Scarborough and Bridlington RNLI battle 50mph winds during Storm Boelo emergency alert

The emergency alert came from an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) approximately 90 miles off Flamborough Head. Both lifeboat stations were tasked at 8.30am following the activation of the beacon. An EPIRB is a distress beacon designed to alert search and rescue services when a vessel or person is in danger at sea. Once activated, it transmits a signal to a global search and rescue network, enabling emergency services to locate and assist those potentially in distress.

Bridlington RNLI's all-weather lifeboat Antony Patrick Jones launched at 9.08am with a volunteer crew of five. Scarborough RNLI's all-weather lifeboat Frederick William Plaxton also launched with a volunteer crew of six, and both lifeboats proceeded at best speed towards the reported position.

Conditions at sea were difficult, with winds exceeding 50mph and waves reaching up to four metres in height. Working in Force 7 near-gale conditions, both crews made steady progress towards the search area. The HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter had also been tasked and carried out an aerial search.

The HM Coastguard helicopter was first to arrive on scene and conducted an extensive search of the area. After no vessel, debris or other signs of distress were located, HM Coastguard stood down the search operation. Both RNLI lifeboats were released from the incident and returned to their respective stations, where the crews recovered the boats, washed them down and prepared them for any further service.

Bridlington RNLI Volunteer Launch Authority Josh Colley, who was on duty for the first time as a qualified Launch Authority, said: “This was my first shout as a qualified Launch Authority and certainly a memorable one. Despite the challenging conditions brought by Storm Boelo, our volunteer crew responded quickly and professionally to the tasking.

“Whenever an emergency beacon is activated, we treat it as a genuine distress situation and launch immediately to provide assistance. Thankfully, on this occasion, nothing was found and all crews were able to return safely to their stations.

"I would like to thank the volunteers from both Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI, along with HM Coastguard, for their professionalism and teamwork throughout the incident.”