A coordinated sea rescue operation was launched off the North East coast on Sunday, June 28, after reports of a person in distress approximately 200 yards from Horden Beach. The RNLI, Coastguard helicopter, police, and paramedics were deployed, successfully locating and recovering the individual from choppy waters.
Rapid Response and Rescue
Both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats from Hartlepool RNLI launched at 3:20 PM, just ten minutes after volunteers were paged. The incident was reported at 3:10 PM. The inshore lifeboat reached the scene first at 3:35 PM, and a crewmember entered the water to retrieve the casualty amid a force four westerly wind.
The casualty was taken aboard the inshore lifeboat and transferred to the all-weather lifeboat for casualty care. Within minutes, a Coastguard helicopter from Carlisle Airport arrived, winching a paramedic onto the all-weather lifeboat to take over medical treatment.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The all-weather lifeboat returned to the Ferry Road lifeboat station at 4:20 PM, where the casualty was handed over to an awaiting ambulance. The Coastguard helicopter landed at PD Ports Hartlepool Docks to recover the winchman paramedic. The operation involved Hartlepool RNLI, HM Coastguard, North East Ambulance Service, Cleveland Police, and PD Ports staff.
Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Steve Pounder praised the teamwork: "Another quick response from the team located the casualty quickly and working alongside the Coastguard, North East Ambulance Service, police and PD Ports staff brought the incident to a safe conclusion."
Coxswain Matt Adams added: "A fantastic turnout from the team and excellent multi-agency collaboration ensured the casualty was recovered quickly from the water, undoubtedly a life saved. Thanks to the crew and partner agencies for their professionalism and teamwork."
Inshore lifeboat helm Jamie Northey noted: "A job well done with my crew. This could have potentially been a different outcome."
