April‘shouts’

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.

Click here to see 2007’s shouts. The station carried out 68 services during the year.