Berwick RNLI’s newly qualified crew member joins first shout in challenging seas
Newly qualified crew member James Bird joined his first rescue on 29 May 2025, as Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard at 5:56pm to assist a yacht in difficulty approximately four miles east of Berwick lighthouse.
Aboard the 36-foot yacht were five people. The vessel was struggling to make headway in challenging conditions due to a south-westerly force 5 wind, with a moderate to rough offshore swell and an ebbing tide.
The crew launched the Atlantic 85 lifeboat and made best speed to the scene, establishing communication with the yacht’s skipper on route.
On arrival, and following a risk assessment by Helmsman Michael Percy, the crew Adam Bettison, Shona Richardson, and James Bird on his first shout, approached the yacht to offer support. James was able to put his training into practice alongside the experienced crew.
The yacht had previously experienced engine issues and had also encountered problems with its anchor earlier in the journey.
Volunteer crew members established no immediate danger to life or navigation, and after checking that everyone on board was safe and content to proceed, the RNLI crew escorted the vessel back towards the safety of Berwick Dock. The team remained prepared to establish a tow should the situation deteriorate.
Newly qualified crew member James Bird explained: ‘Training has been really good, clear, easy to follow, and well delivered by fellow crew members. I’ve loved every minute of it, and the same goes for my first shout. As soon as the pager sounded, I knew it was going to be a tad bouncy, but I was pleased to attend as crew. It gave me great satisfaction to help the five on board reach the safety of the dock’s calm waters.’
Helmsman Michael Percy added: ‘The crew of the yacht thanked us for bringing them into the safety of the dock. They’d taken the right steps by changing course and heading for a safe haven, but the conditions made progress very difficult. We were happy to assist, provide reassurance, and be ready to step in if needed.’
“Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly. It’s essential to be prepared for all eventualities and to have a reliable means of communication should help be required.”
RNLI Media contacts Jess Curtis, RNLI and Regional Engagements North and East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789. Hazel Bettison Lifeboat Press Officer Berwick-upon-Tweed [email protected]
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 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 142,200 lives.
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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