Happisburgh RNLI volunteers go from training to callout
On 1 August, Peter Walker was out on Russell Pickering, the station’s D Class lifeboat, working through his helm plan with RNLI assessor Ady Barker and Tom Hunn and Ellis Spiers as crew.
At 9pm HMC Humber received several 999 calls with information of a person on the reefs off Sea Palling and flashing lights. HMC Humber contacted the lifeboat and tasked them to investigate the reefs, as they were north of them.
They searched the reefs and on arriving at reef three, they saw a fisherman on the reef and his head lamp was flashing as he moved. Russell Pickering held position as the crew checked on the fisherman who was safe and aware of the tides and when it would be safe to return to the beach.
The lifeboat crew then returned to their training.
This was a callout with good intent, if any one sees people or boats that they feel are in trouble then they should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Fishermen who fish off the reefs at high tide are advised to contact the Coastguard and inform them what their plans are and give a contact number so they can be contacted if there’s a 999 call in that area.
Happisburgh Lifeboat Station is having a lifeboat open day on Sunday 6 August, 10 to 4pm. The team hopes that people will come and meet the volunteers and find out about joining the crew and helping to save lives at sea. There will be food, drinks, games, Sheringham Shantymen plus much more.
RNLI Media contacts
· Happisburgh Lifeboat Station Volunteer Press Officer Philip Smith.
Mobile 07766007936 E-mail [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 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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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.