Search with tragic outcome to feature on new series of BBC Saving Lives at Sea

Now in its fifth series, the 10-part documentary showcases the lifesaving work of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards from around the UK and Ireland. The series is airing on BBC Two on Thursdays at 8pm, with the first episode featuring Withernsea RNLI being on Thursday 17 September, as well as being available on BBC iPlayer following broadcast.

Blast TV, the company behind the TV programme, spent a week in Withernsea back in February obtaining footage and carrying out the interviews for the show. Real life footage captured on the crew’s helmet cameras gives a frontline view of how the charity’s lifesavers risk their own lives going to the aid of those in danger at sea.

Thursday’s episode follows the tragic events of July last year, when Withernsea RNLI was part of a multi-agency search for local fisherman Peter Mosley, who’d gone overboard on a fishing trip off Tunstall. Peter’s body was eventually found three weeks later off the coast of Bridlington. The documentary hears first-hand from the volunteers and colleagues involved in the search, and from Peter’s father, Arthur, on his campaign to promote the use of life jackets in the fishing community.

Steve Medcalf, Deputy Launch Authority at Withernsea lifeboat station, featured in the forthcoming episode, says: ‘Peter was a well-liked member of the community and friend to many of the crew here at Withernsea. Recounting the events of last July was an emotional experience for everyone on station.

'It is extremely important to show the public the lifesaving work of the RNLI volunteers in a TV programme like this. It also goes to show that we have a tight knit community and a great working relationship with the local HM Coastguard, working closely in this particular callout.'

Notes to editors

During 2019, RNLI lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland rescued 9,412 people, saving 211 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards aided 32,207 people and saved 118 lives on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

Saving Lives at Sea begins on 17 September at 8pm on BBC Two, and will continue throughout October and November.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Rachel Gowen, RNLI Volunteer Press Officer: [email protected]. Alternatively, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

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 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 more than 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.