Seahouses RNLI lifeboat launched to medical emergency on Holy Island

At 2.20pm on Saturday 20 September, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the Seahouses Shannon class all-weather lifeboat. Reports indicated a person on Holy Island was suffering a suspected cardiac arrest, but with the causeway submerged by a high tide, the lifeboat was the only resource capable of transporting paramedics to the scene.

The crew launched the lifeboat, John and Elizabeth Alan, and moored it alongside the Seahouse Harbour's new floating pontoon to safely and swiftly transfer paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service aboard. Despite a slight northerly swell on leaving the harbour, the crew made best speed towards Holy Island.

On arrival, the lifeboat crew was met by the Holy Island Coastguard Rescue Team. After a thorough assessment, the paramedics decided the best course of action was to evacuate the casualty by lifeboat back to Seahouses. The casualty and ambulance crew were brought safely ashore, and the lifeboat was then recovered, cleaned, and refuelled, ready for its next service.

RNLI Coxswain Craig Pringle said: 'Our crews are ready to respond at a moments notice to a variety of emergency situations including working with partner agencies and emergency services. Our last 2 shouts demonstrate this seamless operation.'

If you are in danger or see someone in distress along the coastline or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Notes to editors

• Photo attached: Seahouses' Shannon class lifeboat John and Elizabeth Alan returning to harbour. Credit: RNLI Seahouses/David Butterell.
• The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland, including more than 230 lifeboat stations and a seasonal lifeguard service on over 240 beaches.
• The RNLI operates independently of government and is funded primarily by voluntary donations and legacies.
• Since its foundation in 1824, RNLI crew and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives.
• 95% of the RNLI’s people are volunteers.
• For more information about the RNLI, visit rnli.org.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.