A fisherman from a Newlyn based gill netter owes his life to the fast actions of his skipper and crew after getting tangled up and dragged overboard whilst shooting nets 15 miles SE from Newlyn last night.

The volunteer crew of the Penlee all-weather lifeboat launched at 9:12pm last night to give medical assistance to a fisherman, that had suffered crush injuries and shock, after being dragged overboard from the FV Ocean Spray that was shooting its last string of nets at 8:45pm.

Luckily for him his skipper saw him go overboard and immediately went full astern to close the gap between him and the vessel. When he resurfaced he was close enough to be hauled back aboard the vessel.

Penlee arrived alongside the vessel at 9:50pm with the idea to put a crewman onboard to administer first aid. However a very high swell and a strong SW wind made this a difficult and dangerous task, so the lifeboat escorted the Ocean Spray to Newlyn, whilst monitoring the condition of the injured fisherman.

Once alongside in Newlyn the volunteer lifeboat crew treated the fisherman using oxygen and entonox before the ambulance arrived. The lifeboat crew then carried him off the vessel and to the pontoon using the RNLI basket stretcher. The injured fisherman was then taken to hospital.

Patch Harvey, RNLI Coxswain for Penlee says:

‘He is a very lucky man. This could have been a very sad outcome if it wasn’t for the quick actions of his skipper and crewmate especially in those conditions.’

RNLI media contacts For more information contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Following an alert form Falmouth Coastguard last night, The Lizard Lifeboat was launched at 6.10pm to the aid of the Fowey registered fishing vessel Red Vixen, with two crew aboard, adrift with a fouled propeller, 28 miles south of Lizard Point.

Under the command of local fisherman Deputy Second Coxswain Louis Mitchell, together with his 6 crew members - John Hill, Rob Goddard, Josh Legge, Simon Fayers, Richard Woodmansey and full time mechanic Dan Atkinson, the lifeboat promptly found the casualty and towed her slowly north to Falmouth, arriving at Custom House Quay at 1.25am before steaming back to her boathouse in Kilcobben Cove.

Deputy Coxswain Mitchell said: 'This was a routine service for us, well carried out by a very enthusiastic crew'.

By 4am the lifeboat had been recovered up the slipway, re-housed, washed down, refuelled and was declared ready for service once again.

With the job well done, and having had a welcome cuppa, the crew and shore helpers retired home to their families, for a brief rest before heading back to their daytime jobs.

Following an alert form Falmouth Coastguard last night, The Lizard Lifeboat was launched at 6.10pm to the aid of the Fowey registered fishing vessel Red Vixen, with two crew aboard, adrift with a fouled propeller, 28 miles south of Lizard Point.

Under the command of local fisherman Deputy Second Coxswain Louis Mitchell, together with his 6 crew members - John Hill, Rob Goddard, Josh Legge, Simon Fayers, Richard Woodmansey and full time mechanic Dan Atkinson, the lifeboat promptly found the casualty and towed her slowly north to Falmouth, arriving at Custom House Quay at 1.25am before steaming back to her boathouse in Kilcobben Cove.

Deputy Coxswain Mitchell said: 'This was a routine service for us, well carried out by a very enthusiastic crew'.

By 4am the lifeboat had been recovered up the slipway, re-housed, washed down, refuelled and was declared ready for service once again.

With the job well done, and having had a welcome cuppa, the crew and shore helpers retired home to their families, for a brief rest before heading back to their daytime jobs.

The Stromness RNLI Lifeboat VDK was launched at 3:34 pm to assist the crew of the local sea fishing boat Welcome Home whose engine had developed mechanical problems 1 mile west of the Hoy low lighthouse.

The Welcome Home was able to make her way back to Stromness Harbour escorted by the lifeboat and the dive boat Karin. Once in the harbour the Welcome Home lost all power and was berthed by the lifeboat. The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for service.

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  

Volunteers based at Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station were among the emergency services that were called into action earlier tonight to assist a distressed man on Wearmouth Bridge.

Shortly after 5.00pm this evening [Sunday, 13 December] Humber Coastguard contacted the Lifeboat Operations Manager of Sunderland RNLI to request the immediate launch of their Sunderland RNLI’s Atlantic 85 Lifeboat Wolseley.

The request came after Sunderland Coastguard Team sighted a distressed man on the western footpath of the bridge.

The RNLI lifeboat was deployed to the scene along with Officers from Northumbria Police.

Paul Nicholson, Senior Helmsman at Sunderland RNLI said:

'As we were in the process of lowering the lifeboat into the water, Humber Coastguard informed us that the incident had been successfully resolved.'

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 contact Paul Nicholson, Sunderland RNLI Press Officer on 07957 494 077 or pauldnich@yahoo.co.uk or Anthony Jobling, Sunderland RNLI Assistant Press Officer on 07977 152 399 or 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 336000.

Kirkwall RNLI Lifeboat goes to assist as local clam dredger is wrecked on rocks off Stronsay. Lone crewman airlifted to safety.

Shetland Coastguard requested the launch of the RNLI Kirkwall all-weather lifeboat at 5.06pm after the crewman of a clam dredging vessel Spring Tide had run aground on the east coast of Stronsay and was taking water; the crewman had requested immediate assistance.

Margaret Foster departed station at 5.20pm with Coxswain Geoff Gardens and six crew aboard and proceeded via the String toward Stronsay.

At 5.50pm the lifeboat was informed by SCG that Spring Tide was being abandoned by her single crewman. At 5.52pm the coastguard helicopter 102 winched a man down to check out the crewman. The crewman was subsequently winched aboard the helicopter and transported to Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall for a check-up.

At 6.26pm the lifeboat was stood down by SCG, and proceeded towards Kirkwall, arriving back at station at 7.30pm and was refuelled, ready for service again at 7.40pm.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Graeme Smith, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 08730071968 or orksmith@btinternet.com or Rachel Martin Media Relations Manager Scotland on 07786 668903 or ramartin@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

The festivities are underway in Salcombe. On Saturday 5 December the Lifeboats Guild held their annual Christmas fundraiser at the Tides Reach hotel in South Sands, and on Wednesday 9 Salcombe lifeboat crew held a Christmas party at the Salcombe Yacht Club with an open invitation to all the people of the town with live music from local band Filthy Gorgeous.

Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Daniel Ashton said:

‘The guild raises an enormous amount of money for our station and the RNLI as a whole - we’re very grateful for all their hard work. Without any doubt, the guild has been responsible for helping Salcombe lifeboats save lives.’

The fundraiser got underway on Saturday morning with a range of stalls selling Christmas gifts and lifeboat memorabilia. There was an opportunity for members of the public attending the event to meet members of the crew and hear their tales of the seas and the people they’ve rescued over the last 12 months.

Lifeboats Guild Chairman Helen Higgins confirmed the event raised over £2,180. This money will help train RNLI voluntary crew - regular training is vital to allow volunteers to go to sea and save lives.

In 2008 the RNLI rescued 7,612 people across the country, averaging out at 21 a day.

The Lifeboats Guild are an organisation comprised of volunteers from the local community, who help the RNLI charity by holding numerous fundraising events throughout the year and help to raise public awareness. Watch out for more events to come including RNLI SOS Day event on Friday 29 January, which this year will be held at the Fortescue Inn, Salcombe.

Notes to editors

Photos provided by Lynn Thurtle. Taken outside the Tides Reach hotel. From left to right: Salcombe Lifeboat Chairman Tim Noyce. Lifeboats Guild Chairman Helen Higgins, Salcombe Lifeboat Coxswain Marco Brimacombe.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Salcombe RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, Dan Ashton on pressofficer@salcombelifeboat.co.uk

Ilfracombe RNLI inshore lifeboat, Deborah Brown II, was officially named on Saturday 28 November at a ceremony held at Ilfracombe RNLI lifeboat station.

The inshore lifeboat was donated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution by Mr Paul Brown, in memory of his wife Deborah Brown, who tragically died in 1996. This is the second inshore lifeboat to be stationed at Ilfracombe and to bear the name Deborah Brown.

The funds were raised by Paul Brown, an inspector with the traffic unit of the Metropolitan Police Force. Legal & General also contributed toward this project.

Paul and his four sons attended the dedication ceremony on Saturday afternoon with over 200 invited guests. The lifeboat was named by Deborah Brown’s sister Mrs Patricia Webb.

Mr Colin Knill, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Ilfracombe said:

“We are extremely grateful to Mr Paul Brown and his family for presenting us with our second inshore lifeboat, to be named after Deborah Brown. Everyone at Ilfracombe lifeboat station would like to thank Paul for all his hard work.

Notes to Editors

• The first attached photograph shows the naming ceremony of Deborah Brown II at Ilfracombe Lifeboat station with Deputy Divisional Inspector Nigel Jones describing the inshore lifeboat capabilities to the assembled guests.
• The second photograph shows the Deborah Brown at sea being put through its paces for Mr Paul Brown and his family onboard the Ilfracombe RNLI all-weather lifeboat.
• Both photographs were taken by Nigel Millard of the RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information please call Bernice Putt volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 01271 862402 or mobile 07816766833.

RNLI Sheerness all-weather lifeboat was launched at 2.25pm on Monday 30 November to the 22ft yacht Gwendoline, which made a 'Mayday' call, received by Thames Coastguard, to say they were sinking approximately three miles North East of the Montgomery wreck. A Sheerness pilot cutter also proceeded, along with RAF search and rescue helicopter 125, based at Wattisham.

The Sheerness lifeboat located the yacht approximately six miles East of Garrison Point, where the RAF rescue helicopter was already on scene. The lifeboat transferred one crewman and a pump to the vessel and took the yacht in tow. After a short while, the tow was brought up alongside and the two occupants taken onboard the lifeboat. The craft was pumped out and the tow continued to Queenborough Harbour, where the vessel was secured and pumped dry once again.

There were two brothers onboard, both in their fifties - neither occupant required medical attention but were very wet and cold.

The lifeboat returned to station at 6pm.

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact Sheerness Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Crayford on 01795 555801 or 07851 774286.

Looe lifeboat station received a generous donation from Crystal palace manager Neil Warnock today as payment for a large model boat – The Toulonnaise, which is over a metre long.

Launched on August 13 1832 in Toulon, the Toulonnaise took part in the war against Spain in the shelling of Cadix.

This magnificent Billings Boats model, which is pictured, was made and donated to Looe RNLI by Barry Tucker of Jersey. It was inspired by his father-in-law, who was a captain on the Blue Funnel Line and Barry’s family, all of whom were ex-seaman with a close connection to the RNLI.

Ann Watson, chair of Looe’s RNLI fundraising committee, received the cheque and remarked:

‘Neil’s generous donation is appreciated and has greatly assisted in our fund raising efforts.’

Notes to editors

• Looe lifeboat station has been operating since 1824. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.looelifeboats.org
• Photographs relating to this news release may be available, if required, by emailing the Looe RNLI Press Officer, Laurie Watson at lolwatson@talk21.com
• Archive photos for Looe lifeboats are also available using the above contact email

RNLI media contacts

For further information please contact Laurie Watson, Looe RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01503 262265 or 07736 255496 or Tamsin Thomas, Media Relations Manager South on 07786 668847 or tthomas@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

A person overboard was reported off the Stena Europe ferry shortly after she departed from Rosslare for Fishguard yesterday evening.
Rosslare RNLI lifeboat launched at 9.50pm and proceeded to an area east of Rosslare, the South Long Buoy. The Irish Coastguard helicopter, Stena Europe, Irish Ferries Isle of Inishmore and fast craft from both ferries, all under the command of the Rosslare RNLI lifeboat, undertook a thorough search of the area.

As the search moved slowly southwards, because of the strength of the tides, the Kilmore RNLI lifeboat was also required to join the search.

A body was recovered from the water in the early hours of the morning.

RNLI media contacts

For further information please contact volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Madeleine Quirke on 087 6237685.

Two calls in as many days to three surfers in trouble and a sick crewman on a merchant ship have kept the crews of Margate’s two lifeboats busy in what has been an exceptionally busy year for the charities volunteer crews.

Yesterday (1 December) coastguards at Dover were alerted to the plight off three surfers at Joss Bay, Broadstairs. They had gone to the aid of a person in a kayak who had got into difficulties but were thought to be encountering problems themselves in their attempts to rescue the kayaker in blustery conditions. The inshore lifeboat was launched and before arriving the surfers and the person in the kayak managed to make shore unaided. The lifeboat recovered the kayak from the sea to prevent it being the cause for possible concern later in the day.

This morning (2 December) the all weather lifeboat was called out after the master of a cargo ship was taken ill. The Russian general cargo ship Sormovskiy-3056 was at anchor in the Margate Roads awaiting better weather before continuing their voyage to Santander when they contacted coastguards at Dover reporting that the ships master had been taken ill. It was suspected that he may have had a heart attack and doctors ashore recommended his immediate evacuation from the vessel. The Mersey class all weather lifeboat was tasked to the incident and was soon alongside the vessel. The casualty was brought ashore to Margate harbour by the lifeboat where he was handed over to the care of the South East Coast Ambulance Service who took him to the QEQM hospital in Margate.

Peter Barker, Margate lifeboat operations manager says; “This is the fourth call we have had this year to evacuate an ill crewman from a merchant ship in what has been a particularly busy year for our volunteer crews. We have responded to over 60 calls so far this year, up by around 45% on last year. This increase is possibly down to the mixed bag of weather during the year that has encouraged people to take to the sea but then find themselves in difficulties when the weather changes suddenly”

Enquiries regarding the Russian seaman should be directed to QEQM hospital Margate.

Notes to editors

• Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/margate
• A video of a Mersey class lifeboat in rough seas can be viewed at www.rnli.org.uk/who_we_are/press_centre/videos/video_detail?articleid=321824&category=®ion=&listing=
• A photo of Margate’s Mersey class all-weather lifeboat Leonard Kent and the D Class inshore lifeboat can be viewed at www.rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you/east/stations/MargateKent/gallery

Mudeford RNLI's Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, ‘Mudeford Servant’, was requested to launch at approximately 11.30 last night (Tuesday 1 December), to join the search for a missing person.

A man, believed to be in his early thirties and from London, had been reported missing by his family after not returning home when expected from a fishing trip in Mudeford.

The Coastguard helicopter located the man’s dinghy in an inaccessible location 300 yards east of Chewton Bunny (Barton on Sea) and his car was found in Mudeford Quay car park.

The search for the man continued when Lymington and Yarmouth RNLI lifeboats, together with Southbourne and Lymington Coastguard, were then also tasked to broaden the shoreline search. The seas were very rough now and there were strong south-westerly winds. Police at this stage were also conducting a land search.

Mudeford RNLI lifeboat was stood down after three and a half hours at 2.42 this morning and returned to station at 3am. The search was called off and the land search would continue in daylight by the Coastguard.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone RNLI press office on 01202 336789 or email pressoffice@rnli.org.uk

Mudeford RNLI's Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, ‘Mudeford Servant’, was requested to launch at approximately 11.30 last night (Tuesday 1 December), to join the search for a missing person.

A man, believed to be in his early thirties and from London, had been reported missing by his family after not returning home when expected from a fishing trip in Mudeford.

The Coastguard helicopter located the man’s dinghy in an inaccessible location 300 yards east of Chewton Bunny (Barton on Sea) and his car was found in Mudeford Quay car park.

The search for the man continued when Lymington and Yarmouth RNLI lifeboats, together with Southbourne and Lymington Coastguard, were then also tasked to broaden the shoreline search. The seas were very rough now and there were strong south-westerly winds. Police at this stage were also conducting a land search.

Mudeford RNLI lifeboat was stood down after three and a half hours at 2.42 this morning and returned to station at 3am. The search was called off and the land search would continue in daylight by the Coastguard.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone RNLI press office on 01202 336789 or email pressoffice@rnli.org.uk

Lifeboat volunteers from Sunderland RNLI lifeboat station sprang into action shortly before 6pm last night [Tuesday 1 December] to assist the crew of a 15ft safety vessel that had run aground on mud-banks near Liebherr Cranes, Deptford.

The 15ft safety vessel is working in the area as part of a six-week project forming part of the design works for the new road bridge spanning the River Wear between Pallion and Wessington Way.

The rescue mission was launched after officers at Humber Coastguard received an emergency ‘999’ telephone call from the crew onboard the vessel. stating that they had run aground after suffering engine failure.

Officers contacted the Lifeboat Operations Manager at Sunderland RNLI and requested the immediate launch of their D class inshore lifeboat Helen & Ian Tytler, as well as tasking a shore-based rescue team from Sunderland Coastguard.

The lifeboat launched under the command of Senior Helmsman Paul Nicholson and quickly located the vessel, which was sitting on the mud bank adjacent to Liebherr Cranes.

Paul said:

'Due to the time that had elapsed since the vessel first ran aground, we were unable to refloat the vessel on the same tide. We decided to evacuate the crew to safety and wait for the next high tide to refloat the vessel.'

The two men onboard (adults from Liverpool) were transferred to the inshore lifeboat and landed at Sunderland Marina.

Shortly after 11pm, the charity's two inshore lifeboats re-launched in gale force winds, rain showers, and near-freezing temperatures to attempt to refloat the stricken vessel on the rising tide.

In a joint operation involving eight volunteers onboard the two inshore lifeboats, the vessel was successfully refloated shortly before midnight before being towed to a temporary mooring within Sunderland Marina.

Paul added:

'Thankfully the vessel was undamaged and we were able to refloat her on the next rising tide. We urge all boat owners to ensure that they are carrying a suitably sized anchor and rope that can be used to help prevent a vessel running aground should a failure occur.'

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

Video Footage

A 30-second video clip taken during the incident is available for media use. Please contact one of the below persons for further information.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact either Paul Nicholson, Sunderland RNLI Press Officer on 07957 494077 or pauldnich@yahoo.co.uk or Anthony Jobling, Sunderland RNLI Assistant Press Officer on 07977 152399 or anthonyjobling@sky.com As an alternative, please contact Alison Levett, Media Relations Manager North on 07786 668912 or alevett@rnli.org.uk or RNLI headquarters Public Relations on 01202 336000.

Two times Olympian and Commonwealth marathon medallist Liz Yelling joined over 600 people for the RNLI’s annual Reindeer Run in Moors Valley Country Park, Dorset on Sunday (29 November). Liz and her husband along with 10 of her friends ran the 10K course dressed as reindeers pulling Santa in his sleigh.

As the festive season gets underway, the RNLI’s Reindeer Run has become well known for it’s fun, family atmosphere. Participants on both the 5 and 10 k courses are given a pair of reindeer antlers, and many come in fancy dress, with all manner of festive attire to raise funds for the RNLI lifeguards in the south west.

Liz, who is based in Dorset says:

'My husband and I have done the RNLI Reindeer Run with a group of friends as a Christmas fun run for the last two years, and regardless of the sometimes horrible weather we've really enjoy it. Despite being a two times Olympian and Commonwealth marathon medallist with a marathon personal best of 2 hours and 28 minutes, I simply enjoy the Reindeer Run as a great day out and a bit of fun with my friends, helping to raise some much needed funds for the RNLI, even elite runners don’t take it seriously all the time.'

Carla Rowley, RNLI’s Lifeguard Events Manager was delighted with the enthusiasm shown by all the runners and spectators. She says:

‘As usual the runners and spectators really made the Reindeer Run what it is; they come year after year and never disappoint in their enthusiasm. The fancy dress outfits were brilliant and the sea of 600 runners in reindeer antlers was a fabulous sight! In addition we hope to have raised over £13,000 to help provide the essential lifesaving equipment and training for the RNLI lifeguards.

We are particularly grateful to the local branches of Starbucks who provided the coffee, Waitrose and Morrisons who provided the mince pies, and Highland Spring who donated 600 bottles of water. All these generous contributions where gratefully received by the runners, but they also mean that the proceeds of the Reindeer Run will go directly towards the training and equipment needed by the charity’s lifeguards.’

Notes to Editors

• Please find attached a picture of Olympic runner Liz Yelling (far left) dressed as a reindeer with 10 of her friends pulling Santa in his sleigh, at Dorset’s RNLI Reindeer Run. Please credit RNLI.
• In 2008, RNLI lifeguards in the south west, responded to 8,424 incidents on the beach, aiding 9,802 people and saving 39 lives.
• The RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal aims to raise £500,000 between 2009 and 2012 toward the cost of providing RNLI lifeguards on over 90 beaches in the south west.

RNLI media contacts

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

Kerry Blewett, an RNLI lifeguard who patrols the beaches in west Cornwall has been selected to train as part of the Great Britain (GB) sprint kayak team working towards London’s 2012 Olympics.

In October 2008 Kerry entered a UK Sport and English Institute of Sport (EIS) talent recruitment drive, which set out to find highly competitive sportswomen with the potential to become champions in a number of targeted Olympic sports. Over 900 female athletes were tested during Phase One, with 26 progressing to the Phase Two assessments for GB Canoeing.

As one of seven girls out of the 26 who met the required performance standards, Kerry went on to take part in an intensive talent confirmation programme designed to better explore her general adaptability to sprint kayaking. It involved a series of training camps and assessments over a six month period and included an intensive on-water, gym and cross training programme she had to fit around her job as an RNLI lifeguard on Penwith beaches this summer.

Kerry will now train at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham for eight months before moving to London in the spring to continue training with the national team. Her training programme consists of more than 30 hours per week, running, swimming, weights, and lots water practise before weather conditions worsen.

Kerry who is 23 and from Penzance, has been a lifeguard in Cornwall for 5 years. She is hoping that she can find some time in her demanding training schedule to be back on the beaches next summer. She says;

‘Growing up I’ve always been involved in a lot of sports, and had played water polo to national level, and of course as an RNLI lifeguard I have to meet the strict fitness criteria. However I felt I could go further if I found the right sport for me, so this opportunity is just amazing.

The last year has just flown by; it has been both a mental and physical challenge to fit the assessment days and intensive training programme around my work on the beach as an RNLI lifeguard. It’s involved a lot of very early mornings, sometimes fitting in up to 3 hours of training before work and often not getting home from the gym until 11 at night. I am also working hard to find a sponsor to support myself financially.’

However I am really enjoying it and I am really excited about the possibilities this opportunity could bring, to be able to represent Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics would be amazing.’

Notes to Editors

• Please find attached a picture of RNLI Lifeguard Kerry Blewitt
• Companies interested in supporting Kerry can contact her at kerry.blewett@hotmail.co.uk
• In 2008, RNLI lifeguards in the south west, responded to 8,424 incidents on the beach, aiding 9,802 people and saving 39 lives.
• 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.
• The RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal aims to raise £500,000 between 2009 and 2012 toward the cost of providing RNLI lifeguards on over 90 beaches in the south west.

RNLI media contacts

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

Fishguard RNLI all-weather lifeboat was turned out late Tuesday afternoon as darkness fell on a miserable, wet and windy evening to rescue two men in a 10 foot dinghy off Saddle Point between Goodwick and Fishguard.

Their small engine had failed whilst they were winkling off the rocks. They then tried to row to Lower Town Quay but the Force 8 offshore winds were too much.

A member of the public sounded the alarm and the lifeboat was on scene in a matter of minutes. The two men were transferred to the lifeboat and the dinghy taken under tow to Lower Town quay where they were met by the Coastguard and given suitable advice as the lifeboat returned to its pen just before 5pm.

RNLI media contacts

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

Representatives from the Chippenham Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) fundraising branch were delighted to accept a donation of £3,000 from the town’s Half Marathon organisers on Saturday (28 November). Phil Bulson and Charles Carter accepted the donation on behalf of the charity at a presentation at the Chippenham Sports Club.

On Sunday 13 September 2009 nearly 1,400 people completed the half marathon course, which went through the streets of Chippenham and the surrounding villages. As the official charities, both the RNLI and Dorothy’s House received a donation of £3,000 from the proceeds of the race. In addition to the £1,621 raised by the team of 12 RNLI runners, the half marathon has raised an amazing £4,621 for the charity’s lifeguards.

Carla Rowley, the RNLI Events Manager says;

‘We’re really grateful to the race organisers, the runners, and to the residents of Chippenham who host the half marathon every year, as well as the team of RNLI runners who raised a fantastic amount between them. The money raised will go towards the training and equipment the RNLI lifeguards, who patrol over 90 beaches in the south west, need to continue their lifesaving work.

We’re also delighted to say that the RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal has been nominated as the Official Charity Appeal of the Year for the 2010 Bath Half Marathon on 7 March, and we are looking for runners to join the RNLI team. We’d love to see some of the familiar faces from Chippenham, as well as anyone else who fancies a challenge in the New Year. If you would like more information on running the Bath Half Marathon on behalf of the RNLI, please contact Hannah Carling on 01202 336080’

Notes to Editors

• Please find attached a picture of the committee of the Chippenham Harriers and Philip Bulson RNLI Chippenham Branch with a cheque for £3,000 for the RNLI
• If you would like more information on running the Bath Half Marathon on behalf of the RNLI, please contact Hannah Carling on 01202 336080 or visit www.rnli.org.uk/bathhalf
• In 2008, RNLI lifeguards in the south west, responded to 8,424 incidents on the beach, aiding 9,802 people and saving 39 lives.
• The RNLI’s South West Lifeguard Appeal aims to raise £500,000 between 2009 and 2012 toward the cost of providing RNLI lifeguards on over 90 beaches in the south west.

RNLI media contacts

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

Brixham Coastguard requested the assistance of Teignmouth's RNLI Inshore lifeboat at around 2pm yesterday (Wednesday 2 December).  The volunteer crew were tasked to to help the skipper of the fishing vessel Lola K who had been taken ill 6.5 miles east of Teignmouth.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene the Coastguard helicopter winchman was on the fishing boat providing medical support. A crewman was put aboard the fishing vessel, and helped assess the situation. It was decided that it was too dangerous to try and lift the ill skipper off the fishing boat because of all the overhead obstructions, it being safer to transfer the casualty to the lifeboat and then winch him from the lifeboat to the helicopter.

The lifeboat came alongside the stern of the fishing vessel for the transfer as the heavy swell and the fishing equipment down the fishing boat sides made transfer anywhere else hazardous. The sick man was safely transferred to the lifeboat and then to helicopter and taken to hospital.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Tony Watson, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07831 350 647