February Services (most recent first)

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.

The ALB tows the Falcon past Tynemouth Lifeboat station. Picture: South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade

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.

Click here to see 2007’s shouts. The station carried out 65 services during the year.