Tynemouth RNLI volunteers launch four times over Bank Holiday weekend
Tynemouth RNLI volunteer crews were called out four times over the Bank Holiday weekend to incidents on the River Tyne and along the coast.
The first launch came at 4.59pm on Saturday 23 August, when the inshore lifeboat was tasked to assist a broken down boat in the middle of the River Tyne. As the vessel was creating a hazard to shipping, it was taken under tow back to Royal Quays Marina with the assistance of the Northumbria Police rib.
The second call came at 4.34pm on Sunday 24 August, when the lifeboat launched to support a search for a missing person in the South Shields area. As the volunteer crew passed the South Pier, the call came through that the person had been located safe and well.
The third launch followed at 5.01pm on Monday 25 August, after reports of a swimmer in difficulty at King Edward’s Bay. The lifeboat made way to the scene and located the swimmer with help from the Tyne & Wear RNLI lifeguards. The swimmer was found not to require assistance but was shadowed back to the beach, where Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade provided safety advice.
The fourth launch came just 48 minutes later at 5.49pm on Monday 25 August, as the crew were washing down the boat from the previous callout. The inshore lifeboat was tasked to search for a missing person who had not been seen for over two hours. Crews conducted a shoreline search along the north of the River Tyne with support from Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade. A man matching the description was located by the lifeboat at Fish Quay Sands, confirmed as the missing person, and reunited with friends by Police and Coastguard Rescue teams.
James Waters, Volunteer Helm said:
“Over the Bank Holiday weekend our volunteer crews launched four times to a wide range of incidents. Our crews train for all eventualities, so for incidents to finish with 2 people and 1 boat assisted is a great outcome"
Sheridan Bowler, Lifeboat Operations manager commented: "We are grateful for the dedication of our volunteers over the bank holiday to ensure we can still provide a life saving service. Family plans can get changed or cancelled at a moments notice when the pager goes, so to have 4 positive outcomes makes it worthwhile"
The station is also currently recruiting for two key volunteer roles – an Administration Officer and a Launch Authority. Both roles are essential to the smooth running of the lifeboat station and its lifesaving service. Anyone interested in applying can find more information via the RNLI website or by contacting the station directly.
RNLI Media Contacts: For more information please telephone James Waters, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07791886324 or [email protected]Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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