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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SECTION 6

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 - 37 Launches 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 : 27/07/2010 17:36hr !

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.

Shortly before 03.30hr on Tuesday 27^th July, 2010, Humber Coastguard received a distress call from the 11mtr Dutch Yacht “Fast Jodocus”, with two persons on board. There were some language problems, but it was believed that the yacht was in some difficulty with its anchor, and in danger of grounding off the Beacons at Holy Island. Humber Coastguard immediately alerted the Seahouses Lifeboat Launch Authority, and both Seahouses Lifeboat Crews were paged for immediate launch. On arrival, the Lifeboats found that the yacht’s anchor rope had become wrapped around its propeller, disabling the yacht which was in danger of going aground. The Inshore Lifeboat “Peter Downes” was first on scene, and its crew attempted unsuccessfully to free the rope. They then attached a tow to keep the yacht out of danger, till the arrival soon after of the bigger All Weather Lifeboat “Grace Darling”. The yacht skipper and his wife, both Belgian nationals, accepted a tow and the yacht was brought to the safety of Seahouses Harbour, so that the yacht could dry out at low tide, and the rope problem could be resolved. The yacht was not otherwise damaged during the incident. A very grateful Belgian couple were safely berthed at Seahouses at 06.05hr, and both Lifeboats returned to station.
Ends.

Photos of the rescue

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At 22.52hr on Friday 23^rd July, 2010, Humber Coastguard contacted the Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager, and requested the launch of Seahouses Lifeboat, to a report of a missing diver in Beadnell Bay, from an inflatable dive boat “Rees One”. The dive boat was reported to have three adults and two children aboard (including the missing diver). Both Lifeboat Crews were paged for immediate launch and were quickly on the scene. It was then reported that the missing diver had been located and recovered by the dive boat, but all radio communications had then been lost. Both lifeboats were requested to continue to confirm that everyone was actually safe, and that no medical assistance was required. Local shore based Coastguards from Seahouses were also mobilised.

On arrival at Beadnell, the dive boat was located, and all persons were accounted for and safe. No lights had been displayed on this boat, and the only means of locating their diver in the dark was by voice ! It appears the diver did not have any light or strobe lamp for him to use to attract attention. Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Clayton commented “I am concerned that anyone should take a boat out in the dark without proper lights, and then engage in night diving without proper safety equipment. It seems irresponsible, reckless and dangerous. I understand that our crews expressed their concerns to the boat occupants, and I asked Humber Coastguard if their shore based Coastguards could also give these people some appropriate safety advice. This time they were lucky, next time could be very different”.
Ends.
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At 11:05hr on Sunday 18^th July, 2010, Humber Coastguard contacted the Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager, and requested the launch of Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat, to again attempt to locate a vessel, believed to be possibly somewhere off Seahouses, which had a radio  jammed, and permanently transmitting a carrier signal. The signal was blocking the distress calling channel, and could seriously hinder another vessel calling for assistance. The Lifeboat is  equipped with VHF Radio Direction Finding Equipment, which can assist in locating a VHF Marine radio transmission. The Coastguard were very concerned as there were numerous diving boats and pleasure craft in the area, who would be unable to call for assistance, should they have a problem. It was agreed to launch the All Weather Lifeboat, and this time, and a search was conducted around the Farne Islands, but the transmission eventually ceased, so its source could no longer be identified. The Lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station.

This is the second time in two days, that this problem has occurred and the back ground noise suggests that it is the same craft as the call-out yesterday, possibly a yacht. Seahouses and Beadnell slipways have been asked to request boats launching there, take particular care to prevent this problem. Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager commented “ We would ask all boat users to take particular care  when using their VHF radio, so that they do not accidently jam the transmit button on their microphone. Jamming the distress channel like this has caused two lifeboat launches in 36 hours, and put other boat users at risk, and can only be described as grossly irresponsible”. Ends.

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At 15:00hr on Saturday 12^th July, 2010, Lifeboat Crew Members advised their Operations Manager that Ch 16, the Marine Emergency Calling Radio VHF Channel, was blocked by a jammed radio transmitting, preventing anyone form calling or issuing distress calls. The Operations Manager called Humber Coastguard to discuss the problem, which was affecting Forth and Humber Coastguard rescue Co-ordination Centres, and he agreed to launch the All Weather Lifeboat, equipped with direction finding equipment, to locate the offending vessel, and resolve the problem. At the top of the slip, the boat was halted after the radio signal cleared. After five minutes, the Lifeboat was stood down and returned to station. However, calls were then received about two horses trapped on mudflats near Fenwick on the mainland side near Holy Island. The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch and act as a safety boat for local coastguards attempting to rescue the horses, as the tide was starting to flood (rise). The ILB was launched and proceeded by sea. Meanwhile the Fire Service were called to assist and 4 fire appliances attended the scene, together with a vet. A horse rider who had been on one of the horses, had suffered pelvic injuries, and an ambulance was called, although he was not thought to be seriously injured. By 17.15hr, one horse had been released, but the other was tightly trapped in the mud. Further resources were urgently requested. Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat with additional crew was the paged and launched. Two Inshore Lifeboat Crew were already in the water with the distressed horse. RAF Boulmer were contacted for further assistance, and a special harness, not used previously, was attached to the helicopter. On arrival, and not without difficulty, the harness was attached to the horse, as the water lapped around it, and the Lifeboat Crew and Coastguards struggled to keep its head above the fast rising water. The tide was rising very rapidly by this time. A Vet had tried to reach the horse, but he too had to be rescued after becoming trapped on the mudflats. At approximately 18.15hr, the helicopter with great skill, was able to lift the terrified animal from the flooding mudflat, and landed it in a nearby field. The Vet was able to give it a tranquilliser, to help it recover from its terrifying ordeal. It then took some water and food, apparently not too badly affected by its experience. An elated team of lifeboat crew, coastguards and fire personnel then stood down, and returned to station. Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Clayton added, “ I would like to pay tribute to the Holy Island Coastguards, and those Lifeboat Crew Personnel from Seahouses who were in the water, supporting this poor animal. The RAF Helicopter did an absolutely superb and professional job, a first for them I believe, made even better by a very successful conclusion, and without their assistance, this poor animal would have certainly perished in the fast rising tide. Everyone at Seahouses were thrilled by the successful result ! ”

At 03:27hr on Monday 12^th July, 2010, Humber Coastguard paged the Seahouses Launch Authority, and requested the launch of Seahouses Lifeboat, to again assist the North East Ambulance Service. A male was ill on Holy Island, and the road ambulance could not cross the causeway due to the tide. It was agreed to launch the All Weather Lifeboat as per an agreed protocol with the ambulance service, and the ambulance arrived as the Lifeboat was launching. A Paramedic was then taken to Holy island, where local coastguards met him who escorted him to the casualty’s address. There he assessed the patient (the same individual as the call to Holy Island on 11^th July), and it was agreed that the man did not need to be taken to hospital. The Lifeboat then returned the paramedic to Seahouses and his awaiting ambulance.                                            

The Lifeboat returned to station at 5.25am, and after washing down the lifeboat and refuelling it, most of the crew got ready to go to work. The RNLI have no information as to the patient's identity or illness, other than the Ambulance Service had classed it as a High Priority Call.

Ends.
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At 11:00hr on Sunday 11^th July, 2010, Humber Coastguard paged the Seahouses Launch Authority, and requested the assistance of Seahouses Lifeboat. A male passenger aboard the vessel “Glad Tidings 5” which was taking trips to the Farne Islands, had collapsed. Passengers were giving CPR, and the skipper was requesting oxygen. An ambulance had been called to meet the vessel at Seahouses. The vessel was approximately 12 minutes from Seahouses Harbour. The Lifeboat Crew were paged, and used the Station Landrover to bring oxygen and a stretcher to the boarding steps. The Duty Ambulance First Responder was also on scene to meet the vessel. On arrival, every effort was made to resuscitate the male passenger, including the Responder using his cardiac defibrillator. An ambulance crew arrived and efforts continued, but unfortunately despite the best efforts of all present, they were unable to revive the 49yr old man. He was removed by ambulance from the scene, while the crew and local police looked after the casualty’s very distressed wife.

The Lifeboat crew returned to station at 11.55am. The Crew would like to extend their deepest condolences to the deceased male’s wife and family, who we understand were on a day visit to the area. They are believed to reside in the Cleveland area. The RNLI are unable to release any further information as to his identity.

Ends.
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At 00:52hr on Sunday 11^th July, 2010, Humber Coastguard paged the Seahouses Launch Authority, and requested the launch of Seahouses Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of the North East Ambulance Service. A male was ill on Holy Island, and the road ambulance would not be able to cross the causeway due to the rising tide. It was agreed to launch the All Weather Lifeboat as per an agreed protocol with the ambulance service. The Ambulance Control Centre then reported that the ambulance had managed to cross the causeway, where it was met by local coastguards. However, as Humber Coastguard were concerned that after treating the patient, the ambulance may not be able to get back off the island, the Lifeboat was asked to continue at best speed to the island. The ill male then declined further medical assistance, and the lifeboat and ambulance were cancelled, and returned to their stations. Local Coastguards escorted the ambulance through the rising tide, to ensure it reached the mainland safely.                                                

The Lifeboat returned to station at 1.15am, and after washing down the lifeboat and refuelling it, the crew went back to bed !.

Ends.

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At 12:34hr on Saturday 3^rd July, 2010, Humber Coastguard paged the Seahouses Launch Authority, and requested the launch of Seahouses Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of the yacht “Astra” with one person onboard. The vessel had a suspected engine coolant problem. The yacht skipper had requested a tow into Amble, but would not be able to cross the harbour bar, due to it being low water. It was agreed to launch the All Weather Lifeboat, and once underway the lifeboat located the casualty off Beadnell, and towed it back to Seahouses,  where it was obliged to moor off the harbour till 1600hr to await the tide rising so it could enter Seahouses Harbour.

The Lifeboat was then released to return to station.

Ends.
Photos show yacht alongside the lifeboat, and a crewman put aboard to assist the skipper, (temporarily below deck).

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At 12:42hr on Thursday 24^th June, 2010, Humber Coastguard paged the duty launch authority, and requested the launch of Seahouses Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of the Rigid Inflatable Boat “Horizon” with three persons onboard, with three persons onboard had lost all power and was unsure of his position. It was believed to be somewhere east of Seahouses. It was agreed to launch the All Weather Lifeboat, and once underway the lifeboat located the casualty some seven miles east of the lifeboat station using VHF Radio Direction Finding equipment (Only operates on Marine VHF Radio). A towline was passed and the casualty vessel was towed to Beadnell Harbour, where it was met by Local Coastguards. This was the second call to this particular vessel. (See previous service).

The Lifeboat was then released to return to station.

Ends.
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At 16:58hr on Thursday 17^th June, 2010, Humber Coastguard paged the duty launch authority, and requested the launch of Seahouses Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of the Rigid Inflatable Boat “Horizon” with three persons onboard, which had suffered a major electrical failure 1.5 miles east of Beadnell and was unable to restart its engine.

Due to the size of the vessel it was decided to launch the All Weather Lifeboat. The crew were paged and the all weather boat launched at 17.05hr and arrived on scene shortly afterwards.  A tow was passed and the casualty was towed back to the launch facility at Beadnell harbour.

After handing the vessel into the care of local Auxiliary coastguards, the lifeboat was released to return to station.

Ends.
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At 13:35hr on Sunday 6^th June, 2010, Humber Coastguard requested the immediate launch of both Seahouses Lifeboats, in answer to a “MAYDAY” call from a large yacht, which was aground in foggy conditions at Longstone Island. There were three persons on board who were abandoning to life rafts, and who required immediate assistance. The Lifeboat Crew were paged without delay, and both lifeboats were quickly on their way to the casualty, while other boats in the immediate area also responded to the “MAYDAY” call.

On arrival of the lifeboats at the scene, the casualties who had been taken from their liferafts, on board some local diver support craft, were transferred to the All Weather Lifeboat. The Inshore Lifeboat assisted the yacht crew to recover some personal effects from the stricken yacht, which was well aground and listing heavily. At the yacht skipper’s request, a tow was passed by the Inshore Lifeboat from the All Weather Lifeboat. The yacht was eventually pulled clear of the rocks, but was clearly damaged and taking water. Two Lifeboat Crew were put aboard the yacht, and it was towed back to Seahouses. On arrival at Seahouses, the services of a local boat hoist were used, to lift the yacht clear of the water and onto the pier. However before this could happen, the yacht skipper again requested Lifeboat crew assistance in Seahouses Harbour, after his pumps failed due to electrical problems. Some members of the crew engaged in washing down and refueling the lifeboat, responded immediately with a salvage pump, but were able to restart the yacht’s pumps. The yacht is currently ashore at Seahouses, awaiting damage assessment.

At this time the RNLI are unable to release details of the yacht or the identity of its crew. It was understood to be on passage from Eyemouth to Blyth.

Photos show progress of the rescue

Ends.

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At 16:38hr on Thursday 3^rd June, 2010, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of a wind surfer off Budle Bay. A golfer at Bamburgh Golf Course had been watching this surfer for 45 minutes, and he appeared to be having major problems trying to get back into the shore, so the golfer had called “999” and informed the Coastguard. There was concern that the surfer was being carried out by the tide. The ILB was launched without delay and made its way to the casualty. The wind surfer was assisted by the Lifeboat Crew to the safety of the shore at Budle Bay. On being assisted to the shore, the surfer then returned to the sea again with his wind surf board. The Lifeboat kept observations on him for a short while, until being advised by Humber Coastguard to return to station. The lack of wind was clearly hindering this windsurfer’s activity !

At 15:04hr on Sunday 30^th May, 2010, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat, to go to Holy Island, to evacuate a female who had collapsed and required medical assistance. The Causeway was starting to flood with the rising tide, and a road ambulance could not cross. The squally wind and choppy sea, were aggravating the local conditions. The Lifeboat was launched without delay, and proceeded directly to Holy Island. Meanwhile, local coastguards with their landrover, managed to transport the woman safely through the rising tide across the flooding causeway, using their detailed local knowledge. On the mainland side, the casualty was transferred to an awaiting road ambulance, which transported her to hospital for treatment. The RNLI have no further information about the casualty or her condition.

The Lifeboat was then cancelled while under way and returned to Seahouses, arriving at 15.31hr that day.

At 13:35hr on Wednesday 26^th May, 2010, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of a male and female from a VW Campervan, who were cut off by the rising tide on Holy Island Causeway. They had attempted to cross contrary to the clearly displayed safe crossing times, and had abandoned their vehicle and made their way to the Refuge box, from where they called for help using the emergency telephone. Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat, which was on its way to a local school for a P.R. visit, was paged and diverted to the Causeway. It was taken by road and launched at the Causeway due to the choppy sea conditions. The two persons, who were from the Nottingham area, were brought safely ashore by lifeboat on the mainland side, where they were met by local coastguards from Seahouses  and the police.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Clayton commented “ I am seriously dismayed, that despite the clear signage and all the publicity, we are still being called to rescue people from the Causeway. I remain concerned that on a really big tide, there could be a loss of life when people act with such disregard for their own safety, and with a total lack of appreciation that they are driving into the North Sea, not crossing a quite country ford or stream !”

Ends

At 11:27hr on Saturday 22^nd May, 2010, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of a female diver aboard a commercial charter RIB (rigid inflatable boat) “Farne Discovery”, which had launched from Beadnell. The dive party had been diving off Longstone Island, when the female diver had made a rapid assent, missing some decompressions stops. The skipper of the "Farne Discovery" now had concerns for her condition aboard the boat, that she could be suffering from decompression sickness (Bends) which can be life threatening. She was being given oxygen aboard the boat. Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat launched, and the crew assisted the diver with additional oxygen, and fired an orange smoke flare to guide the helicopter from RAF Boulmer, which had also been tasked. The diver was airlifted by the helicopter, and flown directly to the nearest decompression chamber at Hull. Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Clayton commented, “This was a quite common diving occurrence, and the emergency services response went very smoothly, enabling the ill diver to get the correct treatment as quickly as possible. Hopefully she will make a full recovery.”  Once the diver was safely aboard the helicopter, the Lifeboat returned to station, and the “Farne Discovery” continued its diving activities.

Ends

At 16:44hr on Saturday 15th May, 2010, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of Seahouses Lifeboat to go to the assistance of three people aboard a broken down speedboat which was drifting just south of Inner Farne. The vessel was in no immediate danger. It was decided to launch the All Weather Lifeboat, which was quickly alongside the disabled vessel. At the skipper’s request, a tow was passed, and the boat was towed without incident back to Seahouses Harbour, arriving at 17.30hr. The speedboat was based at Seahouses and the owners resided on a nearby caravan site.

The Lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service at 18.00hr that day.

Ends

           Photos show the "Seasure" being taken under tow

 

At 18:32hr on Thursday 6th May, 2010, while the Seahouses All Weather and Inshore Lifeboats were on a medical exercise with the Lifeboat Doctor, two paramedics and the Farne Island Wardens, Humber Coastguard requested the lifeboats to divert at once to Budle Bay, following a report from a male on shore, that a yacht with a white hull, had capsized off Budle Bay. Both lifeboats were quickly on scene, and an extensive search was carried out. The Lifeboats were also joined by a Rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer, and shore based Coastguards from Seahouses. At 19.32hr that day, after nothing was found, Humber Coastguard stood down the search, being satisfied that there was nothing to be found. The incident was a “False Alarm with Good Intent.” The Lifeboats then resumed their exercise.

Ends
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At 08:19hr on Tuesday 4th May, 2010, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the All Weather Lifeboat to assist the North East Ambulance Service. They had been called to an emergency on Holy Island where an elderly man had fallen, but were unable to cross the causeway, which was flooded by the high tide. The All Weather Lifeboat was launched and stood by in Seahouses Harbour, till the arrival of an ambulance, The Ambulance Paramedic was then transported to Holy Island, where local coastguards conveyed him to the casualty’s location on the Island. The Paramedic treated the casualty, and it was decided that his condition did not require immediate evacuation to hospital, and they remained with the casualty till a road ambulance could cross the causeway as the tide receded. The Lifeboat then stood down and returned to Seahouses. This is part of an agreement protocol between the Seahouses Lifeboat Station and the North East Ambulance Service, for dealing with incidents at Holy Island when the causeway is closed by the tide.

Ends.
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At 19:02hr on Monday 3rd May 2010, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat to go to the assistance of eight people from three vehicles, trapped by the tide on Holy Island Causeway. Once again, these people had tried to cross the causeway contrary to the safe crossing times. Due to the choppy sea, the Inshore Lifeboat was taken by road to the Causeway, where it was launched and all eight people, 2 males and four females from Sunderland, and a male and female from Glasgow, were ferried safely ashore onto the mainland. There they were met by Coastguards from Seahouses and local police. It was hoped their vehicles could be required as the tide later receded.

The Inshore lifeboat was then recovered onto its trailer, and returned to station. 

Safe Crossing times for Monday were 09.30hr till 17.20hr, and from 21.55hr till 05.30hr (Tue).

 Ends
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Another DIVER has died following a suspected heart attack while underwater near the Farne Islands on Sunday 18 April  2010. This follows a similar incident on 3rd April this year. (Launch Report 008 & 009/2010 below refers)

The 60 year-old man, from Salford, was one of a party of nine divers in a 10-foot dive boat, but when he surfaced without any stops from 22 metres he was found to be unconscious.

The man was given CPR and oxygen, and Humber Coastguard requested a rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer to assist in airlifting the diver directly to Wansbeck General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. There was no request for Lifeboat involvement in this incident.

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At 08:06hr on Wednesday 21st April, 2010, the Seahouses Lifeboat Duty Launch Authority was paged by Humber Coastguard who requested the launch of the All Weather Lifeboat to assist the North East Ambulance Service. They had been called to a medical emergency on Holy Island, but were unable to cross the causeway, which was flooded by the high tide. The All Weather Lifeboat was launched and stood by in Seahouses Harbour, till the arrival of an ambulance. The Ambulance crew were then transported to Holy Island, where local coastguards conveyed them to the casualty’s location on the Island. The paramedics treated the casualty, and it was decided that his condition did not require immediate evacuation to hospital, and they remained with the casualty till a road ambulance could cross the causeway as the tide receded. The Lifeboat was then stood down and returned to Seahouses.

Ends
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At 15:40hr on Wednesday 14th April, 2010, the Seahouses Duty Launch Authority was paged by Humber Coastguard who requested the launch of the Inshore Lifeboat to a report of two children cut off on the outer breakwater at Seahouses Harbour, by the rising tide and breaking waves over the breakwater. The initial report had come from Seahouses Harbourmaster who had witnessed the two teenagers being hit by a wave.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched and proceeded to the scene. On arrival the two boys were in the process of being recovered by a local passenger vessel. The lifeboat crew assisted the casualties onto the vessel and checked them over in case any medical attention was required. After confirming all persons were OK, the ILB returned to station. The two boys were landed by the passenger vessel into the care of the local coastguards.

Ends
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At 13.16hr on Friday 9th April 2010, Humber Coastguard paged Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager, and informed him that 2 male adults and a female reported to be pregnant, were stranded after being cut off by the tide on the tiny St Cuthbert’s Island, which is just off the south western corner of Holy Island. The Seahouses Inshore Lifeboat crew were paged for immediate launch, and proceeded by sea at 13.20hr.

On arrival of the Inshore Lifeboat at the scene, the three persons were taken ashore onto the main Holy Island by lifeboat, where they were met by Local Coastguard personnel. Seahouses Coastguards had also been mobilised to the Landward side of the Holy Island Causeway, to assist with any need for medical evacuation. However, all 3 casualties were fit and well, and no medical assistance was required. The Inshore Lifeboat returned to station at 1400hr, and was refuelled and ready for service by 14.36hr that day. Ends
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At 13.19hr on Tuesday 6^th April 2010, Humber Coastguard paged Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager, and informed him that the Craster based fishing vessel “Bon Ami”, with two crew on board, had called for assistance after breaking down 6 miles east of Seahouses. The LOM directed that the Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat crew be paged for immediate launch.

On arrival of the Lifeboat at the scene, a tow was accepted by the casualty vessel’s skipper, and the Lifeboat Coxswain agreed to tow the vessel back to Seahouses.  Sea conditions were quite choppy, with an uncomfortable motion, but good visibility. The engine failure was suspected to be due to a fuel line problem.

The Lifeboat returned to station and was refueled ready for service by 15.35hr that day. Ends

At 15.49hr on Saturday 3rd April 2010, Humber Coastguard paged Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager, and informed him that a Dive RIB had reported that a member of their dive party had collapsed and was unconscious. CPR was being given, and they were making all speed to the shore, requesting urgent medical assistance. It was not known if other divers were still in the water at this stage. The LOM directed that both Seahouses Lifeboats be paged for immediate launch

On arrival of the Lifeboats at the scene, the dive RIB had reached the shore where ambulance personnel and local coastguards were carrying out resuscitation procedures, and it was confirmed that all the other divers were safely ashore. An RAF Seaking from RAF Boulmer had also arrived on scene, The casualty was airlifted without delay and flown directly to Wansbeck Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. It is not believed at this stage, that his death was connected to any diving related activity, and police are now conducting enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.

Once the casualty, a 57yr old male from West Yorkshire, had been airlifted, both lifeboats were stood down and returned to station. Ends
Photo shows crew looking on as the Helicopter is about to winch the unconscious diver aboard.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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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