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Launch Report  No: 051 / 2010

SURFBOARDERS IN DISTRESS IN VERY ROUGH SEAS

LIFEBOAT(S) LAUNCHED :  All Weather Lifeboat    WEATHER/WIND/SEA: Gale, Force 8 NE, V.Rough

At 15.59hr on Saturday 25th September 2010, Humber Coastguard requested the launch of Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat, to go to the assistance of two surf boarders, who had been seen in rough seas off Seahouses Golf Course. They were in serious difficulty, unable to reach the shore, and one was calling for help. The All Weather Lifeboat “Grace Darling” was quickly launched and made its way towards the reported position of the surf boarders, through heavy breaking rough seas. Information was then received from Humber Coastguard, that the surf boarders had safely reached the shore unaided, and had contacted the coastguard by mobile phone to confirm this. The Lifeboat was then stood down, and turned back to Seahouses. Entry to Seahouses Harbour required great care and precision by the Coxswain, because of the big breaking seas across the harbour mouth. Fortunately, this manoeuvre was completed safely, and the lifeboat returned to its station without incident.

The lifeboat operations manager requested local coastguards, who had also been called out, to speak with and give safety advice to the surf boarders on the shore. Seahouses Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Clayton commented “ While we appreciate the surf boarders advising the Coastguard that they had safely reached the shore, so that the lifeboat could be stood down, I do question the wisdom of taking surf boards into the open sea in such adverse, rough and stormy conditions. Such conditions can also put the rescuers at serious risk. We do not want to spoil anyone’s entertainment or pleasure, but sea conditions off Seahouses today were very poor indeed. Fortunately this time the surfboarders got away with it, next time they may not be so lucky !”

The Lifeboat returned to station at 16.25hr.  

Ends.

A photo submitted by Sean Jackson of Scuba Duba Dive Club of the lifeboat leaving the harbour on above service.

Two further images from Sunderland photographer Ray Brownlie -
Thanks also for allowing us to use them !

            Thank you Ray - Great Images !               -0-