Blyth RNLI rescues its own lifeboat crew after wave knocks them overboard during Seaton Sluice call out
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Emergency services were dispatched to Seaton Sluice on the evening of Sunday, October 15 after reports of a person in distress at the beach.
When responders arrived at the scene neither they nor any members of the public identified anyone at risk, but the crew of the D class inshore lifeboat dispatched from the RNLI’s station in Blyth to help with the search found themselves needing assistance.
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Hide AdA wave knocked the three crew members out of their boat and into the water, where they were soon rescued by RNLI Blyth’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said: “On Sunday evening, 15 October, three RNLI volunteers onboard Blyth’s D class lifeboat were conducting a search for a missing person in Seaton Sluice Harbour.
“The inshore lifeboat was hit by a wave on its side and all three crew were knocked overboard.
“Using their extensive training for scenarios like this, the crew switched on their personal locator beacons and fired a distress flare.
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Hide Ad“Thankfully all three were unharmed and brought safely onboard Blyth’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat. The D class was recovered by Tynemouth’s all-weather lifeboat crew.”
The D class lifeboat has been temporarily taken out of service while it is checked for damage.
The spokesperson added: “A relief D class lifeboat is due on station at Blyth tomorrow. Blyth RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat remains in service and ready to respond.”