‘This was a good example of how quickly things can change at sea’
Bridlington RNLI’s inshore lifeboat ‘Ernie Wellings’ ready to launch(Image: RNLI/Mike Milner)
Bridlington RNLI launched its inshore lifeboat (ILB) to aid a family, including a young child, aboard a small boat that had suffered engine failure. The RNLI initially received reports of an inflatable vessel in difficulty, approximately one mile south of Bridlington.
The casualty vessel was later found to be a small motor cruiser that had lost power. At around 2pm on Sunday, June 14, HM Coastguard requested assistance to a small vessel that had suffered engine failure and was unable to return to shore.
On board were a family of three, including a seven-year-old child. A nearby large buoy vessel – a craft used to service and deploy buoys – had initially responded but was unable to safely recover the casualties due to its size. Given concerns for the welfare of the child and the family’s lack of suitable clothing for prolonged exposure, it was decided to evacuate all three to safety.
With a volunteer crew of four, the Bridlington RNLI ILB “Ernie Wellings” launched at 2.32pm and was on scene within minutes. The family, who had been taken aboard the buoy vessel, were safely transferred onto the lifeboat and taken to Bridlington Harbour, where they were handed into the care of HM Coastguard at around 3.10pm.
The casualty vessel was secured alongside the assisting vessel before later being towed back to South Bay by a private craft, arranged by the family. The RNLI inshore lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station, was recovered, refuelled and made ready for service shortly after 3.50pm.
Sarah Berrey, Bridlington RNLI volunteer helm, said: “This was a good example of how quickly things can change at sea. Even on a calm day, a loss of power can leave you vulnerable.
“We would always advise anyone heading out on the water to carry suitable safety equipment, ensure you have a means of calling for help, and check both your vessel and the weather forecast before setting off. Wearing appropriate clothing for the conditions can also make a significant difference if you find yourself in difficulty.”
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