Skegness RNLI launch to sinking vessel south of Skegness
In the early hours of Saturday morning (16 December) Skegness RNLI's all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was launched following reports of a vessel in distress after a MAYDAY was issued.
The vessel was taking on a considerable amount of water south of Skegness. The volunteer lifeboat crew was mustered shortly after 4:00am and the all-weather lifeboat Joel and April Grunnill was promptly launched towards the casualties.
Upon receiving an immediate launch request from Humber Coastguard due to the vessel's imminent risk of sinking, the ALB was launched and navigated at best and safest speed to the reported location of the distressed vessel. The vessel, found afloat on a charted drying height, presenting a challenging rescue operation due to the shallow waters.
The volunteer lifeboat crew, showing skill, cautiously approached the vessel, maintaining a constant watch on the shallow water depths. With less than two metres of water beneath the ALB, crew member and trainee mechanic Martin Stokes was transferred to the casualty vessel to perform an assessment of any damage. It was found that the vessel was anchored to its stern and sitting stable in the water.
As the ALB crew prepared to deploy a salvage pump, it was discovered that the vessel was in immediate danger of sinking, with significant water intrusion into the wheelhouse. The coxswain, Lee St Quinton, prioritising the safety of all involved, made a decision to abort the pumping operation and immediately extract the two casualties and the RNLI volunteer crew member from the sinking vessel.
Deputy 2nd Coxswain Lee St Quinton, who commanded the service call, emphasised the crucial role of prompt distress signals in maritime emergencies: 'In situations like these, raising a MAYDAY call is absolutely vital. It's the most effective way for vessels in distress to alert rescue services and ensure a rapid response.
'Every second counts in these scenarios, and the prompt MAYDAY alert, combined with the quick and professional response by our volunteer lifeboat crew, undoubtedly led to a positive outcome.'
With swift action, the ALB crew manoeuvred alongside the casualty vessel, successfully evacuating all onboard to the lifeboat. The lifeboat then navigated out of the shallow waters to safety. The rescued individuals were assessed and found to be in good health, requiring no further assistance.
The casualties shared that the water ingress was due to a collision with a sand bank, causing a large hole near the drive shaft.
Skegness's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat was commanded by Deputy Second Coxswain, Lee St Quinton, assisted by volunteer crew members Mark Holley, Martin Stokes, Lewis Knight, James Porter and Simon Bell.
The charity's lifeboat arrived back at Skegness Central Beach, and the crew debriefed following the service launch around 8:00am. Then they washed down and refuelled the Joel and April Grunnill to ensure the lifeboat was ready for the next emergency.
RNLI Skegness remains dedicated to saving lives at sea, utilising its highly-trained volunteer crews and state-of-the-art lifeboats to serve the community and ensure public safety.
Notes to editor
- The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) is the charity that saves lives at sea.
- Skegness RNLI is based on Tower Esplanade, Skegness. The lifeboat station was founded in 1825 and the volunteer crew use an inshore D class lifeboat The Holland Family and as well as an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat the Joel and April Grunnill.
- The all-weather lifeboat has a draught of one metre allowing it to operate in moderately shallow waters.
- The charity turns 200 on 4 March 2024. For more bicentenary information visit https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024/programmes
- On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year. *’Christmas period’ refers to 24 – 31 December inclusive
- At the time of publication, the vessel is still in situ and is to be recovered by the owner in due course at a safe tide time.
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.