Fleetwood RNLI investigate and resolve navigational hazard

Having responded to a report of an unattended vessel in the channel off Fleetwood Beach, HM Coastguard requested that the RNLI be deployed to assess the vessel's condition and act as needed. The volunteer crew were paged at 3.12pm and the D class lifeboat Harbet was launched at approximately 3.20pm.

Upon arriving at the vessel's location, it was found to be a small tender that had been tethered to the number 16 buoy and was judged to be a hazard to navigation, requiring that it be removed for the safety of other vessels making their approach to Fleetwood Harbour.

Neil Atkinson, the station's volunteer Training Coordinator who was in command of the lifeboat, said: ‘Obviously we're pleased that the occupants of the boat were able to make their own way safely to shore, but maintaining a clear channel is vital for the safety of other water users.’

The tender was retrieved to Fleetwood Beach and taken into safe custody until the owner was able to reclaim it.

Notes to editors

• Fleetwood’s RNLI Inshore Lifeboat is named HARBET and is a D-Class boat.

• Photo credit: RNLI/ Robert Baines

• The RNLI is supported entirely through voluntary donations, and Fleetwood lifeboat station has been operating since 1859. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: http://fleetwoodlifeboat.org.uk/

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact David Devereux, Fleetwood RNLI Press Officer, on 07591 675733 / [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728315 / [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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