Happisburgh RNLI volunteer crew called into action

The volunteers soon arrived on station and Russell Pickering, Happisburgh’s D Class lifeboat, was quickly launched with Chris Risby at the helm, Pete Walker, Tom Hunn and Ellis Speirs as crew.

They made their way to Town Gap, Happisburgh, and assessed the situation. They found the casualties safe, but behind the granite boulders and surrounded by deep water.

Pete Walker and Ellis Speirs were put on the beach to try and get to the casualties but were unable to due to the deep water - plus they would be unable to get the casualties out without putting the casualties in danger.

Chris Risby was able to find a small gap in the boulders and then able to get behind them in the lifeboat, picking up his two crew, before getting to the casualties who were both in good spirits.

Once the people and dog were on board the lifeboat, Chris and crew got back through the gap and returned the casualties and their dog to the Lifeboat Station at 6.40pm.

Helm Chris Risby said: 'The location of the casualties was in the worst possible location for access. We had the granite boulders and the old sharp sea defences blocking access.

'With the rising tide and the casualties surrounded by deep water, the crew used maximum concentration and dedication to use the swell to effectively get round the obstacles, through a gap barely wide enough for the D class, to reach them.

'Once on the boat and back out at sea, the casualties were in good spirits including their pet dog and were thankful to all involved. It was another well executed service call working alongside Bacton Coastguard.'

Happisburgh Water Safety Team say: 'When walking on the beach, always be aware of what the tide is doing, keep away from the cliff edge and base, and do not go behind rocks if the sea is up to the front of them. The water will pass through the rocks and leaves very deep and dangerous water which you are unlikely to get through. Always have some means of calling for help by dialling 999 asking for the coastguard.'

Notes to editors: Photo, Russell Pickering at station with crew after callout L to R Pete Walker, Ellis Speirs, Tom Hunn, Chris Risby credit Happisburgh RNLI

Happisburgh Currently Operates,

· D-Class, D - 813 Russell Pickering

· Community Water Safety Team

RNLI media contacts

· Happisburgh Lifeboat Station Volunteer Press Officer PHILIP SMITH

Mobile 07766007936 E-mail [email protected]

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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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