2008 Services

26 December 2008, 14:40 - All weather lifeboat launched to cabin cruiser in difficulty.

At 14:40 the skipper of the cabin cruiser Blue Jasper radioed Humber coastguard reporting that he was between the Groyne Light and south Tyne pier and that his anchor was fouled on the seabed. As a precaution, and to prevent the skipper doing anything that may have put him in further difficulty, the all weather lifeboat was launched to go to his assistance.

Travelling the shorth distance from the boathouse in just over a minute, the lifeboat’s powerful winch was used to drag the Blue Jasper’s anchor free, allowing her to return to Royal Quay’s marina, North Shields. The lifeboat returned to station just a few minutes after launching.

21 December 2008, 13:05 - Inshore lifeboat launched to sailing skiffs in difficulty.

At 13:05 a number of crew who were taking part in the filming of a TV interview were watching several skiffs from South Shields sailing club who were sailing in the outer harbour. A number of the skiffs had capsized and their crews were finding it difficult to upright them in high winds which had developed unusually quickly. The sailing club safety boat appeared to be overwhelmed by the large number of capsizes - around six - and our Coxswain decided to launch the inshore lifeboat to assist. On arrival at one skiff the crew were found to be able to right their boat unaided but a boat nearer to Tynemouth Pier was in greater difficulty and its exhausted crew gratefully accepted a hand uprighting their boat and a tow to safety at the sailing club. After ensuring no-one else was in need of assistance the lifeboat returned to station.

17 December 2008, 06:05am - All weather lifeboat launched to assist sinking trawler.

The all weather lifeboat was launched to assist the 13m Amble-based trawler Aquarius after her skipper made a Mayday broadcast requesting immediate assistance after the vessel started taking on water 11 miles east of Newbiggin. The all weather lifeboat with six crew steamed immediately to the Aquarius, joined by an RAF Sea King rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer and Cullercoats lifeboat. Fishing vessels Nimrod and Green Pastures also stood by the stricken vessel prior to the arrival of emergency crews, with the skipper of the Green Pastures providing great assistance in relaying radio messages.

The RAF helicopter lowered a salvage pump to the Aquarius and began pumping out her flooded engine room, assisted by the RAF winchman and crewmen from Cullercoats lifeboat.

A leaking seacock valve was found to be the cause of the problem and was made safe. The RAF helicopter and Cullercoats lifeboat were then stood down and the all weather lifeboat took the Aquarius and her three crew in tow to safety at Blyth. The lifeboat returned to station at 10:30am.

17 December 2008, 06:23am - Inshore lifeboat launched to assist police in search for missing person.

The inshore lifeboat with three volunteer crew were launched just minutes after the all weather lifeboat was launched, but to assist police searching for a missing person at Mill Dam, South Shields.

A search unfortunately resulted in the body of a female being located trapped in beams in the river Tyne near to Mill Dam. The body was recovered by the lifeboat crew and placed in the care of police. The lifeboat then returned to station.

10 December 2008, 08:05 - Inshore lifeboat launched to assist rescue of distressed person.

The inshore lifeboat was launched after Northumbria Police requested assistance from Humber Coastguard Maritime Rescue Centre when a fully-clothed man entered the sea at South Shields beach.

The man is believed to have been in some distress and as the inshore lifeboat with two crew, Coxswain Michael Nugent and crewman Bobby Mole, travelled to the scene, he left the water of his own accord and was taken into custody for his own safety by Northumbria Police officers. The ILB then returned to station.

15 November 2008, 15:33 - All weather lifeboat launched to search for suspected missing canoeist.

The all weather lifeboat, together with Cullercoats lifeboat were launched to search for a canoeist when he was reported to be missing by his girlfriend who had become concerned after he had not returned to shore.

The Canoeist’s upset girlfriend called Humber Coastguard Maritime Rescue Centre as she was concerned about his lack of experience, the fact he had no means of communication and that she had not seen him for some time. Coastguards immediately launched both RNLI lifeboats, which then commenced a search pattern extending north and south from the Tyne piers. Tynemouth and South Shields Volunteer Life Brigades were also tasked to search from shore.

Soon after the search began the canoeist was reported by his girlfriend to be safe and well ashore on South Shields beach and once Humber Coastguard confirmed that, they called the search off with both lifeboats returning to station soon after.

Members of South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade gave the canoeist safety advice including letting someone know what his plans were and to carry a handheld marine VHF radio.

15 October 2008, 01:53 - All weather and inshore lifeboats launched to search for a missing man.

Both lifeboats were launched at 01:53am after Humber Coastguard Rescue Centre received a request from Northumbria Police for assistance in getting a male casualty and police officers off the beach at Frenchman’s Bay, South Tyneside. 
 
The RNLI lifeboats with eleven volunteer crewmembers arrived at Frenchman’s Bay in just fifteen minutes from the alarm being raised but discovered that the man was still missing. He was reported to be a danger to himself and others and may have be carrying a knife. The Northumbria Police helicopter had been carrying out the search but had to land at Newcastle airport to refuel.
 
The inshore lifeboat carried out an extensive search of the bay with no sign of the missing man while the all-weather lifeboat supported the search from further offshore.
 
Assuming the worst case scenario, the search was then extended three nautical miles south in the direction that the tide would have carried the man if he had entered the sea. This search was repeated twice, with the inshore lifeboat again searching close to the shore and the all-weather lifeboat searching a short distance offshore.
 
At 04:30am Humber Coastguard was satisfied the man was not in the water and called off the search. Both RNLI lifeboats then returned to station.

“It is possible that the man made good his escape in the fifteen minutes between the police helicopter leaving the search to refuel and the lifeboats arriving to join the search.

Police continued their search during the rest of the day, again without success.

05 October 2008, 17:58 - Inshore lifeboat launched to surfer in difficulty.

At 17:58pm Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the all weather lifeboat after receiving multiple 999 calls reporting a person in difficulty in the sea, near the north Tyne pier. On arriving at the pier end the ILB crew found nothing but the location of the casualty had been updated to the former outdoor pool at Tynemouth Longsands. Humber Coastguard confirmed that the casualty was a surfer and had been helped to safety by fellow surfers, and the lifeboat was stood down, returning to station just ten minutes after launching.

07 September 2008, 15:47 - inshore lifeboat launched to persons in distress:

At 3.47pm on Sunday afternoon after Humber Coastguard Rescue Centre received a report that three boys were in difficulty in the sea at King Edwards Bay, Tynemouth. 

The RNLI lifeboat with three volunteer crewmembers launched just three minutes after the crew were paged and rushed the short distance to the scene of the incident.

On arrival at King Edwards Bay it was found that two of the casualties, all boys aged around 13, were already safe on the beach, and another was being helped ashore by members of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade. The RNLI lifeboat stood by until it was confirmed that all three casualties were safe, and then returned to station.

An RAF Air Sea Rescue Sea King helicopter from RAF Boulmer was also tasked to the incident ( with casualties on board en route from another incident) and as the last casualty helped out of the water was found to be suffering from hypothermia it took him to Wansbeck General Hospital. His condition was not thought to be serious.

06 September 2008, 17:30 - Inshore lifeboat launched after body located in the River Tyne.

At approximately 17:30 the occupants of training yacht Faramir came across a body drifting in the River Tyne near Jarrow. Police and Fire boats were already deployed to severe flooding at Morpeth and the only option for recovery of the body was the inshore lifeboat. The three crew recovered the severely decomposed body which was taken back to the lifeboat station to waiting police and later taken to the mortuary by coroner’s representatives. It was assumed that the body was that seen earlier at Gateshead.

06 September 2008, 12:30pm - Inshore lifeboat launched after reports of a body in the River Tyne.

At 12:30 Humber coastguard requested the launch upriver of the inshore lifeboat to search the River Tyne from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, after police had received reports of a body floating past. After travelling the eight miles upriver the crew commenced searching the river downwards but after over an hour found nothing and the search was called off. The search was assisted on shore by the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade and also by Red Seal Rescue, a small independent lifeboat based at Tynemouth which provides safety cover for yachting events. Conditions in the river were very poor with torrential rain and inland flooding causing unusually high water levels and currents, and vast amounts of driftwood (including whole trees) and other debris.

06 September 2008, 07:28 - All weather lifeboat launched to escort yacht to safety.

At 07:25 the skipper of 45’ yacht Gigi called coastguards to ask for help entering the Tyne. The yacht was three miles south east of the Tyne, en route from Inverness to the south coast. Her three crew had become exhausted after battling severe weather and seas throughout the night. Although in no immediate danger the yacht had damaged sails and relied on a small engine for power. The yacht was escorted to safety at Royal Quays Marina

03 September 2008, 16:17 - All weather lifeboat launched to stranded yacht... for the second time in three days.

At 4.17pm Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the all weather lifeboat after the skipper of the yacht Lust for Life again radioed for help when the vessel suffered a mechanical breakdown, a mile south east of the Tyne piers. The yacht had suffered engine failure similar to its earlier breakdown on Monday evening. Repairs had been made and the yacht had steamed from North Shields to Amble and back using only its engine and was heading to Hartlepool when it again failed. The skipper sailed as far as the piers but navigating by sail within the Tyne harbour was impractical and the all weather lifeboat took the Lust for Life under tow to Royal Quays marina, returning to station at 5.30pm.

01 September 2008, 18:21 - All weather lifeboat launched to stranded yacht.

At 7.21pm Humber Coastguard requested the launch of the all weather lifeboat after the skipper of the 36 foot yacht Lust for Life radioed for help when the vessel suffered a mechanical breakdown, leaving the boat and its four crew stranded a mile off Cullercoats. The yacht had earlier sailed from Hartlepool and is understood to have been returning there.

The lifeboat arrived on scene just a few minutes after launching and took the yacht under tow, taking it to safety at Royal Quays marina, North Shields, where repairs could be made.

29 August 2008, 05:55: Inshore lifeboat launched after reports of a drifting rowing boat.

At 5.55am Humber Coastguard paged the inshore lifeboat after a fishing boat reported seeing a small rowing boat drifting near the end of Tynemouth pier. The lifeboat crew reached the scene just a few minutes later and quickly located the boat, a solo Laser-class sculling boat.

The crew started searching for the occupant who may have been in the water but it was soon discovered that the boat was from the nearby rowing club and had likely been put in the water the night before by children. The boat was recovered aboard the lifeboat and taken back to the lifeboat station, where it was then taken by road to the rowing club. What seems to have been a prank resulted in an unnecessary waste of resources and could potentially have diverted the lifeboat from a real emergency.

11 August 2008, 15:40: All weather lifeboat launched to stranded fishing boat.

At 15:40 this afternoon the skipper of the 12m 24tonne North Shields-based fishing boat “Trudie May” radioed Humber Coastguard to report that his vessel’s propeller had become fouled with his own salmon nets, and the boat and his crew were stranded just outside the Tyne piers.

Tynemouth RNLI all weather lifeboat “Spirit of Northumberland” was launched to go to the aid of the stricken boat, reaching her in just a few minutes after launching. She was taken under tow and taken to safety at North Shields fish quay.

04 August 2008, 07:25: All weather lifeboat launched to stranded fishing boat with four on board.

At 07:25 this morning the skipper of the 10m fishing boat “Rose Ann” radioed Humber Coastguard to report that his vessel’s engine had failed and the boat and his three male passengers aged 12, 18 and 25, all from North Shields, were stranded several miles south east of the river Tyne. They had set out from the Tyne earlier that morning for a day fishing trip.

Tynemouth RNLI all weather lifeboat “Spirit of Northumberland” was launched to go to the aid of the stricken boat. On reaching the position that the “Rose Ann” had reported to be at the volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew discovered that she was actually nearly five miles away from that location and was seven miles south east of the Tyne piers.

On reaching the “Rose Ann” she was quickly taken under tow and taken to safety at her mooring near East Howdon, North Tyneside.

Acting Coxswain David Robinson said, “When we got to the coordinates that the “Rose Ann” had given there was no sign of her. It seems that her skipper might have miscalculated his position.

“The vessel was taken under tow and returned to her moorings without further incident”.

An RNLI spokesman commented, “This incident highlights the need for boat owners to ensure that their boat is mechanically sound, and also to be able to give an accurate position at all times, so rescuers can make their way quickly to a vessel needing assistance.

“On this occasion there was no immediate danger to the boat or its occupants but the circumstances may have been different and the extra time taken to search for a casualty vessel could conceivably cost lives”

27 July 2008, 18:30. Both lifeboats launched to search for missing powerboat.

At 18:30 the all weather and inshore lifeboats were launched to search for the 14’ powerboat Drowning Rat which had sailed from South Shields during the afternoon. Concerned friends of the two occupants contacted coastguards when they failed to return from what was supposed to be a short trip to try to view the Sunderland Airshow. The lifeboats started searching southwards in the thick fog, with the inshore lifeboat searching close inshore and the all weather lifeboat investigating radar contacts. Sunderland lifeboat also launched to search northwards.   After approximately an hour, the fishing boat Vickyjo IV called Humber Coastguard to say that they had stumbled across two men in the sea, clinging to a large fuel can, approximately half a mile north of the Tyne piers, at Sharpness Point. His crew rescued the men, who were in very poor shape, and discovered that they were the occupants of the missing powerboat.  Tynemouth Lifeboat travelled at maximum speed for the foggy conditions to meet the Vickyjo IV and transferred the two men aboard while an RAF rescue helicopter launched from RAF Boulmer to airlift them to hospital. The lifeboat crew gave them oxygen and kept them awake as they were clearly suffering from hypothermia and had been in the water for over three hours. It is not known how their boat came to sink or how they came to be found north of their suspected location, but if the Vickyjo IV had not found them it is unlikely anyone else would have. The two casualties, believed to be 37 and 47, were airlifted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and were said to be making a good recovery.

26 July 2008, 22:35. All weather lifeboat launched to search for broken down powerboat.

At 22:35 the all weather lifeboat was launched to search for a 17’ powerboat with seven people on board which had broken down “somewhere” between South Shields and Sunderland, according to the boat’s occupants who had called coastguards for help on a mobile phone. Conditions at sea were very poor, being dark and also extremely foggy. The lifeboat started searching south from the Tyne piers for likely radar contacts while Sunderland RNLI lifeboat also started working a search northwards from Sunderland. Both lifeboats fired parachute flares and sounded foghorns in an attempt to pinpoint the location of the casualty. after searching for over an hour, the crew of Sunderland lifeboat spotted a small light, which turned out to be the screen of the mobile phone being used aboard the stricken boat. The seven passengers, including a young boy, were transferred to Tynemouth lifeboat and taken quickly to safety at Sunderland marina, while Sunderland lifeboat towed the boat back. None of the boats occupants were wearing lifejackets and the boat was not equipped with a VHF radio or flares which would have made the search and rescue operation much quicker. The all weather lifeboat returned to station at 01:30am

07 July 2008, 15:00. Inshore lifeboat launched to dog in the water at North Shields fish quay.

Just minutes after returning from the previous service the inshore lifeboat was launched when coastguards received an emergency call after a dog fell in the river Tyne at Union Quay after chasing a seagull. Rushing just a few hundred yards upriver the small terrier was quickly grabbed from the cold water and taken back to the lifeboat station. “Snatch” was soon reunited with his grateful owners, a young couple from South Shields and seemed no worse for wear for his adventure.   Pic: Helmsman Paul Henderson with “Snatch”

07 July 2008, 13:32. Inshore lifeboat launched to suspected suicidal man.

The inshore lifeboat was requested to launch by Humber Coastguard after Police received a call from a man threatening to throw himself off Tynemouth pier. A search was commenced along the pier and coastline as far as St. Mary’s Island, Whitley Bay, together with Cullercoats RNLI lifeboat. The search was conducted on land by the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, North Tyneside Beach Lifeguards and Police. The Northumbria Police helicopter was also utilised. After an extensive search, the man was eventually located in a Cullercoats house, and all search units stood down.          Pic: Tynemouth RNLI inshore lifeboat passing Cullercoats during the search

04 July 2008, 18:50. All weather lifeboat launched to search for activated distress beacon.

The all weather lifeboat was requested to launch by Humber Coastguard after an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) was activated in the North Shields area. The approximate position was in the river Tyne near North Shields fish quay and while it was expected to be an accidental activation, all precautions had to be taken to ensure an actual emergency was not taking place. EPIRBS are normally only activated when a vessel is sinking.

Using the lifeboat’s radio direction finding equipment, the beacon was quickly pinpointed under a pile of rubbish in the “Gut” area of the quay, and had obviously been discarded. It was deactivated and taken to the lifeboat station to await destruction.

Incidents such as this cause valuable resources to be tied up when they may be needed elsewhere and anyone who is unsure of how to dispose of an EPIRB or similar equipment properly should call the coastguard for advice.                 Pic: Volunteer Helmsman and trainee coxswain Ian Black with the EPIRB

24 Jun 2008, 18:55. Inshore lifeboat launched to rescue teenage girl in water.

The inshore lifeboat crew was paged at 18:55 after Northumbria Police requested assistance from Humber Coastguard after reports that a 14 year old girl was in the water at North Shields fish quay, near the Port of Tyne building. Owing to the urgency, station coxswain Michael Nugent and mechanic Kevin Mole didn’t wait to launch the IB1 inshore lifeboat, but immediately raced to the scene in the station boarding boat.

The girl was quickly recovered from the river and taken back to the boathouse where she was wrapped in blankets and given hot drinks until paramedics arrived.

While the girl was being comforted it became apparent that she was concerned about her friend, another 14 year old girl, who she thought might also be in the water. The assembled crewmembers immediately launched the IB1 inshore lifeboat and the boarding boat, and a search was carried out along and under the quay, until it was confirmed no-one was missing. The boats then returned to station, and the original casualty was taken to hospital by ambulance.

20 Jun 2008, 01:11. All weather lifeboat launched to stranded trawler

The all weather lifeboat was launched at 01:11am after the skipper of the 12m 36 tonne Trawler Solan radioed coastguards for help after the boat’s gearbox failed 13 miles east of Sunderland, leaving it without power. The Solan had earlier sailed from her home port of Whitby

After steaming for 30 minutes, the lifeboat reached the casualty vessel and quickly took it and its three crew under tow, to safety at North Shields fish quay.

15 Jun 2008, 18:49. Inshore lifeboat launched after man walks into sea

The inshore lifeboat was launched at 18:55 after a man walked into the sea from the beach at Tynemouth Haven. Crewmember Paul Middleton happened to be on the beach and went into the sea to stop what appeared to be a suicide attempt. He was joined soon after by Harvey Smith of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, himself a former Cullercoats lifeboat crewmember and ex-lifeguard. Together, they prevented the very drunk man, aged 50, from North Shields, from drowning until the inshore lifeboat arrived. The crew recovered the man from the sea and took him ashore to waiting police and an ambulance. Cullercoats lifeboat had also launched and arrived soon after, taking Paul Middleton and Harvey Smith back to shore. Once everyone was safely on dry land, the lifeboats returned to station.

09 Jun 2008, 17:30. All weather lifeboat tasked to drifting boat with two occupants.

While on exercise off Whitley Bay, the all weather lifeboat was tasked to assist Blyth RNLI inshore lifeboat in a search for a small boat with two occupants. The boat had suffered engine failure approximately three miles off Blyth.

After searching for thirty minutes the drifting boat was located by Tynemouth lifeboat and taken under tow to Blyth harbour, where the tow was transferred to Blyth lifeboat in order to maneuver the boat onto a safe mooring.

07 Jun 2008, 00:59. All weather lifeboat launched to drifting angling boat with three occupants.

At 00:55am the all weather lifeboat (relief Severn class 17-34 Osier) was launched after Humber Coastguard received an emergency radio call from the skipper of 25’ angling boat Olympic, which had suffered engine failure north of Tynemouth pier, while the three occupants were fishing.

The lifeboat crew quickly located the Olympic just a few minutes after launching and took her and her occupants under tow to safety at Corporation Quay, South Shields. The all weather lifeboat’s Y Class inflatable had to be launched in order to maneuver the Alert on to her mooring and once the three people aboard were safely on dry land, the lifeboat returned to station. The cause of the Olympic’s engine failure is thought to have been caused by a fuel blockage.

30 May 2008, 02:45. All weather lifeboat launched to drifting angling boat.

At 2:45am the all weather lifeboat (relief Severn class 17-34 Osier) was launched after Humber Coastguard received an emergency radio call from the skipper of 28’ angling boat Alert, which had suffered engine failure just south of South Shields pier, while the skipper and a young relative were fishing.

The lifeboat crew quickly located the Alert just a few minutes after launching and took her and her tow occupants under tow to safety at Corporation Quay, South Shields. The all weather lifeboat’s Y Class inflatable had to be launched in order to maneuver the Alert on to her mooring and once the two people aboard were safely on dry land the lifeboat returned to station.

29 May 2008, 20:38. Inshore lifeboat launched to stranded powerboat.

The inshore lifeboat was launched after Humber Coastguard received a 999 call from the skipper of the 15’ powerboat Bounty, which had suffered a battery failure and was drifting between South Shields Groyne light and the south Tyne pier. The three crew aboard the lifeboat quickly located the casualty vessel which had two men aged 18 and 27 aboard. A tow was attached and a lifeboat crewmember put aboard the Bounty which was then taken to safety at Satellite Quay, South Shields. Once the lifeboat crew ensured the two men were safely ashore they returned to station.

25 May 2008, 16:58. Inshore lifeboat launched to person in water.

Humber Coastguard requested the immediate launch of the inshore lifeboat after they received a request for assistance from Northumbria Police following reports of a person in the water at Hebburn Marina. As the lifeboat and three crew made their way in land up the river Tyne the casualty, a male believed to be in his 50s, was recovered from the water into a nearby boat by Sea Cadets. The lifeboat was requested to continue to the scene where the crew provided support until the man was ashore. Paramedics treated him at the scene before taking him to hospital where he is expected to recover. The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station.

Last, but not least, this was Jill McCormick’s first service as Helmsman in command of the inshore lifeboat since qualifying from the RNLI’s stringent ILB Helmsman’s course at the Lifeboat College, Poole.

17 May 2008, 10:09 All weather lifeboat launched to drifting angling boat.

The all weather lifeboat was launched after an angling boat with six people on board suffered a fuel blockage just off Sharpness Point, Tynemouth, leaving it drifting.

The skipper of the 30’ angling boat “Mi Team” called for help when his engine failed due to the fuel blockage and although in no immediate danger, he put the anchor down to stop the stricken boat drifting but it dragged on the sea bed, making their rescue more urgent.

The lifeboat reached the “Mi Team” in just ten minutes from the alarm being raised and attached a tow rope and the boat and her six occupants were taken to safety at a mooring near Howdon, North Tyneside.

An RNLI Spokesman said: “The “Mi Team” originally attempted to contact Coastguards for help using the boats VHF radio, which proved unsuccessful so he resorted to calling 999 on a mobile phone which is not recommended.

“It’s essential that boat operators regularly test their VHF radios to endure they’re working correctly as using a mobile phone can be unreliable especially in potentially life-threatening situations”.

“Thankfully in this case the rescue proved to be a textbook operation and all six people on the “Mi Team” were taken safely to dry land
 

16 May 2008, 07:52 Inshore lifeboat launched to search for dog lost in water.

The new inshore lifeboat was launched this morning at 7.52am after a man called coastguards for help after his dog swam out to sea at Marsden Bay, South Tyneside.

The lifeboat with three crewmembers raced to the scene to search for the stricken animal but after searching for 80 minutes no trace of it was found and the search was called off.

This was the first service call for the new IB1 class lifeboat, named "Mark Noble" following its delivery to Tynemouth RNLI station in April.

An RNLI spokesman said: "People might think that launching a lifeboat to search for a dog is a bit extreme, but we are a nation of animal lovers and it's very distressing to lose an animal in this way.

"We also launch to such incidents because it's not uncommon for dog owners to try and rescue their pets, often ending up in difficulty themselves".

11 May 2008, 15:45 All weather lifeboat launched to search for boat lost in fog.

The all weather lifeboat was launched when the skipper of a pleasure boat called for help after becoming lost in fog.

Blyth Harbour Vessel Traffic Service initially received a mobile telephone call for help at 3:45pm today from the skipper of the cabin cruiser Helen Anne, with seven people on board, including children. The harbour radio operator immediately called Humber Coastguard to report that the vessel was in trouble and required assistance.

The lifeboat, with Cullercoats RNLI lifeboat, were immediately requested to launch and raced to the area where the Helen Ann was thought to be.

The skipper of the stricken boat eventually contacted Humber Coastguard by dialling 999 on a mobile phone, advising that he was somewhere near to St Mary’s Island, Whitley Bay.

Cullercoats lifeboat located the Helen Ann and her crewmembers had ensured all of the boats’ occupants were well, escorted her to safety at Blyth harbour.

The Helen Ann had earlier sailed from Blyth for a fishing trip but on attempting to return home, her skipper had become disoriented due to the fog that had affected the coastal area all day.

The RNLI urges anyone keen to get on the water to remain vigilant and always check the weather forecast before you leave home.

Anyone going to sea should have a working marine VHF radio and be properly trained in its use, including how to call for help. They should also have plenty of flares and lifejackets for everyone on board.

Fog can be extremely hazardous even to the most experienced mariners and we advise anyone going to sea in such conditions to be absolutely certain that they take all precautions to ensure they are able to navigate safely.

May 9th, 2008: 20:26 Inshore Lifeboat launched to children in distress

The new IB1 Mark Noble almost completed its first rescue today when the crew were paged after reports of several children in distress in the sea at King Edwards Bay, Tynemouth. As the lifeboat was being prepared for launch Humber Coastguard reported that three children were safe and the lifeboat was stood down.

May 1st, 2008, 18:25: All weather lifeboat launched to search for distress beacon

The All weather lifeboat was launched after Coastguards received a distress signal from an activated EPIRB (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon) (example pictured) which was transmitting from the Blyth area. although the position indicated that hthe beacon was on land and likely to be a false alarm, all precautions have to be taken to ensure that no-one was in danger.

With the assistance of the Blyth volunteer lifeboat, Blyth Coastguard Rescue Team and the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, the direction finding equipment on the lifeboat together with the satellite signal given off by the EPIRB, a number of discarded beacons were found in a skip in Blyth harbour, one of which was transmitting its distress signal. After the offending equipment was disabled, the lifeboat returned to station.

Accidental EPIRB activation is immensely costly both in terms of time and money to the maritime search and rescue teams that are involved and can also divert resources away from genuine emergencies.

Anyone who is unsure about how to correctly dispose of an EPIRB should contact their local Coastguard rescue team.

25 April 14:51: All weather lifeboat launched to cabin cruiser with engine failure.

At 2.51pm the all weather lifeboat lifeboat was paged by Humber Coastguard to go to the assistance of the 20’ cabin cruiser Tanqueray which had suffered engine failure approximately 1 mile off Tynemouth. As the lifeboat made its way towards the piers the Fisheries Protection vessel St Oswald put a tow on the Tanqueray and her master stated he was happy to continue the tow back to Royal Quays Marina, where both boats are berthed. As there was no risk of danger to the occupants of the cabin cruiser the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

08 April 16:26: Inshore Lifeboat rescues two young girls trapped on rocks

At 4.26pm the inshore lifeboat was requested by Humber Coastguard to go to the assistance of two girls, aged approximately 12 and 12, who had been trapped by the rising tide on rocks at Camel Island, Marsden Bay, South Tyneside. On arrival at the scene the youngsters were quickly taken aboard the lifeboat and returned to safety on a nearby beach, appearing no worse for their predicament.

The Easter school holidays always marks the start of many similar rescues during the year and the RNLI urges parents to ensure that their children are aware of the many dangers they can face at the seaside.

Information about staying safe at the coast can be found here: www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety

07 April 14:37: All weather lifeboat tasked to search for possible missing persons.

At 14:37 the all weather lifeboat Spirit of Northumberland was about to moor at her berth after escorting affiliated warship HMS Northumberland out of the river Tyne following an official visit.

Humber Coastguard requested the lifeboat proceed immediately to Tynemouth Longsands beach where members of the public had reported a person or persons missing.

On arrival at the scene it was discovered that several youths had been swimming off the beach and returned to find their clothes had been washed away by the tide. They had then left the beach but had not been seen by members of the public who naturally assumed the worst. After coastguards were satisfied no-one was in danger the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

This was a false alarm made with the very best intentions and the members of the public who raised the alarm are to be thanked for their vigilance. The RNLI encourages anyone who thinks someone may be in danger on or near the sea to contact coastguards by dialling 999.

13 March 12:15: Woman saved from drowning

A woman was saved from drowning by the station Coxswain and Mechanic after she jumped into the River Tyne at North Shields fish quay. The woman, believed to be in her late 30s and with mental health problems, was reported to have been with a carer when she suddenly jumped into the river at 12.15pm.

Fish quay workers immediately alerted staff at the nearby RNLI Lifeboat Station. and the two full-time crew members rushed the short distance to the woman's using the station’s boarding boat to save time. (The boarding boat is an inflatable lifeboat now used to transport crew to the all weather lifeboat on its mooring

The woman was quickly recovered from the river and taken to safety and a waiting ambulance at the Lifeboat Station. Everyone at the station is pleased that a tragedy was prevented.

03 March 17:50: All Weather Lifeboat launched to search for Man Overboard

The all weather lifeboat was launched to join a major search ongoing between Newbiggin and Whitley Bay, following a mayday from the skipper of the 20m fishing boat Sanlormarho II reporting that one of his crew was lost overboard. Lifeboats from Newbiggin, Blyth and Cullercoats were already on the scene and Tynemouth all weather boat was required to act as On Scene Coordinator. A rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer was also involved in the search. Conditions at sea were poor, with winds gusting up to Force 8 and wave hights of 5 metres.

Sadly, after five hours, Humber Coastguard was satisfied that all efforts to locate the missing man, believed to be 27 and from the Philippines, had been made and that there was no hope of finding him alive. The search was called off at 10pm.

18 February 2008: All weather lifeboat launched to boat with mechanical failure.

The all weather lifeboat was paged at 9.36am after the three occupants of 15’ fishing boat Falcon called Humber Coastguard for assistance after the boat’s propeller shaft became detached from the gearbox. The lifeboat arrived just ten minutes later at the drifting boat which was about a mile off Souter Point, South Tyneside. One of the occupants, a diabetic, was taken aboard the lifeboat as a precaution while a tow was attached. The Falcon and her crew were taken back to safety at Corporation Quay, South Shields. South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade were also called out to monitor the situation from shore.

09 February 2008: Inshore lifeboat launched to children trapped on rocks.

The inshore lifeboat was paged after Humber coastguard received calls reporting 5 children trapped by the tide on rocks at the south end of Marsden Bay, South Shields. On launching the boat the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade reported that two of their team had recovered the children to safety, so the inshore lifeboat was stood down.

06 February 2008: All Weather and Inshore lifeboats launched to drifting boat.

Both lifeboats were paged at 3:37pm in response to reports that a small boat was drifting in the lower Tyne harbour in the vicinity of the piers. On launching the inshore lifeboat and all weather lifeboat (acting as on scene commander) started searching for the boat, assisted by the Tyne Harbour pilot launch Bewicke and the Northumbria Police helicopter. The Bewicke located the boat, just 15 feet long, outside the piers and took it under tow back into the river. There was no evidence to suggest that the boat had been occupied but a search was made of the area to ensure there were no persons in the water. The lifeboats then returned to station.

29 January 20:55: Inshore lifeboat launched casualty in water.

The inshore lifeboat was paged at 8:55pm in response to a request made to Humber Coastguard for assistance from Northumbria Police who had received reports of a casualty in the water at Manhaven, Frenchman’s Bay, South Shields. On arrival at the scene it was discovered that the casualty was deceased and police requested the lifeboat crew to stand off until they had secured the scene, and the casualty had been recovered. The lifeboat then returned to station.

20 January 18:58: ILB launched to boat with failed engine, for the fourth time in less than a year.

The inshore lifeboat was paged at 6:58pm in response to a request for assistance from two anglers aboard the 28’ boat Abbie Rose which had suffered gearbox failure while sailing upriver, leaving the boat drifting on the River Tyne near the former Swan Hunter shipyard The ILB reached the boat in ten minutes and towed it to safety at Willington Quay marina. The Abbie Rose was previously rescued in February, March and June last year. Picture: The ILB launches at night

13 January 10:28: ALB launched to boat with failed engine.

The all weather lifeboat was paged at 10.28am in response to a request for assistance from two anglers aboard the 28’ boat “Chrisden” which had earlier sailed from South Shields. The boat had suffered engine failure and was drifting near the south Tyne pier. The drifting boat was reached in just a few minutes and towed to safety at her moorings at South Shields.

10 January 11:28: ALB launched to trawler with fouled propellor.

The all weather lifeboat was paged at 1.28pm in response to a request for assistance from the skipper of a trawler whose propellor had been fouled by nets while he was fishing approximately two miles east of the Tyne piers, leaving the boat stranded. On arrival at the scene it was found that the skipper had managed to clear the propellor enough to make headway, so the lifeboat escorted her back to safety at Royal Quays Marina, North Shields.

07 January 11:45: ILB launched to drifting fishing coble.

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched at 11:45 after the skipper of the fishing coble Northern Light (pictured, right) reported that his fuel line had broken and his engine had failed.

Station Coxswain Michael Nugent with second mechanic Dave Thompson went out in the Inshore Lifeboat to the coble which was drifting not far from the infamous Black Midden rocks, although not in any immediate danger. The casualty vessel was taken under tow to North Shields fish quay.

02 January 03:45: ILB launched to search for missing person.

The Inshore Lifeboat was paged at 3:45am in response to a police request to search for a missing man whose car had been found at Mill Dam, South Shields. After carrying out a search, assisted by South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, a body was found nearby. The ILB returned to station after recovering the casualty.