New Brighton RNLI tasked to dinghy in difficulty
Volunteer lifeboat crew at New Brighton were tasked to reports of four people in a small dinghy struggling against the conditions, at approximately 5:50pm on Monday 7 April.
On an incoming tide of approximately 5.5m, in southerly winds gusting at 13mph, New Brighton RNLI’s B-class lifeboat, Charles Dibdin, was tasked by HM Coastguard to reports of a small dinghy that had set out earlier in the evening on to the water and had been caught out by a fair offshore wind, causing them to struggle to recover to the beach, in the Gun Site area off Leasowe Bay.
Responding quickly, New Brighton’s Atlantic 85 launched and located the casualties, with assistance from shoreside Coastguard units. Upon initial assessment the casualties were found to be in good health, albeit a little cold and tired from their efforts to row back ashore after their small engine had failed.
A line was passed to the vessel, and they were gently brought back to shore where they were greeted by and further assessed by Coastguard units. The man, woman, and two children aboard were warmed up and checked over before heading home.
The tasking also marked a momentous occasion for New Brighton RNLI’s newly qualified Launch Authority, Nicky Prince, who oversaw her first tasking.
Nicky said:
‘I’d not even been booked onto my first shift for an hour when my first tasking as a Launch Authority came in! Thankfully, I was well prepared for it thanks to my excellent training, and the support and help of the crew around me. It was a good outcome for these casualties, but I’d always urge those heading out on the water to check on the conditions before they do so, and to always wear a lifejacket.’
Tom McGinn, helm for the tasking, said:
‘This was a good outcome for the casualties, and for everyone involved. They had some lifejackets with them, which was great to see, but not enough for everybody on board. If you’re heading out on the water over the summer, please enjoy yourself, but make sure to wear a lifejacket and carry a means of communication with you. If you’re in any doubts or have any concerns at all, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Notes to Editors:
New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.
RNLI Media Contacts:
For more information, please contact:
Connor Wray
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New Brighton RNLI
07756553092
Emily Craven
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New Brighton RNLI
07986119684
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith
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07977728315
Danielle Rush
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+441745538995
Or RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
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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 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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