Pre-dawn callout for Bridlington RNLI and Coastguard to help fishing vessel near Flamborough
The volunteer crew of the Bridlington RNLI were tasked by the HM Coastguard at 4am this morning (April 2), to assist the crew of a fishing vessel near Flamborough.
Five RNLI volunteers onboard the RNLI all-weather lifeboat Antony Patrick Jones launched from Bridlington beach at 4.30am, making good speed towards the casualty vessel in challenging sea conditions.
Upon arrival and after assessing the sea state, Coxswain Jason Webber, liaised with the skipper of the fishing vessel and HM Coastguard.
All parties agreed that transferring the casualty to the lifeboat would not be safe, and that a HM Coastguard rescue helicopter would be the most appropriate asset to complete the evacuation.
The RNLI crew were subsequently stood down shortly before 5.30am and returned to Bridlington, where the lifeboat was recovered, washed down and made ready for service by 7.50am.
Coxswain Jason Webber said: ‘When we arrived on scene, it was clear that the sea conditions were not suitable for us to safely transfer the casualty from the fishing vessel.
"After discussions with the skipper and HM Coastguard, the decision was made for the helicopter to carry out the evacuation. We were stood down and returned to station while the helicopter completed the extraction.
"The casualty was taken ashore for treatment by NHS staff in Scarborough.’