Multi Agency Rescue for Fisherman

The local fisherman had been fishing off the bay north breakwater when he sustained injuries that needed urgent attention. The rescue conditions were complicated by a fresh to strong northerly wind and poor visibility.

Around 20.00 hours Humber coastguard requested an immediate launch of Newbiggin lifeboat to locate, treat and extract from the jagged slippery rocks. Shortly afterwards Newbiggin's relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat 'Pamela Rosemary Dashwood' with four volunteer crew on board was launched from the beach arriving at the breakwater shortly afterwards. There was no access to the casualty on the lee side of the breakwater so the rescue operation was further challenging on the weather side.

Once on scene the casualty was located then two crew and their first aid kit were despatched onto the dangerous rocks. Anticipating the extraction difficulties the lifeboat returned back to station to collect more crew as well as coastguard assistance. After receiving pain relief and securing a possible fracture the arduous evacuation process for the casualty was begun. Once on board the lifeboat the casualty was brought to the shore where he was transferred into the care of the Newbiggin and Blyth coastguard teams who had provided valuable assistance throughout the operation.

For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then take a look at the local website.

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.