Tynemouth and Cullercoats RNLI assists stricken vessel at King Edward’s Bay

The lifeboat, which was training near the North Pier, was tasked alongside Cullercoats lifeboat to check on the vessel and provide assistance as required.
On arrival at the scene in moderate sea conditions, Tynemouth ILB joined Cullercoats RNLI lifeboat, which was already assessing the casualty vessel. The sailing vessel had grounded near the rocks at the south end of King Edward’s Bay.

A crew member from Tynemouth ILB was placed aboard the vessel to carry out an assessment. One person was found on board, who had reportedly been at sea for 45 days and was in need of medical assistance.
With the vessel taking on water and pitching erratically with the sea conditions, the decision was made to extract the casualty from the vessel.

Lifeboat crew cut away the guard rails for easier access and transferred the casualty onto the ILB. The person was then taken to Cullercoats Bay, escorted by Cullercoats lifeboat, where an ambulance had been requested to meet the lifeboat.

Upon arrival, Tynemouth ILB was driven up the beach to be met by Cullercoats shore crew, Tynemouth and Blyth Coastguard Rescue Teams, and the North East Ambulance Service. The casualty was transferred to Cullercoats boathouse before being handed into the care of paramedics.

James Waters, Helm on the inshore lifeboat commented:
'Today’s incident highlights the close working relationship between RNLI lifeboat crews and our partner agencies. Thanks to the swift response and teamwork between Tynemouth and Cullercoats lifeboats, Coastguard teams and the ambulance service, the casualty was brought safely ashore and received the medical attention they needed.'

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For more information please telephone James Waters, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07791886324 or [email protected] or contact 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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