THREE CALLOUTS IN THREE DAYS FOR HORNSEA INSHORE RESCUE

Hornsea Inshore Rescue crews recently had three callouts in as many days. On 11th August, at 3:10pm, the crews were tasked to go to the aid of a swimmer who was nearly one mile off the central beach.  

The alarm had been raised by the beach lifeguards, one of whom was swimming out to go to the swimmer’s aid.  

Spirit of Hornsea was launched within seven minutes of being paged and was soon on the scene.  

The swimmer was initially reluctant to board the lifeboat which had already picked up the lifeguard but once having experienced the way the current was carrying him out to sea and taking advice from both the crew and the lifeguard, he boarded the lifeboat and was safely returned to shore.  

Coxswain Steve Hall said that though the sea may look calm and inviting there are the hidden dangers of currents and the increasing coldness as one gets into the deeper water.  

Exhaustion can soon overcome a swimmer in these circumstances, he added. 

The next day saw Spirit of Hornsea called out again at 4:06pm. The crew were tasked to assist the ambulance service deal with a casualty with breathing difficulties on Aldbrough beach.  

It was thought that the casualty may have to be evacuated from the beach by boat due to the difficulties in climbing the cliffs.  

However, as it was a low tide with significant swell it was thought that a more appropriate option would be to evacuate using the coastguard helicopter.  

All this time, Spirit of Hornsea remained on the scene as a safety precaution. After two hours or so the lifeboat returned to its Hornsea base where it was washed down and prepared for the next call out. 

The very next day, Hornsea Inshore Rescue were tasked to go to the aid of an eight-tonne yacht, Sea Toad, which was in difficulty four miles off Hornsea whilst on passage to its home port of Hull.  

The crew were paged at 6:28pm and were swiftly launched. In good sea conditions they soon reached the stricken yacht, put Coxswain Steve Hall aboard and attached a towline from the Spirit of Hornsea which then proceeded to tow the yacht to the safety of Bridlington harbour.  

Here, the yacht was moored up alongside the pleasure vessel, Yorkshire Belle. Once they were satisfied all was safe the Hornsea crew returned to their base at around 9:30pm where the Spirit of Hornsea was washed down and prepared for the next call out.  

Hornsea Inshore Rescue is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are an independent local rescue organisation supported solely by donations and grants.  

Visitors to Hornsea Inshore Rescue and volunteers are always welcome whether they would like to serve as crew, fundraisers or general helpers.  

Anyone interested is welcome to phone Sue on 07796257989 or Ian on 01964 534302.