RNLI volunteers carried out a rescue after a person was reported in the sea off the Northumberland coast on Sunday evening. The team at Newbiggin launched just after 5.45pm following an immediate request for support from Humber Coastguard.
Immediate launch and multi-agency response
Within minutes, the crew launched their Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat, Richard Wake Burdon, and headed directly for the casualty, who could be clearly seen by those involved in the rescue. The local coastguard rescue unit also attended the nearby promenade as part of the multi-agency operation.
The person was quickly brought safely on board, where volunteers provided immediate care. The lifeboat was then recovered and returned to the boathouse, where paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service took the casualty to hospital. As is standard procedure, the lifeboat and equipment were washed down and made ready for the next call.
Life saved, says operations manager
Ron Henderson, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Newbiggin RNLI, said: "This was a successful multi agency operation, that resulted in a life saved, a testament to the high standard of training by our volunteer team here as well as collaboration with all the other agencies involved today."
He added: "If you believe someone to be in trouble or see someone in difficulty along our coastline or at sea or even something that's just not right, don't hesitate to call 999 and ask for the coastguard."
Newbiggin RNLI, based at Sandridge, was established in 1851 and is marking its 175th year of saving lives at sea.
