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Filey RNLI assist windfarm guard vessel.

Lifeboats News Release

Filey’s volunteer Lifeboat crew were called to assist a large windfarm guard vessel just before tea-time yesterday (Tuesday 1st September).

Filey ALB with the guard vessel Opportune in Scarborough Harbour

RNLI/Michael Bayes

Filey ALB with the guard vessel Opportune in Scarborough Harbour

Just after 4pm , UK Coastguard (Humber) requested the launch of Filey’s all-weather Mersey class lifeboat (ALB), Keep Fit Association, to the 25 metre windfarm guard vessel, Opportune, which had suffered complete engine failure about six miles east of Filey.

As it was shortly before high water, the ALB was launched quickly under the command Coxswain / Mechanic Neil Cammish with Ian Butler, Ben Hargreaves, Vanessa Thomas, Fraser Haddington and Katie Pooley as crew.

The ALB made best speed to the guard vessel where the decision was made to tow the boat to Scarborough. The sea was quite calm with a moderate breeze but it was a slow tow and some three hours later the Opportune was safely berthed in Scarborough harbour.

Filey ALB was safely recovered back on to its carriage and rehoused on Coble Landing, Filey by 9.45pm

John Ward, Filey Lifeboat Press Officer said: “Our all-weather lifeboat was quickly launched today. The service was quite straight-forward although the Opportune is quite a large vessel. Thanks to all the crew who attended yesterday especially those who assisted with the recovery of the lifeboat.

Notes to editors

  • Filey Lifeboat Station was founded in 1804. It currently operates both a Mersey-Class All-Weather Lifeboat and an Inshore Lifeboat. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Filey Lifeboat Station Facebook page.

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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