Hunstanton lifeboat launched to assist grounded cruiser with two on board
A lifeboat was launched to assist a cabin cruiser with two people on board after it ran aground in The Wash.
Volunteers at Hunstanton RNLI were first paged by Humber Coastguard at 10am on Tuesday, 24 June, to reports the vessel was stuck on a sandbank off the Lynn Channel, near King's Lynn.
They launched fast inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk to assess the situation, but found they were unable to reach the cruiser because the tide was too low.
After returning to station to refuel and wash down the craft, the lifeboat station maintained contact with the couple on board the casualty vessel to ensure that they were safe and well.
At 2.45pm they launched again to meet the cruiser and found it was able to proceed under its own power, with its crew remaining on board after being re-floated by the incoming tide.
They then escorted it to moorings in King's Lynn. Once the vessel was safely berthed, the lifeboat again returned to station at around 5.20pm to be washed down and refuelled.
Editor's Notes
Hunstanton lifeboat station operates the fast inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and the search and rescue hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.
Like more than 200 RNLI crews around the coast of the UK and Ireland, their lifesaving work would not be possible without the kindness of those who donate to the charity that saves lives at sea.
RNLI Image
Picture attached of the lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk, which was used in the operation.
Please credit: RNLI/Chris Bishop
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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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