quickly became apparent that another crew member, one with first aid experience, was needed on the rocks.

So with skillful seamanship, the RNLI inshore lifeboat was maneuvered to enable the second crew member to position himself on the rocks, equipped with the first aid kit and a handheld radio. One of the casualties was injured, complaining of neck and back pain and a neck collar was fitted.

The waves were increasing in size with some breaking over the four men. The breaking swells knocked the radio and both kit bags out of the grasp of the volunteers as they hung on to the casualties. So there was no way of communicating with the inshore lifeboat, Rescue 122 or Holyhead Coastguard.

At 5.38pm the rescue helicopter arrived, alerted to the position with the aid of a crew member's orange day smoke flare. With the aircraft hovering above, another big wave broke. RNLI helmsman Andy Gunby, who had earlier decided to put himself as the second crewman on the rocks, leaving Senior Helmsman, David Williams in charge of the inshore lifeboat, said:

'We were trying to keep the casualty as immobile as possible when a big breaker hit the rocks, swamping all of us and washing crew member Paul Collins 10 feet down the cliff into the water.'

Fortunately, Paul was able to cling on and eventually made his way back up to take care of the casualties.

The RAF winchman was lowered to the casualty's position, and as the sea conditions were very rough at that time, he decided it was too dangerous to use a stretcher. So the injured casualty was carefully lifted, with the winchman, into the aircraft.

When the latter came back down to the rocks, the second casualty and crew member Paul Collins were also hoisted. Finally, to complete the evacuation helmsman Andy Gunby and the winchman were lifted to safety.

Both Abersoch RNLI crew members were transferred in the Rescue 122 to the beach at Porth Ceiriad, and then the casualties were immediately flown by helicopter to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.

One crewman was taken back to the boathouse by Abersoch Beach Patrol and the other waded out to be picked up by the inshore lifeboat, returning to station at 6.10pm.

RNLI media contact
For more information contact Twrog Jones, Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 01758 740927.

Byline: The RNLI Kirkcudbright lifeboat “Sheila Stenhouse” was launched on Saturday 4th May 2013 at 1.35am. Page Content:

The emergency services were contacted by a member of the public informing them that a person had fallen into the harbour at Kirkcudbright in the early hours of Saturday morning.  The casualty thought to be a crew member of one of the fishing boats had fallen in as he tried to climb down the ladder on the harbour wall to board a vessel.

The tide was starting to flood and there was approximately 2.5 feet of water on top of the mud.  He was unable to get back out of the harbour.

As it was a low water launch the lifeboat crew had to take great care in navigating up into the harbour as the river channel can be very shallow in places.  When they arrived on scene one of the coastguard team had entered the water to support the casualty until the lifeboat arrived.

The lifeboat was beached and all four of the crew entered the water and carried the casualty back to the boat.  He was checked by paramedics and taken to DGRI.  His condition is not known but he has since discharged himself.


Media contacts: Christine Collins, Kirkcudbright Press Officer 01557331475, mobile 07971160550 email minoroffice@btinternet.com

Richard Smith, media relations manager for Scotland, 07786 668903, email richard_smith2@rnli.org.uk

 

Byline: Both Pwllheli RNLI lifeboats assisted a broken down speedboat which had drifted close to rocks near Llanbedrog on Saturday afternoon. Page Content: A strengthening south westerly wind had blown the 20 foot speedboat with two adults and two children on board dangerously close to rocks at Carreg y Defaid.

Pwllheli's  all-weather lifeboat, the Lilly and Vincent Anthony, and the inshore lifeboat, the Leslie and Peter Downes were launched soon after 4.30pm.

The speedboat, which had suffered engine problems was in very shallow water and as a result the inshore lifeboat also had to be launched in order to cross shallow water and reach the casualty.

An adult had climbed out of the boat into the water to try and keep it away from the rocks. The inshore lifeboat managed to pass a line to the speedboat and towed it out to deeper water where the all-weather lifeboat took over the tow.

The adult who had been in the water was given First Aid by crew members onboard the all-weather lifeboat due to a foot injury he had sustained and effects of the cold.The other three persons were unharmed.

The vessel was towed into Pwllheli marina and hoisted out of the water to be assesed for damage.


RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Iwan Hughes, Lifeboat Press Officer at Pwllheli on 07899954031. Alternatively, contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager in Wales on 01745 585162 or 07786 668829.

Byline: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s RNLI Barry Dock lifeboat was launched shortly after 7am on 4 May to an incident involving a person overboard. Page Content: A woman was washed overboard from a 35 foot yacht in what could be described as squally conditions. The skipper showed good seamanship and managed to secure a line to the woman. The woman who was wearing a lifejacket was airlifted out of the water by the RMB Helicopter 169 and taken to the University Hospital of Wales suffering from effects from the cold.

The RNLI Trent class lifeboat Inner Wheel II manned by its voluntary crew, put two crew members aboard the yacht to help the skipper sail back to Barry with the lifeboat escorting.

Nicola Davies RNLI Divisional Sea Safety Manager said: "It is great to hear how prepared these crew were; they were able to call for help as soon as the crew member fell overboard and the crew were wearing lifejackets.  Had they not been wearing lifejackets nor had a means of calling for help I am sure we would not have been looking at a life saved story.  This is a reminder to everyone one we would always recommend you wearing a lifejackets or suitable floatation device when taking to the water."

This rescue was the second incident in which the volunteer crew of the Barry Dock lifeboat was involved. On 1 May, the Barry Dock lifeboat was called to assist a yacht that had gone aground at Llantwit Major. The yacht was on the shore line and assistance from the Porthcawl D class lifeboat was used to affect a coordinated rescue. Further assistance was given to the two persons on the yacht by the HM Coastguard Search and Rescue team.

This has been a very busy week for the volunteers of the RNLI. In just a 24 hour period, 36 lifeboats were launched.


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Notes to editor
The RNLI offer free sea safety advice at www.rnli.org.uk/safetyandeducation

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gerry Adams RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01446 738903/723005 or gerry@adamshousehold.co.uk /Gerry.adams@dowcorning,com or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Byline: New Quay inshore lifeboat was called into action on Sunday 28 at 10am to assist the 24 foot Gypsy Falmouth “Golden Cloud”. Page Content:

The lone sailor of the yacht had reported engine problems to the Coastguard and stated that he was heading for the safety of Aberaeron Harbour without engine power make repairs but initially declined the offer of assistance.

New Quay inshore lifeboat was subsequently launched on a crew training exercise and the offer of assistance was then repeated.  Thankfully for all concerned, this offer was then gratefully accepted and the inshore proceeded to Aberaeron in moderate conditions to tow the Golden Cloud into Aberaeron Harbour and assist during the mooring.

The lone sailor then thanked the crew members, Bernard Davies, Simon Rigby and Dylan Price who then returned to New Quay and continued with their training exercise.

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Notes to editors
New Quay lifeboat station has been operating since 1864. Today there are over twenty five trained crew members, a Mersey class all weather lifeboat and an inshore rescue craft.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Pete Kemp, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07971 266074 or PKempy@BTInternet.com or Danielle Rush, Media Relations Manager Wales and West on 07786 668829 or drush@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Byline: Both RNLI stations were called into action over the Bank Holiday weekend. The services for both St Helier and St Catherine's inshore lifeboats were similar in that the casualties had lost power and needed assistance. Page Content: St Helier’s inshore lifeboat, the David Page, was called out early on Sunday afternoon to assist with a broken down motor boat in St Brelade’s Bay. The inshore lifeboat was on scene within 11 minutes of being launched and the 5.5m casualty vessel was then towed safely back to St Helier.    
The St Catherine’s inshore lifeboat, the Eric W. Wilson was then called at 5.30pm on Sunday.  The lifeboat launched and was on scene shortly after to discover that the casualty, a fifteen foot vessel with five crew, was already under tow from a French motor boat. The broken down boat had already identified a leak in its fuel line and so was not able to proceed under its own power. The St Catherine’s lifeboat took over the tow and brought the casualty into St Catherine’s Bay where it was brought ashore.   
St Helier’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Bill Harris, said: “It is not unusual for the lifeboat crews to be called out early in the season to assist motor vessels which have broken down. The rescues this weekend have highlighted both the importance of regular checks on engines, particularly after an extended period of inactivity, and the requirement for all vessels to maintain a radio watch on VHF Channel 16 so that they are aware of other boats in the vicinity that may be in difficulty and can go to their assistance when in need.”   
The weekend’s activities concluded with the St Helier Lifeboat Station Open Day, which took place on the last day of the Jersey Boat Show. The good weather no doubt contributed to a very successful day and initial estimates are that well over 1,000 visitors took the opportunity to look around the station and its two lifeboats. ​

Byline: Both RNLI stations were called into action over the Bank Holiday weekend. The services for both St Helier and St Catherine's inshore lifeboats were similar in that the casualties had lost power and needed assistance. Page Content: St Helier’s inshore lifeboat, the David Page, was called out early on Sunday afternoon to assist with a broken down motor boat in St Brelade’s Bay. The inshore lifeboat was on scene within 11 minutes of being launched and the 5.5m casualty vessel was then towed safely back to St Helier.    
The St Catherine’s inshore lifeboat, the Eric W. Wilson was then called at 5.30pm on Sunday.  The lifeboat launched and was on scene shortly after to discover that the casualty, a fifteen foot vessel with five crew, was already under tow from a French motor boat. The broken down boat had already identified a leak in its fuel line and so was not able to proceed under its own power. The St Catherine’s lifeboat took over the tow and brought the casualty into St Catherine’s Bay where it was brought ashore.   
St Helier’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Bill Harris, said: “It is not unusual for the lifeboat crews to be called out early in the season to assist motor vessels which have broken down. The rescues this weekend have highlighted both the importance of regular checks on engines, particularly after an extended period of inactivity, and the requirement for all vessels to maintain a radio watch on VHF Channel 16 so that they are aware of other boats in the vicinity that may be in difficulty and can go to their assistance when in need.”   
The weekend’s activities concluded with the St Helier Lifeboat Station Open Day, which took place on the last day of the Jersey Boat Show. The good weather no doubt contributed to a very successful day and initial estimates are that well over 1,000 visitors took the opportunity to look around the station and its two lifeboats. ​