Byline: Successful launching trials herald a new era for Exmouth’s new RNLI lifeboat station Page Content:

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has successfully completed a practical trial of the launching ramp at the new Exmouth lifeboat station, following investigations after it was damaged during earlier trials. It is now hoped that minor improvements to the structure will rectify the issues that had caused the charity concern and that the boathouse will soon be fully operational.

Core samples of the ramp beams used in the construction were taken after a number of pieces of concrete broke off during training sessions when the lifeboat was being taken up to the boathouse on its carriage. These have now proved that the beams comply with the regulatory and strict building standards set. As a result of this, the RNLI turned their attention to the design of the surface profile of the ramp and yesterday, Thursday 22 October 2009) successfully trialled a modified section of the ramp designed to both improve the traction between the ramp itself and the lifeboat rig and to prevent further damage.

Howard Richings, Head of RNLI Estates Management, explains:

‘We adjusted the level of a small number of the beams that make up the deck of the launch ramp and also locked them together. This gave the ramp a more even surface that, it was hoped, would improve the traction of the tractor used to move the all-weather lifeboat and minimise vibration and the areas of the beams exposed to damaging pressures. I’m pleased to say this worked extremely well and our plan is to now apply the adjustments to the rest of the upper section of the ramp. This work will begin next Monday (26 October) and, given good weather, should be completed within two weeks after which the new facilities should become fully operational.’

Nigel Jones, RNLI Deputy Divisional Inspector, says the future is now looking extremely positive:

‘As soon as the work is completed we hope to move swiftly toward moving in Exmouth’s two lifeboats. In the meantime, the new lifeboat station is now home to the RNLI shop, which reports excellent trade, and is also the administrative base for the Coxswain and lifeboat management team. Both Exmouth’s all weather and inshore lifeboats continue to remain fully operational and have done so successfully throughout the summer and early autumn.

We regret the delays in moving the lifeboats to the new station but we have a duty to ensure the ramp is fit for purpose. It has taken some considerable time to get to this stage because of the very thorough investigations we have undertaken. Meanwhile we thank all those who have given to the appeal for this new facility and would like to reassure all those who are continuing to support the charity in Exmouth that the RNLI is doing its very best to ensure value for money in providing what will be an excellent boathouse.’

Notes to editors

• Attached is a picture of the Exmouth RNLI Mersey class all-weather lifeboat Margaret Jean and carriage, with the tractor, on the ramp during the trials. Please credit RNLI/Mike Rice.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Media Relations Manager, on 07786 668847 or email tthomas@rnli.org.uk or Jo Damsell, Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07551635363.

Byline: Thurso RNLI Lifeboat tows Faroese trawler to safety Page Content:

The Thurso RNLI lifeboat crew was called out this evening, Friday 23 October to assist a Faroese trawler, which had broken down off Holborn Head with eight people on board, and had started drifting towards the shore in the south-easterly winds.

The RNLI lifeboat The Duke of Kent left Scrabster Harbour around 5.50pm and was alongside the casualty vessel, the Hoyvikingur, within five minutes, where the lifeboat crew quickly established a tow rope to the vessel and took the casualty under tow to Scrabster, where they arrived safely twenty minutes later.

The Thurso crew had been called out to the same trawler earlier in the week after it had broken down in almost the exact location on Sunday evening, but on that occasion another vessel had taken the boat under tow before the lifeboat was on scene.

Notes to Editors

Two photos of the rescue are attached. Please credit RNLI.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact, RNLI Thurso Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Karen Munro on Kasmunro@btinternet.com or RNLI Media Relations Manager for Scotland, Rachel Martin, on 07786 668903 or ramartin@rnli.org.uk

Byline: Sheerness RNLI in Dual Tow Page Content:

RNLI Sheerness All Weather Lifeboat George and Ivy Swanson crew were paged at 7:46pm on 24/10/09 and launched the boat at 8.00pm to a 7.9 metre Motorboat Seavee 3 broken down whilst towing the 7.3 metre yacht Jaranda in Saltpan Reach off the Isle of Grain, with a total of 3 persons onboard.

The ALB placed volunteer crewman Nathan Silverston onboard the Motorboat and towed both craft up to Gillingham Marina, where they were secured, the Lifeboat returned to station at 10.25pm.

The boats were carrying two adult males and a 14 year old male from Gillingham and London.

Notes to editors

• The Sheerness lifeboat station was established in 1969 by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and is one of 224 lifeboat stations around the shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
• The volunteer crews provide a maritime search and rescue service for the Kent coast. The station is equipped with a 46ft Trent Class Offshore Lifeboat called “The George and Ivy Swanson”, and a IB1 inshore lifeboat called “Eleanor”

RNLI media contacts

For further information please contact Sheerness Lifeboat Station Press Officer Barry Crayford on 01795 555801 or 07851 774286 or bazcrayford@btinternet.com

Byline: Kirkwall RNLI Lifeboat called out to yacht off Stronsay Page Content:

Kirkwall RNLI Lifeboat goes to investigate yacht thought to be in trouble in Mill Bay Stronsay.

Shetland Coastguard (SCG) paged Launch Request at 12.52pm. LOM Christopher Irvine telephoned for more information and was informed that a yacht appeared to be in difficulty in Mill Bay, Stronsay. SCG had tried to contact the vessel by VHF with no success. SCG asked if the lifeboat could launch to investigate as the yacht crew may be in difficulty.

The crew were paged for Launch ALB at 12.54pm hrs and mustered at the station. Margaret Foster 1713 departed station at 13.04pm with Coxswain Geoff Gardens and 6 more crew aboard.

1713 reached the entrance of Mill Bay at 14:15 hrs and was taking heavy seas. The coxswain was reluctant to enter the Bay as he felt that, with the swell that was running, the lifeboat may take the ground. The Cox decided to wait till the tide turned to await more suitable conditions for entering the bay. SCG tasked the helicopter 102 to investigate further.

1713 was in position 59°10.87N 002°36.96W at 2.30pm when helicopter 102 took off. Helicopter 102 was on scene at 2.52pm.

At 2.55pm Helicopter 102 passed a radio message to SCG that the two crew onboard the yacht had given them the thumbs up and that they were going to raise them on channel 16.

At 3.00pm 1713 was stood down by SCG when it was established that all was well with the anchored yacht and her crew.1713 proceeded to station at Kirkwall.

1713 arrived back on station at 4.00pm and was refuelled, ready for service again at 4.12pm.

Notes to editors

• Kirkwall lifeboat station has been operating since 1972. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/kirkwall

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Graeme Smith, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 08730 071968 or Kirkwall@fsmail.net or Rachel Martin Media Relations Manager Scotland on 07786 668903 or ramartin@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Byline: 40th wedding anniversary supports Lizard RNLI's Tamar lifeboat appeal Page Content:

Ernie and Sue Pursglove, from The Lizard, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in classic style at the weekend when the professional Jazz and Flamenco band ‘TG Collective’ (www.tgcollective.com) in which their son Andrew is a key musician, arrived in town for a live concert and party, staged at Ruan Minor Village Hall.

Financial donations to the RNLI charity's Lizard Tamar Lifeboat Appeal in lieu of anniversary gifts on the evening, together with a marvellous feast of food and drink very generously prepared by the Pursglove family, guaranteed a splendid time was had by all.

The band had travelled down from the midlands, entirely at their own expense, specially for the occasion and gave Ernie and Sue and the excited audience an absolutely brilliant performance.

TG Collective musician Andrew had managed to write the evening’s music arrangement specially for his parents, a very fitting tribute by a wonderfully talented son on a memorable occasion, enjoyed by everyone and satisfyingly for a very worthy cause.

Following the performance, RNLI Lizard Lifeboat Operations Manager Ned Nuzum said he was bowled over by the concert and emphasised how this kind of event typified the overwhelming support presently being experienced by the new Lizard Tamar Lifeboat appeal. Mr Nuzum added, the kindness and generosity of ordinary folk can be so overwhelming at times; he thanked the Pursglove Family for staging such a wonderful event and looked forward to seeing this talented band in action once again in the near future.

The appeal fund currently stands at a mammoth £83,688.40 – further information can be found on The Lizard Lifeboat station website: www.thelizardlifeboat.org.uk

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact The Lizard Lifeboat Press Officer Clare Julier on 01326 290532 or 07814 313404

Byline: Two shouts in a week for Fowey RNLI lifeboats Page Content:

After a quiet end of season, the volunteer crew of Fowey’s RNLI lifeboats have been called upon twice within seven days.

At 4.04pm on Saturday the 17th October, the crew of Fowey’s inshore lifeboat, Olive Two, launched following a request from Brixham Coastguard. They had received a report that several ten year old children were trapped on the rocks off Porthpean beach. It was a warm, sunny afternoon and high spring tides had trapped the children who had been rock-pooling off the Beach. The Inshore Lifeboat crew had the lifeboat in the water and underway within a few minutes, when they reached the beach, the children had already been aided ashore. A diver in the water had swum to them and helped them safely back to the beach.

Exactly a week later, at 12.03pm on Saturday the 24th, the RNLI Fowey’s all-weather lifeboat, Forward Birmingham, was launched to a yacht that was reportedly taking on water. The yacht was a few miles south of Gribben Head and had four persons onboard. One of the volunteer crew transferred onboard the yacht where it was found that the water was actually leaking from the freshwater storage onboard and was not an ingress of seawater. The Trent class lifeboat escorted the yacht and its crew safely into Fowey.

Will Mitchell, Operations Manager for RNLI Fowey Lifeboat, said: ‘The crew have been training regularly and have recently undertaken divisional inspections. You never know when their services will be required and we are proud of the quick reaction we have from all of our volunteer crew at any time of the day or night.’

Our Trent class lifeboat, Maurice and Joyce Hardy is presently in Scotland in refit and should be returning towards the end of the year. In the meantime we have the identical all-weather lifeboat, the Forward Birmingham on station in Fowey to cover.

For further details of the Fowey Lifeboat station visit: www.foweylifeboat.co.uk

Notes to Editors

• On average it costs £5,800 to launch an all-weather lifeboat, such as the Maurice and Joyce Hardy and £2,200 to launch an inshore lifeboat like the Olive Two.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Sam Ellis, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07970 092116 or samkellis@live.co.uk or Tamsin Thomas Media Relations Manager for the south on 07786 668847 or tthomas@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Byline: Two shouts in a week for Fowey RNLI lifeboats Page Content:

After a quiet end of season, the volunteer crew of Fowey’s RNLI lifeboats have been called upon twice within seven days.

At 4.04pm on Saturday the 17th October, the crew of Fowey’s inshore lifeboat, Olive Two, launched following a request from Brixham Coastguard. They had received a report that several ten year old children were trapped on the rocks off Porthpean beach. It was a warm, sunny afternoon and high spring tides had trapped the children who had been rock-pooling off the Beach. The Inshore Lifeboat crew had the lifeboat in the water and underway within a few minutes, when they reached the beach, the children had already been aided ashore. A diver in the water had swum to them and helped them safely back to the beach.

Exactly a week later, at 12.03pm on Saturday the 24th, the RNLI Fowey’s all-weather lifeboat, Forward Birmingham, was launched to a yacht that was reportedly taking on water. The yacht was a few miles south of Gribben Head and had four persons onboard. One of the volunteer crew transferred onboard the yacht where it was found that the water was actually leaking from the freshwater storage onboard and was not an ingress of seawater. The Trent class lifeboat escorted the yacht and its crew safely into Fowey.

Will Mitchell, Operations Manager for RNLI Fowey Lifeboat, said: ‘The crew have been training regularly and have recently undertaken divisional inspections. You never know when their services will be required and we are proud of the quick reaction we have from all of our volunteer crew at any time of the day or night.’

Our Trent class lifeboat, Maurice and Joyce Hardy is presently in Scotland in refit and should be returning towards the end of the year. In the meantime we have the identical all-weather lifeboat, the Forward Birmingham on station in Fowey to cover.

For further details of the Fowey Lifeboat station visit: www.foweylifeboat.co.uk

Notes to Editors

• On average it costs £5,800 to launch an all-weather lifeboat, such as the Maurice and Joyce Hardy and £2,200 to launch an inshore lifeboat like the Olive Two.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Sam Ellis, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07970 092116 or samkellis@live.co.uk or Tamsin Thomas Media Relations Manager for the south on 07786 668847 or tthomas@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Byline: Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat launched to grounded vessel Page Content:

At 14.00hrs Saturday October 24, the Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Vera Skilton brought two persons to safety after their vessel went aground south of Goat Road, on the eastern shore of Lough Derg, County Tipperary.

Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat launched following a request from Valentia Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a cruiser aground on Goat Road. The RNLI lifeboat with helm Peter Clarke, Colin Knight and Ciaran Murphy on board, launched at 13.30hrs. Six volunteer RNLI crew members responded to the request to launch by Valentia Coast Guard.

The wind was south westerly Force 6, with visibility down to 400metres with squalls. The cruiser was blown aground after suffering engine failure. The persons on board dropped anchor but was blown onto the shore by strong winds. Both persons on board were safe and unharmed.

The cruiser was taken off the rocks and towed into the public harbour at Kilgarvin, just north of the Goat Road.

Ends 

Media contactEleanor Hooker Lough Derg RNLI Helm and Lifeboat Press Officer Mobile telephone 0877 53 52 07 emhooker@eircom.net Notes to editors * Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since May 2004. The lifeboat is based at Dromineer, Nenagh, County Tipperary To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/loughderglifeboat

Byline: RNLI Bangor Lifeboat launch to assist with the rescue of crew from blazing fishing boat. Page Content:

RNLI Bangor Lifeboat launched at 1.05pm this afternoon (Friday 23 October 2009) to assist with the rescue of 5 crew members from a small fishing vessel which was on fire.

Belfast Coastguard received the initial report from concerned members of the public that smoke could be seen bellowing from a small fishing vessel which working the cockle bank grounds ½ mile off Holywood coast on the southern shores of Belfast Lough.

Due to the ferocity and speed at which the fire took hold, the crew had to abandon the vessel into the water. Crew from another fishing boat which was working close by were able to pluck the men from the water and transfer them to a fast pilot boat. The pilot vessel was then able to transfer the shocked crewmembers swiftly to the pilot station at Belfast Harbour. After ensuring no further life was at risk RNLI Bangor Lifeboat proceeded to Belfast Harbour to offer first aid and oxygen.

An exclusion zone has been placed around the burning vessel.

RNLI volunteer crewman Steven Carson who was involved in assisting with this rescue said ‘Had it not been for the swift actions of the crew from the boat fishing nearby this serious incident could have ended in tragedy.

He added ‘We are glad all crew are now safely ashore’ RNLI Bangor Lifeboat provides a 24 hour on call rescue service dedicated to saving lives at sea.

Ends 

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

Byline: Falmouth RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew rescue five people from the water Page Content:

At 5.08am on the morning of Saturday 24 October Falmouth Coastguard requested that the inshore lifeboat be launched to go to the aid of several people who had been thrown into the water from their capsized dinghy and were taking shelter on a yacht in the harbour. Falmouth Coastguard mobile unit was also tasked to assist.

The lifeboat launched from her slipway at 5.14am, arrived at the scene of Admirals Quay at 5.17am and, after a search of several minutes, found the casualties sheltering onboard the yacht Valhalla.

The four casualties were very cold and wet so were immediately transferred into the lifeboat and taken back to the lifeboat station where paramedics had been called to take care of them.

The lifeboat returned to the scene to collect the casualties’ personal belongings left on the yacht and also recovered the partially submerged dinghy, which was taken back to the boathouse.

There were five people in the dinghy initially. After an evening out in Falmouth they decided to row their 8ft dinghy across the harbour to Flushing, but as the dinghy was overloaded they capsized and all ended up in the water.

They made several attempts to get out of the water and onto one of the many boats in the harbour but only succeeded after 20 minutes by climbing onto the deck of Valhalla.

After spending approximately an hour on the yacht trying to warm themselves up without much success, one of the party decided to re-enter the water and swim for help.

None of the party had been wearing lifejackets, one could not swim and all had to support themselves in the water by clinging on to the upturned dinghy.

Without doubt, had it not been for the swift intervention of the lifeboat crew, there could well have been fatalities in this situation.

Notes to editors

The crew on this rescue mission were: Dave Nicoll (Helmsman), Luke Wills and Andy Jenkin.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Gerry Gearon, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01326 212438 or gerrygearon@hotmail.com or Tamsin Thomas, Media Relations Manager South on 01752 850663 or tthomas@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

Byline: Falmouth RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew rescue five people from the water Page Content:

At 5.08am on the morning of Saturday 24 October Falmouth Coastguard requested that the inshore lifeboat be launched to go to the aid of several people who had been thrown into the water from their capsized dinghy and were taking shelter on a yacht in the harbour. Falmouth Coastguard mobile unit was also tasked to assist.

The lifeboat launched from her slipway at 5.14am, arrived at the scene of Admirals Quay at 5.17am and, after a search of several minutes, found the casualties sheltering onboard the yacht Valhalla.

The four casualties were very cold and wet so were immediately transferred into the lifeboat and taken back to the lifeboat station where paramedics had been called to take care of them.

The lifeboat returned to the scene to collect the casualties’ personal belongings left on the yacht and also recovered the partially submerged dinghy, which was taken back to the boathouse.

There were five people in the dinghy initially. After an evening out in Falmouth they decided to row their 8ft dinghy across the harbour to Flushing, but as the dinghy was overloaded they capsized and all ended up in the water.

They made several attempts to get out of the water and onto one of the many boats in the harbour but only succeeded after 20 minutes by climbing onto the deck of Valhalla.

After spending approximately an hour on the yacht trying to warm themselves up without much success, one of the party decided to re-enter the water and swim for help.

None of the party had been wearing lifejackets, one could not swim and all had to support themselves in the water by clinging on to the upturned dinghy.

Without doubt, had it not been for the swift intervention of the lifeboat crew, there could well have been fatalities in this situation.

Notes to editors

The crew on this rescue mission were: Dave Nicoll (Helmsman), Luke Wills and Andy Jenkin.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Gerry Gearon, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01326 212438 or gerrygearon@hotmail.com or Tamsin Thomas, Media Relations Manager South on 01752 850663 or tthomas@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

Byline: Penarth RNLI rescues two fishing boats Page Content:

Saturday 24 October proved busy for Penarth’s volunteer lifeboat crew after the boat was called out to reports of two small fishing boats in trouble and missing in the Bristol Channel.

Both Penarth’s RNLI lifeboats were launched with helm Andy Vye-Parminter and his crew of Jim Mayer and Oli Jaycock in the larger Atlantic 75 boat, and Karl Lawrence helming the smaller inshore lifeboat (ILB), with his crew of Ben Reynolds and Jon Russill.

After searching for some time in bad weather conditions and a wave height of between 1.5 and 2m, both the lifeboats used their search lights and night vision aids to assist in the search.

Eventually the lifeboat fired three white para flares in succession to illuminate the area and to provide the lost fishing boats with a reference point.

After reaching a point one and a half miles away from the original reported position, the lifeboat crews spotted a torch flashing some way further offshore and further up the Channel.

The ILB followed the light and found one of the missing boats with two men on board.

Both were very inappropriately dressed given the conditions of strong wind and rain, with no warm or waterproof clothing or VHF radio and most importantly no lifejackets.

The lifeboat crew issued lifejackets and waterproof equipment to the two men and the ILB began to tow the fishing boat towards Cardiff Barrage.

ILB helm, Andy Vye-Parminter said: ‘It soon became clear that with tide, wind and heavy seas against us, it was going to be a long, slow and wet passage to the Barrage.

‘With waves breaking over both boats, the two men on board the fishing boat were becoming cold and wet so we decided to divert the tow and head for the closer shelter of the Rhymney River. Amidst steep breaking waves, we entered the relative calm of the river, secured the fishing boat at the boatyard and handed the two grateful gentlemen into the care of the Coastguards.’

With one vessel found, the Coastguard arranged for the second missing boat to fire one red flare to assist in locating her position.

Once the flare had been fired, the Atlantic 75 made its way quickly to the that position, which was around ¾ mile further offshore, and found the two crew of the boat safe and well and both wearing lifejackets.

Due to the worsening weather conditions, slow progress was made for the three mile tow back to Cardiff Bay Barrage and both lifeboats eventually returned to the lifeboat station three hours after the launch.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Claire Kingston, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07812 430234 or RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789. Alternatively, Danielle Rush, Media Relations Manager West on 01745 585162 or 07786668829 or danielle_rush@rnli.org.uk

Byline: Volunteer crew from the RNLI’s Barrow station launched the inshore lifeboat this afternoon to a report of two ladies attempting to cross the Foulney breakwater on a flooding spring tide. Page Content: Liverpool Coastguard had requested lifeboat assistance at 2pm, after they received a report from the two ladies themselves, who tried to walk along the Foulney breakwater towards Roa Island causeway, whilst it was covered with a flooding spring tide. They were advised to try and make their way back onto Foulney Island, the lifeboat was called and a mobile team from Walney Coastguard were alerted.

The weather at the time the weather was fine, the high water was expected to be 9.4 metres at 2-49pm and there was a moderate breeze from the north west.

The ‘Vision of Tamworth’ was launched at 2-10pm with volunteer crew Ben Jackson, Chris Moore and Dave Kell aboard. They were quickly on the scene and recovered the two ladies, who were from the Durham area, back to the safety of the Roa Island lifeboat station.

Dave Kell, Deputy Second Coxswain of Barrow RNLI said, “These ladies were none the worse for their experience, a little shaken at what might have happened and a little wet, but it was a good outcome. We would like to remind the public that Foulney Island breakwater is not a safe place to walk as there are many holes and sudden dips in the stonework. These can be seen when the tide is out, but when covered by a fast flooding tide they are very dangerous. If you go for a walk on Foulney and the spring tides cover the breakwater, just remain on the island and let the tide go out before continuing back to the causeway”.

Byline: A couple from Latvia were rescued by RNLI lifeboats on Monday 29 April 2013 when they became cut-off by the incoming tide beneath cliffs at Saltburn. Page Content:

The alarm was raised just before 4.45pm by a member of the public who spotted the two, both aged 28-years, trapped at a notorious cut-off point under Huntcliff.

 Two RNLI lifeboats from Redcar were dispatched. When the lifeboats arrived they found the couple stranded below 100-metre high cliffs.

 The smaller D-class lifeboat from Redcar ran in to the cliff base and put a crew member ashore. The crew member gave the man and woman lifejackets and they were then transferred one at a time into the lifeboat.

 Dave Cocks, from Redcar RNLI, said: ‘It was lucky they were spotted when they were, because there were still two hours to go before high tide.

 ‘It was a fairly straightforward rescue for our volunteer crews. We get regular launches to rescue people who find themselves trapped by the tide at Saltburn.’

 The couple were transferred into the larger Redcar lifeboat and landed ashore at Saltburn where coastguard officers gave them advice about checking tide times.

 Dave Cocks added: ‘We think they were visitors to the area rather than being residents and this incident highlights the need to take simple precautions. Always check the time of high tide and be aware that you can be cut off at Saltburn up to three hours before high tide.

 ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

• Attached images show the rescue of two people from the base of cliffs at Saltburn. Credit RNLI/Redcar
• Redcar lifeboat station has been operating since 1802
• Redcar currently operates a B-class lifeboat named Leicester Challenge III, paid for by the people of Leicester, and an IB1-class lifeboat named Jacky Hunsley, paid from the legacy of the late Jacqueline Hunsley of Leeds
• For more news, information and images go to www.redcarlifeboat.org.uk
• Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redcarrnli
• Any images used should be credited RNLI/Redcar unless indicated

RNLI media contacts:

For more information please telephone Dave Cocks, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07894 558 483, or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789; pressoffice@rnli.org.uk

Byline: Sheerness inshore lifeboat launched shortly after 1.00pm today Monday 29 April to initially a report of a person in the water in the River Medway, Rochester Page Content: The ILB crew were updated on route by Thames coastguard that the person was deceased.

On arrival at scene at Rochester pier, the crew of the ILB recovered the body from the water to the boat, which was then transferred to awaiting Medway coastguard and police marine units.

ILB returned to station and was ready for service at approx’ 3.40pm


Picture: Sheerness ILB at the scene.







Notes to editors:

The Sheerness lifeboat station was established in 1969 by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and is one of 235 Lifeboat stations around the shores of Great Britain and Ireland.

The volunteer crews provide a maritime search and rescue service for the Kent coast.
The station is equipped with a 46ft Trent Class Offshore Lifeboat called “George and Ivy Swanson”, and a IB1 inshore lifeboat called “Eleanor”


RNLI media contacts

Barry Crayford, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
07969659877 / bazcrayford@btinternet.com

Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East)
0207 6207426 / 07785 296252 / tim_ash@rnli.org.uk

Philly Byrde, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East)
0207 6207425 / 07886 668825

For enquiries outside business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789.

Byline: The RNLI is counting down to Mayday, the charity’s national fundraising campaign, which recognises Irish volunteer lifeboat crews around the country and raises funds to help them continue their work saving lives at sea. Page Content: Now in its second year and running nationwide, from Wednesday the 1st May to Bank Holiday Monday the 6th of May, the RNLI is asking the public to give it some welly and help the charity in its work.

The Mayday appeal is calling on people to lend their support by either purchasing a special RNLI Mayday yellow welly key ring which will be on sale for €2 at various outlets across the country during the campaign or by organising their own welly-themed fundraising event.

The yellow welly is a well known and essential piece of the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew member’s kit. Waterproof with steel-capped toes, the specially designed boots keep the volunteer crew’s feet warm and dry while also protecting them in dangerous conditions on deck. During gale force winds, rain and ice, keeping a sure footing can mean the difference between life and death for volunteers. Recognising the importance of this piece of kit the charity has made the crew member’s welly a key part of the MAYDAY campaign.

Dun Laoghaire RNLI coxswain Mark McGibney helped Ireland AM’s Sinéad Desmond to launch the RNLI Mayday campaign in Dublin this week.  Sinead commented: ‘I know from covering rescue and search operations how tirelessly the members of the RNLI work, and how utterly dedicated they are to a job that they do voluntarily. They are incredibly brave women and men and I respect them enormously. And as someone who lives by the coast and spends a lot of my time on and in the sea, knowing that they are there if I ever need them is very reassuring. But it is only thanks to the support of the public that they can continue to offer their specialised skills. I'd really urge everyone in Ireland to support MAYDAY, to buy a welly or hold a welly fundraiser. We have a great love of the sea in Ireland and so many of us use it for recreational purposes or for work, and when we are out there the RNLI keep us safe, if that isn't worth putting your hand in your pocket for I don't know what is! Get your wellies on!"

The RNLI MAYDAY appeal is proudly supported by John West who themselves have a long seagoing tradition. Since 1857 the company has had their own fleet of fishing boats. John West Chief Executive Brendan Murphy added, ‘The lifeboat crew counts 1,500 members in Ireland, men and women.  These volunteers commit all this effort and time for free.  Whenever their pagers go, they have to abandon their family or work and just go. At John West we know first-hand the reality of the power of the sea, and we fully appreciate and support the work that the RNLI do in saving lives everyday throughout Ireland’.

The public can also join in the social media campaign and help the RNLI raise awareness of its lifesaving work this Mayday. The charity has invited them to take a photo holding an RNLI Mayday yellow welly key ring and tweet the phrase ‘I am giving it some welly for the RNLI this Mayday’ including #RNLIMAYDAY and mentioning @RNLI. They will be joined by some well known faces who have all agreed to tweet their welly including Dermot O’Leary, Rachel Allen, Nicky Byrne, Sinead Desmond and others.

People looking for more information on how to get involved or where they can purchase a key ring, they log on to rnli.org/mayday

Ends

Photo Details
Pictured giving it some welly for the RNLI this Mayday are from left, Mark McGibney, Dun Laoghaire RNLI, Sinead Desmond, Ireland AM anchor, four-year-old Alex Carthy and Brendan Murphy, Managing Director, John West.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk or
Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk

Byline: The RNLI is counting down to Mayday, the charity’s national fundraising campaign, which recognises Irish volunteer lifeboat crews around the country and raises funds to help them continue their work saving lives at sea. Page Content: Now in its second year and running nationwide, from Wednesday the 1st May to Bank Holiday Monday the 6th of May, the RNLI is asking the public to give it some welly and help the charity in its work.

The Mayday appeal is calling on people to lend their support by either purchasing a special RNLI Mayday yellow welly key ring which will be on sale for €2 at various outlets across the country during the campaign or by organising their own welly-themed fundraising event.

The yellow welly is a well known and essential piece of the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew member’s kit. Waterproof with steel-capped toes, the specially designed boots keep the volunteer crew’s feet warm and dry while also protecting them in dangerous conditions on deck. During gale force winds, rain and ice, keeping a sure footing can mean the difference between life and death for volunteers. Recognising the importance of this piece of kit the charity has made the crew member’s welly a key part of the MAYDAY campaign.

Bundoran RNLI helm Kealan McNulty helped Ireland AM’s Sinéad Desmond to launch the RNLI Mayday campaign in Dublin this week.  Sinead commented: ‘I know from covering rescue and search operations how tirelessly the members of the RNLI work, and how utterly dedicated they are to a job that they do voluntarily. They are incredibly brave women and men and I respect them enormously. And as someone who lives by the coast and spends a lot of my time on and in the sea, knowing that they are there if I ever need them is very reassuring. But it is only thanks to the support of the public that they can continue to offer their specialised skills. I'd really urge everyone in Ireland to support MAYDAY, to buy a welly or hold a welly fundraiser. We have a great love of the sea in Ireland and so many of us use it for recreational purposes or for work, and when we are out there the RNLI keep us safe, if that isn't worth putting your hand in your pocket for I don't know what is! Get your wellies on!"

The RNLI MAYDAY appeal is proudly supported by John West who themselves have a long seagoing tradition. Since 1857 the company has had their own fleet of fishing boats. John West Chief Executive Brendan Murphy added, ‘The lifeboat crew counts 1,500 members in Ireland, men and women.  These volunteers commit all this effort and time for free.  Whenever their pagers go, they have to abandon their family or work and just go. At John West we know first-hand the reality of the power of the sea, and we fully appreciate and support the work that the RNLI do in saving lives everyday throughout Ireland’.

The public can also join in the social media campaign and help the RNLI raise awareness of its lifesaving work this Mayday. The charity has invited them to take a photo holding an RNLI Mayday yellow welly key ring and tweet the phrase ‘I am giving it some welly for the RNLI this Mayday’ including #RNLIMAYDAY and mentioning @RNLI. They will be joined by some well known faces who have all agreed to tweet their welly including Dermot O’Leary, Rachel Allen, Nicky Byrne, Sinead Desmond and others.

People looking for more information on how to get involved or where they can purchase a key ring, they log on to rnli.org/mayday

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Photo Details
Pictured giving it some welly for the RNLI this Mayday are from left, Kealan McNulty, Bundoran RNLI, Sinead Desmond, Ireland AM anchor, four-year-old Alex Carthy and Brendan Murphy, Managing Director, John West.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk or
Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk =

Byline: Castletownbere RNLI was launched early this morning to a French trawler in distress Page Content:

The Castletownbere lifeboat, the Annette Hutton, had an early morning call-out this morning (Sunday 28 April) when a French-registered fishing vessel requested assistance at 1.40am.

The 24 metre vessel Les Calanques, with five people on board, was steaming for Castletownbere when it experienced engine failure.

The lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Brian O’Driscoll, was tasked and located the vessel eight miles south west of Ardnakinna lighthouse.

Conditions on scene were fine. 

Once the situation had been assessed, the lifeboat attached a tow and brought the stricken vessel to Castletownbere.

Commenting on the call-out, Tony O’Sullivan, Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘There was no immediate danger and the rescue operation was carried out smoothly’.

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Date for your diary
The official opening of Castletownbere RNLI’s new building will take place on Saturday 18 May at 2.30pm.

RNLI media contacts
For information contact Paul Stevens Castletownbere Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Paul Stevens tel: 086 6015110 or email lifeboat1744@eircom.net or
contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

Byline: Helvick Head RNLI has assisted three people after their boat got into difficulty off the Waterford Coast. Page Content: The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat shortly after 8pm this evening Sunday (28 April) and go to Stradbally Cove, Dungarvan Harbour where assistance was required for a vessel which had sustained engine failure.

Having got into difficulty, one of the crew on board the 15ft punt swam ashore with a rope and stood on rocks with a line to hold the vessel in position while waiting for the rescue services.

The Irish Coast Guard Waterford Rescue Helicopter was also tasked to the scene.

Helvick Head RNLI’s crew with Richard Haynes, Mike Tóibín and Alan Kelly on board reached the casualty within a short time of receiving the call where the person onshore was taken on board the lifeboat.

The stricken vessel was then towed safely back to Stradbally cove.

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RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Dónal Ó Faoláin, Helvick Head RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0871277881, 05846315 or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

Byline: Two men in drifting powerboat rescued by Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat Page Content:

At 11:45 on Saturday night (10 October) Humber Coastguard received a mobile phone call from two men aboard a small boat in the river Tyne, asking for help as their engine had failed, leaving them drifting.

Tynemouth RNLI’s inshore lifeboat with three volunteer crew was launched immediately to search for the boat which was believed to be in the area of Royal Quays marina, North Shields.

After a brief search, the boat and the two men were found drifting in the Tyne opposite the marina.

A tow was attached to the four metre open motorboat and the boat and the two men, believed to be from the Gateshead area, were taken to safety. When they arrived at Satellite Quay, South Shields, the RNLI volunteer crew helped the men get the boat out of the water before returning to station.

Adrian Don, spokesman for Tynemouth RNLI said: “The two men said they had earlier sailed from Hebburn marina on a pleasure trip.

“Their outboard motor had failed leaving them with no choice but to call for help.

“We’re not really sure why they’d decided to take such a late night trip in a small open boat but the RNLI’s job is to rescue anyone in trouble on the water, which is what our volunteer crew did last night in a thoroughly professional manner.”

RNLI media contacts

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

Notes to editors

• Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat station was founded in 1862 and has 30 volunteer crewmembers that come from all walks of life. The station operates two lifeboats: Severn class all weather lifeboat "Spirit of Northumberland" and IB1 class inshore lifeboat "Mark Noble".