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First call out of the year for New Brighton RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

New Brighton RNLI’s Atlantic-85 lifeboat was tasked for the first time in 2023 whilst out on exercise.

The River Mersey dominates the image, with New Brighton lifeboat trailing wake as it speeds off toward the Liverpool skyline, which can be seen in the background.

RNLI/New Brighton

New Brighton RNLI speed off into the Mersey

On Tuesday 3 January, New Brighton RNLI were heading afloat for one of their evening training exercises. The exercise was intended to incorporate training in towing other vessels safely, for some of the trainee crew.

Not long after launching on exercise, the crew received a call from Holyhead Coastguard, requesting their assistance with an incident near Crosby. The Atlantic-85 lifeboat headed to scene to offer support and assistance.

At around 10:15pm the lifeboat crew were stood down by the Coastguard and returned to station to wash down and be ready for service when next needed.

Deputy Launch Authority for the evening, Paul New, said: ‘This was an unexpected start to 2023, with the request for help coming during a training session. Despite the inclement weather, the crew responded brilliantly. It just goes to show that there’s no telling when the pager may go off, reinforcing the need for our volunteers to be ready for anything. We are on service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond when needed.’

Notes to Editors:

New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the north east corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.

The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.

RNLI Media Contacts:

Connor Wray – Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer (DLPO)

07756553092

[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.

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