At  13.39hr on Sunday 25th September 2011, a broken distress call was heard of the marine VHF distress radio channel (Ch 16), from a vessel possibly in Beadnell Bay in what appeared to be serious difficulty. Humber Coastguard were unable to raise the caller back on either Ch 16 or Ch 67. Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager had also heard the message, contacted Humber Coastguard immediately. It was agreed to launch both Seahouses Lifeboats without further delay.

The Lifeboats were quickly on scene, and made a search of the area, checking other boats in the Beadnell Bay area, in an effort to locate the vessel in distress. Nothing was found. Then, the casualty boat was located in Beadnell Car Park. It was a small fishing leisure boat called “Two Boys”, and had been towed ashore by other craft after getting a rope around its propeller, and drifting towards rocks, at the south side of Beadnell Bay.

Shore based Coastguard Rescue Officers gave the boat users advice of the correct use of the Marine VHF Radio, and the correct procedure for calling for assistance, which could have saved valuable time and resources in this case.