Seahouses Lifeboats Online

(Formerly North Sunderland) Established as an RNLI Station on Aug 4th, 1859.

Site Content

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SECTION 4
- Callout Archives


















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Our Latest Shouts !         Listing as displayed in the boathouse.

The Pager Launch Signal -  CLICK HERE to hear the Launch Alert Pager Tone that the crew receive on their pagers when the boats are called out.

Calls for Year  2010 - 6 Launch to date this year.
                              2009 - 32 ...
                                  2008 - 44 ...
                                     2007 - 41 ...
                                        2006 - 28 ....
                                           2005 - 34 ....
                                              2004 - 33 ....
                                                 2003 - 32 ....
                                                     2002 - 21 ....
                                                         2001 - 17 ....
                                                             2000 - 23 ....
                                                                1999 - 32 ....
                                                                   1998 - 21......
                                                                       1997 - 13.....
                                                                           1996 - 17.....
Last updated : 03/03/2010 21:45hr !

AUTOMATED EMAIL NOTIFICATION OF NEWS RELEASES/CALL-OUTS

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You may see many calls to Holy Island Causeway, to rescue people in vehicles, who disregard the safe crossing times. Here is a link to RAF Helicopter Video on YouTube, of one of the more dramatic recent incidents - Click here to view.

At 13:17hrs on Sunday 28th February 2010, Humber Coastguard paged Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager, and advised him that Craster Inshore Lifeboat had capsized while on exercise south of Craster Harbour, and required immediate assistance. The LOM directed both Seahouses Lifeboats be paged for immediate launch. Due to the squally sea conditions, it was considered expedient to take the Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat by road to Craster, with the station landrover. The All Weather Lifeboat meanwhile made best speed by sea. On arrival at Craster, the LOM who had travelled with the Landrover, found that the Craster crew had managed to reach the rocky shore, and the capsized lifeboat had also been washed onto the rocks. A female crew member of the lifeboat had suffered facial injuries, and sea water ingestion. She and her two male crew colleagues, were also suffering from bruising, mild hypothermia and shock. All three were airlifted by an RAF Rescue Helicopter directly to Wansbeck Hospital. The Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat stood by offshore in case it was required, but it was decided to recover the stricken lifeboat by man-handling it across the rocky shore to the field above the shore, where it was placed onto its carriage and returned to its boathouse. There was damage to the boat and engine, and in accordance with RNLI policy, the boat was immediately placed “Off Service”, and a relief lifeboat was arranged for delivery within 24 hours. The crew were released from hospital later that day, fortunately all with minor injuries. Good training had prevented a more serious outcome, and a formal enquiry will now be carried out by the Divisional Inspector of Lifeboats. Ends.

At 09:52hrs on Thursday 28th January 2010 a member of Seahouses Lifeboat Crew was in the Lifeboat Station, when an urgent request was made for a pump by local fishing boat crewman, to assist the skipper of the Seahouses based fishing vessel “Quo Vadis”. It is believed that the vessel was undergoing engine repairs in Seahouses Harbour, when it was found to be taking water. The vessel’s own pumps were out of action. The Lifeboat Operations Manager was informed immediately, and the Inshore Lifeboat Crew were paged. They were instructed to take the portable salvage pump from the All Weather Lifeboat, and transport it using the station Landrover, to the casualty vessel. The vessel was quickly pumped dry, and the source of the leak was repaired. No one was at any risk during the incident, and the action taken prevented any serious damage being caused to the vessel and its equipment, by sea water. The pump was returned to the All Weather Lifeboat after being cleaned, at 10.45am that day. Ends.

At 17:02hrs on Monday 4th January 2010 Humber Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat to launch to the assistance of the 19m Seahouses based fishing vessel, “Good Fellowship”, which had suffered engine failure approximately 12 miles south east of Seahouses. It was agreed to launch the All Weather Lifeboat “Grace Darling” immediately and the crew were paged. The lifeboat was launched with some degree of care due to the very icy conditions. The sea was moderate/choppy, in a north easterly wind. The Lifeboat was underway at 17.13hr, and reached the disabled vessel at 18.03hr. At the skipper’s request, a tow was passed and the vessel was taken in tow at 18.09hr to the safety of Seahouses Harbour, arriving at 20.05hrhr, where repairs could be effected. The Lifeboat returned to station and was refueled and ready for service at 20.55hr.

At 15:07hrs on Saturday 2nd January 2010 Humber Coastguard requested the Inshore Lifeboat to attend Holy Island Causeway, where a vehicle had attempted to cross in contravention of the safe crossing times, and was trapped by the rising tide. [This was the crew’s second call of the day !] The whereabouts of the occupants were not known at that time. Due to the cold and squally weather conditions, and rough sea, the Inshore Lifeboat Crew were paged and the boat was taken immediately by road, using the Station Landrover. While on their way to the Causeway, Humber Coastguard received information from local coastguards at the scene, that the two occupants of the vehicle had been traced. They had waded through chest high sea water to the shore, after abandoning their vehicle. Wet and very cold, they were otherwise safe and well. The Inshore Lifeboat was then cancelled, and returned to station before reaching the scene. 

The RNLI have no further information about the casualties, although Humber Coastguard (01262 672317) made have some information as to their identities and origins. They were not believed to be local.

At 04:15hrs on Saturday 2nd January 2010 Humber Coastguard requested the Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat to assist the North East Ambulance Service to reach an ill male with a possibly serious medical condition on Holy Island. It was just after high tide and the Causeway was closed. There was no Rescue Helicopter available and the air ambulance does not fly at night. Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat was launched, and on arrival of the ambulance crew, they were conveyed by sea to Holy Island. On arrival at 05.30hr, they were met by local coastguards and taken to the ill male’s location. After assessing the male, the paramedic decided that it was not appropriate to evacuate him by sea due to his condition. The man would remain under his supervision until the Causeway was passable (approx 7.30am), when he could be transported to hospital by road ambulance. The other ambulance crewman was taken back to Seahouses to recover the ambulance, returning there at 06.12hr. The Lifeboat was refueled and ready for service at 06.45hr.

The RNLI have no further information about the casualty, and the NEAS will not release any information due to compliance with patient confidentiality.

Ends
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At 18:18hrs on Friday 6th November 2009 Humber Coastguard requested the Inshore Lifeboat to assist local shore based Coastguard teams and police, to search the waterline at Bamburgh Beach. A report had been received that a male, who had been reported missing, had made contact with a relative, and was threatening self harm on the beach at Bamburgh. His exact position was not known. The Inshore Lifeboat Crew were paged, and the lifeboat was quickly launched and proceeded to the search area. Meanwhile the all weather lifeboat crew stood by at Seahouses Lifeboat Station in case they were also needed, as more information became available. The casualty’s car was then found by police in Bamburgh, and he was located nearby. At 19.14hr, once the casualty was confirmed to be safe and otherwise well, all rescue resources were stood down by Humber Coastguard. The Inshore Lifeboat returned to station at 19.35hr that night.

The RNLI have no further information about the casualty.

Ends
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At 14:01hrs on Thursday 1st October 2009 Humber Coastguard requested the Inshore Lifeboat to proceed directly to Holy Island Causeway, where two adults in a Vauxhall Astra motor vehicle were cut off by the tide on the Causeway. They had attempted to cross the causeway contrary to the safe crossing times clearly displayed at either end of the causeway, and around the Island itself. Their vehicle was on the raised bridge section of the causeway. Due to the choppy sea conditions, it was considered expedient to take the Lifeboat by road to the causeway. The lifeboat launched on the causeway, and brought the two casualties to safety, where they were met by local coastguards.

The RNLI have no further information about the casualties, other than they are believed to be visiting from the Glasgow area. Their vehicle is not thought to be too badly affected by sea water.

At 02:01hrs on Monday 28th September 2009 Seahouses Lifeboat was requested to launch by Humber Coastguard, following a call for assistance from the Hartlepool based 11 metre fishing vessel “Constant Friend”. The boat was only about ¾ mile off Seahouses, but had picked up a rope on its propeller, and was disabled. There was one person on board, and the vessel was on passage from Dunbar to Hartlepool. Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat was launched and was quickly alongside the casualty vessel. A tow line was passed and the vessel was towed to safety at Seahouses harbour where it was met by local shore based coastguards, and moored where the harbour dries at low tide, so that the skipper could remove the rope and continue his passage. The lifeboat returned to station and was refueled and ready for service at 03.15hr that day. Ends.

Pictures show the vessel alongside the lifeboat.

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At 12:31hrs on Saturday 13th September 2009 Seahouses Lifeboats were requested to launch by Humber Coastguard, following a report from a local coastguard at Beadnell, who had seen a diver enter the water from a boat in Beadnell Bay, and who had failed to return to his boat after a period of time. There was concern for the diver’s safety.  Both lifeboats  were in the process of launching, when the coastguard at Beadnell, sighted the diver returning safely to his boat. The Lifeboats were then cancelled. Both lifeboats were then returned to station and ready for service at 12.50hr that day. Ends.

At 17:37hrs on Tuesday 1st September 2009 Seahouses Lifeboats were requested to launch immediately by Humber Coastguard, to go to the assistance of a 31 ft fishing vessel “Five Star”, which had broadcast a “PAN PAN” distress call, after suffering gearbox failure near the Swedman rocks at the Farne Islands. Both the Offshore and Inshore Lifeboats were quickly launched, and reached the disabled vessel with two crew at 17.52hr. The vessel was being pushed by a strong tide and wind towards rocks, which were becoming more hazardous as the tide receded. The vessel was in imminent danger of grounding. A tow line was passed, and the vessel was towed to the safety of Seahouses Harbour, so that repairs could be effected. The boat was on passage from Blyth to Portseaton in Scotland, after being purchased by its new owner that morning. The new owner is believed to reside at Musselburgh.  Both lifeboats were then refueled and ready for service at 18.50hr that day. Ends.

Photos show the vessel being taken in tow to Seahouses.

At 12:57hrs on Monday 31st August 2009 Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat Crew were preparing for a helicopter display at the Annual Seahouses Lifeboat Fete, when Humber Coastguard requested they divert immediately to Holy Island Causeway, where four adults and a child in a motor vehicle were cut off by the tide on the Causeway. They had attempted to cross the causeway contrary to the safe crossing times clearly displayed at either end of the causeway, and around the Island itself. As the Lifeboat and the RAF helicopter were travelling to the scene, news came from local coastguards on Holy Island, that the persons had returned safely to Holy Island, and both the Inshore Lifeboat and the RAF Helicopter were cancelled and able to return to their rescue display at Seahouses. The RNLI have no further information about the casualties or their vehicle.

 Safe crossing times for 31/08/2009 – 02:05hr to 11:35hr and 15:15hr to 23:45hr

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At 16:11hrs on Saturday 15th August 2009 Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat Crew were paged for immediate launch at the request of Humber Coastguard and informed that a kite surfer was reported in difficulty by the Beadnell beach launching tractor, at the south end of Beadnell Bay, . The inshore lifeboat was quickly launched and on arrival on scene, as another RIB (inflatable boat) was assisting the kite surfer back to shore. The Inshore Lifeboat escorted them to the beach, and assisted in the recovery of the kite equipment before returning to station at 16.55hr. The kite surfer, an adult male, was believed to be from the Harrogate area, and did not require any medical assistance.

Ends

At 8:06hrs on Saturday 1st August 2009 Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat Crew were paged for immediate launch at the request of Humber Coastguard, to go to the urgent assistance of Seahouses based fishing vessel “Bright Horizon”. The vessel, a 12 mtr fast fishing boat with three crew, had suffered engine failure just north of “the Callers”, a rocky outcrop beside the Crumstone, near Longstone Island at the Farne Islands. As the Lifeboat was about to launch, further reports from the casualty vessel indicated that their situation was worsening, and the vessel was now very near the rocks. The Inshore Lifeboat was then also launched, as it could possible reach the casualty vessel before the All Weather Lifeboat, and might be able to hold the vessel, despite its size, till the arrival of the bigger All Weather Lifeboat. Both Lifeboats reached the casualty at 08:35hrs, and a towline was quickly passed and the vessel with her crew aboard, was taken in tow to safety at Seahouses Harbour. The vessel had been very close indeed to the rocks, as the Lifeboats arrived, and the incident was quite a close call for the crew. The reason for the mechanical failure is not known at this time, and repairs are underway at Seahouses Harbour.

Photos show the "Bright Horizon" under tow to safety.

Ends
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At 12:03hrs on Tuesday 28th July 2009 Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat Crew were paged for immediate launch at the request of Humber Coastguard and informed that a person was reported in the sea off Bamburgh Castle, apparently in difficulties and waving for assistance. Seahouses Coastguards, an ambulance and local police had been dispatched to the scene. When the Lifeboat had almost reached the scene, it was confirmed that the casualty, a male, had managed to reach the shore unaided. The lifeboat was then cancelled by Humber Coastguard, and returned to station. The casualty was examined by the ambulance crew, in case any medical attention was required. The RNLI have no further information about this person, other than he was believed to have been “body boarding” in the surf off Bamburgh beach, and may have been carried away from the shore by coastal currents.

Ends

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Launch Report 019 & 20 / 2009

At 16:30hr on Saturday 25th July 2009 Seahouses Lifeboat Crew were paged for immediate launch at the request of Humber Coastguard and informed that a 12yr old youth had suffered a possible spinal injury on Holy Island. An Ambulance had attempted to cross the Causeway to the Island, but the incoming tide was covering the Causeway, and the crew had been obliged to turn back for personal safety reasons. Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat was launched to await an ambulance crew at Seahouses, and convey them to Holy Island by sea. Local Coastguards on Holy Island, with valuable local knowledge, had meanwhile located the casualty at the remote north east part of the island where extrication by vehicle or stretcher would be difficult. However, the location was accessible from the sea. Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat then also launched, and a paramedic ambulance crew were taken by sea aboard the all weather lifeboat. The helicopter was unavailable at this time due to other ongoing incidents. On reaching Holy Island near Emmanuel Head, the ambulance crew were taken ashore on the Inshore Lifeboat to assess the boy’s injury. The RAF helicopter was then released and tasked to this incident. It was decided to airlift the boy directly to Wansbeck Hospital, Ashington due to his injury. This done, the lifeboats and ambulance crew returned to Seahouses, arriving at 19.15hr. The Lifeboats were refueled  and ready for service at 19.45hr that day. The RNLI have no update on the boy’s  condition at this time.

Photos show ambulance crew placed aboard the Inshore Lifeboat to be taken ashore, and procceeding from the All Weather lifeboat towards the beach at Holy Island (Emmanuel Head)

Ends
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Launch Report 018 / 2009

At 13:18hrs on Monday 20th July 2009 Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat Crew were paged for immediate launch at the request of Humber Coastguard and informed that a car with a male (handicapped) and female occupant, were cut off by the tide on Holy Island Causeway. They had attempted to cross the causeway contrary to the safe crossing times clearly displayed at either end of the causeway, and around the Island itself. They were unable to reach the Refuge Box. The Inshore Lifeboat was quickly launched, and proceeded by sea. A helicopter from RAF Boulmer was already airborne, and was tasked to the incident also, and local coastguards from Seahouses and Holy Island were mobilized. The helicopter winched both casualties clear of their vehicle, which had water to the windscreen by this time. They were landed on the mainland, where they were met by Seahouses Coastguards and local police. Their vehicle is likely to be written off, due to salt water damage. The car occupants stated that they had not seen the warning signs.

Click on this link for BBC News Report and RAF Helicopter Video

Safe crossing times for 20/07/2009 – 04:20hr to 11:55hr and 17:05hr to 00:20hr (Tue)
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Launch Report 017 / 2009

At 21:48hrs on Sunday 28th June 2009 Seahouses lifeboat Crew were paged by Humber Coastguard and informed that a mobile telephone call had been received from a 16 foot Shetland pleasure boat with two persons onboard who were unsure of there position in dense fog in the vicinity of Holy Island. The all weather lifeboat was launched and proceeded to the area and began a search using radar, night vision binoculars and illuminating flares. The casualty was eventually located in the vicinity of the Triton buoy and escorted safely into Holy Island Harbour and handed over to local coastguard units. The lifeboat was then released to return to station and was refuelled ready for service at 00:15hrs.

If the vessel had been fitted with a marine radio the lifeboats direction finding equipment could have been used and the vessel would have been located much earlier. 

Ends.
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Launch Report 015 & 016 / 2009

MALE ON BEACH WITH SUSPECTED HEART ATTACK, UNSURE OF HIS LOCATION

At 14:28hrs on Thursday 25th June 2009, Seahouses lifeboat Crew were paged by Humber Coastguard and informed that a 999 call had been received from a very disorientated male casualty who was displaying all the symptoms of a severe heart attack. All the information they had was that he was somewhere on the beach between Seahouses and Bamburgh. The Inshore Lifeboat was launched and proceeded to search as close inshore as possible while the station Landrover with shore and extra crew members traveled to the beach to assist auxiliary coastguards with the search. Shortly after arriving the RNLI Landrover located the male on the beach, he was treated by crew, paramedics and an RAF helicopter paramedic winchman before being airlifted to the Wansbeck General hospital.

Ends
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At 16:12hr on Fri 19th June 2009, Humber Coastguard requested the immediate launch of Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of the yacht “Geordie Mermaid” from Beadnell, which had lost all steering in rough sea conditions, between the Farne Islands and the mainland, and which had sent out a “MAYDAY” distress call. The yacht had one person on board. The All Weather Lifeboat located the yacht and it was towed to the safety of Seahouses Harbour, arriving at 17.00hr that day. The Lifeboat was then returned to station, refuelled and made ready for service. Ends

Photos show yacht as Lifeboat arrives to commence tow to Seahouses (Lifeboat Camera)

Above 2 photos of "Geordie Mermaids" return to Seahouses by Kind Permission of R L Smith

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Launch Report 011, 012 & 013 / 2009

At 08:33hr on Sat 13th June 2009, Humber Coastguard requested the immediate launch of Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of the 32ft yacht “Tina Louise” from Amble, which had run aground on rocks at Newton Haven, with 5 persons aboard. The yacht was taking part in the Castles and Islands Yachting Event. It was agreed to launch both lifeboats, but shortly after launching, it was established that Craster Inshore Lifeboat had also launched so Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat was stood down and returned to station. The All Weather Lifeboat continued and found the yacht hard aground, with the tide ebbing quickly, and listing heavily. Nothing could be done at that time, and the crew were taken off by lifeboat and other boats. Seahouses Lifeboat was put back on its carriage on the slip at Seahouses in case of further calls. At 17.30hr that day, Seahouses Lifeboat relaunched, and returned to the yacht. It stood by as the rising tide lifted the yacht, and at the skipper’s request, a rope was passed and the yacht was eventually carefully pulled clear of the rocks. It had suffered some hull and engine damage, so it was towed to the safety of Seahouses Harbour, arriving at 20.00hr that day. The Lifeboat was then returned to station, refuelled and made ready for service.
Ends.
Photos show the rescue involving Craster Inshore Lifeboat and Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat.




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At 16:09hr on Tues 9th June 2009, Humber Coastguard requested the immediate launch of Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat, to go to the assistance to two adults (believed to be grandparents) and two girls aged approximately 4yrs who were cut off and stranded by the tide on Holy Island Causeway. They had tried to cross the causeway contrary to the safe crossing times clearly displayed on the causeway. They had abandoned their car and made their way into the refuge box, where they called for help. The Inshore Lifeboat was nearing the end of its 6 monthly maintenance inspection by RNLI engineers, and as the crew were paged, the boat had to be very speedily made ready for service. Despite being slightly delayed in launching, it was quickly on scene, and the 4 casualties were safely rescued from the refuge box, and landed on the mainland, where local police were waiting. None required any medical assistance. The Lifeboat then returned to station.

Safe Crossing times for Holy Island for 09/06/09 :- 07.30hr-14.55hr and 19.55hr-02.55(Wed).

Ends.
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At 16.49hrs on Tuesday 26th May 2009 the Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager was paged by Humber Coastguard and informed of two children in kayaks in difficulties in Beadnell Bay. The LOM agreed the immediate launch of both the ALB and ILB, and the crews were paged. While the Lifeboat crews were preparing to launch, the Coastguard received further information that the casualties had safely reached the shore, with the assistance of their parents and others at Beadnell. Both lifeboats were stood down just prior to launch. This is the second cancelled launch recently, and although frustrating for the crews, the fact that the children were safe was a relief to all.

Ends.

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At 13.32hrs on  Saturday 16th May 2009 the Duty Deputy Launch Authority was paged by Humber Coastguard and informed of a windsurfer in difficulties in Beadnell Bay. The DLA agreed the launch of both the ALB and ILB due to weather conditions. While Lifeboats were launching information was recieved that the casualty had made shore unaided and both boats were stood down prior to launch. The crews had mustered and had kitted up ready to launch.

Ends.
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At 15:59hr on Sat 9th May 2009, the duty Deputy Launch Authority for Seahouses Lifeboat was paged by Humber coastguard and informed that a kite surfer was being blown out to sea in the area of Budle Bay near Bamburgh. As the position of the casualty was very vague it was decided to launch both lifeboats to search the area. Crews were paged and both lifeboats launched at 16:08hr and proceeded to the area. The ILB was tasked to search inshore while the ALB began to search further offshore due to the strong wind at the time. After approximately 15 mins in the search area the ALB located the kite rig. At the time it was unsure if the casualty was still under the inflated kite. The rig was recovered and no one was attached to it. The ALB and ILB, which was now on scene, also began to search for the person. After approximately 5 minutes the lifeboats were informed that it was confirmed that the casualty had made shore unaided and were released to return to station.

Ends.
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