First call-out for Bridlington RNLI volunteer after lifeboat training turns into missing person search
Bridlington RNLI volunteer crew member experienced their first operational tasking aboard the station's inshore lifeboat Ernie Wellings, after what began as a routine training exercise on Monday evening.
The Bridlington RNLI volunteer crew had launched Ernie Wellings late afternoon on Monday (July 20), for a scheduled exercise and were carrying out training, when HM Coastguard requested their assistance in the search for a reported missing person.
The crew immediately transitioned from training to an operational response. Following the search, the missing person was located safe and well inland, bringing the incident to a successful conclusion.
Volunteer RNLI crew member Natalie Clydesdale said: “This was my first tasking onboard Ernie Wellings and it was quite an experience. We set off expecting an exercise, but found ourselves involved in a real search.
"The training we have received gave me confidence, and it was great to see everyone working together professionally to help find the missing person safe and well. I'm proud to be part of the crew and to support the RNLI's lifesaving work.”
Bridlington RNLI volunteers train regularly to ensure they are prepared to respond at a moment's notice, whatever the circumstances. The incident highlighted the importance of maintaining that readiness, with the crew moving seamlessly from exercise mode to a real-life emergency situation.