Callout No. 7

6^th November 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh inshore lifeboat (ILB), the ‘Susan Scott’, was launched on Wednesday 6th November, at approximately 3.25pm, following a Coastguard request, to assist in the search for a missing person in the River Alde area.

RNLI Aldeburgh ILB was tasked by the Coastguard to launch, following a report of a missing person last seen in the Orford Quay area, heading north along the river wall path. The lifeboat crew searched the river banks, liaising with the local coastguard teams onshore. After approximately half an hour, the casualty was found safe and well, so the ILB was stood down and returned to station.

Callout No. 10

26 ^st November 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’ was launched on Tuesday 26 November, at approximately 1pm, following a Coastguard request, to a report of a tug drifting, due to engine failure, five miles east of Aldeburgh.

The RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was tasked by the Coastguard at 12.54pm to launch, after a report of a 50 foot tug struggling with engine failure. They were drifting east of Aldeburgh. The ALB was launched at 1pm and on arrival at scene, the ALB crew secured a tow, then started to escort the tug to Lowestoft, as it was too large to get into Southwold harbour. While towing, the tug’s crew managed to start their engine, so Aldeburgh ALB stood by to ensure they made good headway. Unfortunately the engine started to fail again, but were still able to make their own way, with the ALB escorting them into Lowestoft. After ensuring the tug was secure and their crew safe, the ALB was stood down and returned to station.

The ALB returned to station at 6pm.

Callout No. 9

21 ^st October 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’ was launched on Monday 21 October, at approximately 7.15am, following a Coastguard request, to a report of a yacht in difficulties, north east of Aldeburgh.

The RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was tasked by the Coastguard at 7.00am to launch, after a report of a yacht struggling in force seven winds (32-38mph), with one crew member unwell. The yacht’s engine had failed and was unable to set sail, as the seas were too rough (waves 4-6metres). The Aldeburgh ALB is beach launched and was launched in these challenging seas and headed towards the casualty.

On arrival at scene, the ALB crew secured a tow, then escorted the yacht to Lowestoft.

Callout No. 8

19 ^st October 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh lifeboat requested to launch to a sinking motor boat. RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’ was requested to launch on Saturday 19 October, at approximately 4.00pm, by the Coastguard, to a report of a 48 foot motor boat taking on water, north of Aldeburgh.

The RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was tasked by the Coastguard at 4.00pm to launch, following a report of an alarm from the crew of the motor boat. The alarm indicated that the bilge pump had failed and they were taking on water. As the ALB was about to be launched into the sea, the lifeboat crew received an update, indicating that it was a faulty pump alarm, so were stood down.

Callout No. 7

1^st October 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh lifeboat launched to a fishing vessel with engine problems RNLI Aldeburgh all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’ was launched on Tuesday 1 October, at approximately 11.12am, following a Coastguard request, to a report of a fishing vessel in difficulties, south of Aldeburgh.

The RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was tasked by the Coastguard at 10.45am to launch, following a call from the fisherman on the vessel, who reported that they had problems with the engine. Despite attempts to repair the problem, it could not be resolved. As a result of this, a call to Aldeburgh lifeboat station was carried out, with a request for assistance, which was passed on to the Coastguard.

On arrival at scene, the ALB crew secured a tow, then escorted the fishing vessel back to Aldeburgh beach.

The ALB returned to station at 1.30pm.

Callout No. 6

19^th September 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh lifeboat launched to rescue a stranded yacht RNLI Aldeburgh inshore lifeboat (ILB), the ‘Susan Scott’, was launched on Thursday 19th September, at approximately 8am, following a Coastguard request, to a yacht that was stranded on the River Ore.

RNLI Aldeburgh ILB was tasked by the Coastguard to launch, following a report of a yacht that was stranded, after it had grounded overnight when the tide went out. The casualty had requested assistance.

Once on scene, the ILB crew assessed the situation. Realising they couldn’t do anything at that time, the ILB crew took the yacht’s crew off, landed them at Orford Quay and left them with the local Coastguard team and the Harbour Master. They were to be returned to their yacht later in the day.

The ILB was stood down and returned to station.

Callout No. 5

16^th September 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh lifeboat launched to rescue stranded motor boat RNLI Aldeburgh inshore lifeboat (ILB), the ‘Susan Scott’, was launched at approximately 5pm, following a Coastguard request, to a motor boat that was stranded near the mouth of the River Ore.

RNLI Aldeburgh ILB was tasked by the Coastguard to launch, following a report of a 21 foot motor boat that was stranded, due to engine failure, with two people on-board. They had requested assistance, after two hours of unsuccessfully attempting to resolve the problem themselves.

Once on scene, the ILB crew assessed the situation, then attached a tow line to the casualty and took them to Orford quay. After ensuring the casualty was secure and the passengers safe, the ILB was stood down and returned to station.

Callout No. 6

9^th September 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboat launched to a fishing vessel in difficulty RNLI Aldeburgh All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’ was launched at approximately 1.45pm, following a Coast Guard request, to a report of a fishing vessel in difficulties.

The RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was tasked by the Coast Guard at 1.30pm to launch, following a call from the fisherman on the vessel, who reported that, while trawling south of Aldeburgh, his nets had caught on an object on the sea bed. Despite several attempts to bring up the nets to free them, this caused the fishing vessel to nearly capsize. As a result of this, a call to Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station was carried out, with a request for assistance, which was passed on to the Coast Guard. The fisherman was particularly concerned, as the tide was changing and there was also a possibility that the nets had entangled around the props.

On arrival at scene, the fisherman reported that the nets had given way, so the ALB crew ensured the props were clear, then escorted the fishing vessel back to Aldeburgh.

The ALB returned to station at 2.30pm.

Callout No. 5   Callout No. 8

19^th August 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboats launched on Carnival Day to reports of a drifting raft RNLI Aldeburgh All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’ and Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), the ‘Susan Scott’, was launched at approximately 3.55pm, following a Coast Guard request, to a report of a rubber raft adrift with a person in the water.

The RNLI Aldeburgh ILB was initially tasked by the Coast Guard at 3.35pm to launch, following a 999 call from a member of the public, who reported seeing a rubber raft adrift with a person in the water, clinging on. Once launched, the ALB was also tasked to assist, as the casualty was moving fast due to the sea conditions.

Once on scene, both the ALB and ILB crew were unable to find the casualty, so were tasked to search the area. While searching, the ‘casualty’ was found and identified as three balloons, two yellow and one black in colour. From the shoreline, this would have looked like a raft and a person in the water.

Aldeburgh RNLI Coxswain, Steve Saint said “While it may be a problem, there is a visual similarity between a balloon and a person in the water, from the shoreline, which cannot be dismissed. We therefore must launch to investigate, even though it is a false alarm with good intent.”

Once the balloons had been recovered from the water, both boats were stood down and returned to station at 5.05pm.

Callout No. 4

5^th August 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboat tasked to a person reported in the water after capsizing RNLI Aldeburgh Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), the ‘Susan Scott’, was launched at 8.35am, following a Coast Guard request, to a person who had gone into the water after capsizing in the River Ore.

The RNLI Aldeburgh ILB was launched, after there was a report of a person in the water 100 metres off Orford Quay. They had been in an 8 foot rowing tender that had capsized, throwing them into the water. The casualty was wearing a life jacket and was holding onto the tender until help arrived. Fortunately a passing vessel rescued the casualty from the water and they were with the harbour master on Orford Quay. Once on scene, the ILB was requested to retrieve the overturned tender, which had drifted down river. After the tender was located, it was righted, a tow rope attached and returned to Orford Quay. The ILB was stood down, after the tender was secured and the crew ensured the casualty was not injured.

The ILB returned to station at 10.16am.

Callout No. 3

4^th August 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboat launched to rescue yacht with damaged steering RNLI Aldeburgh Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), the ‘Susan Scott’, was launched at approximately 7.30pm, following a Coast Guard request, to a yacht that had damaged steering in the River Alde.

The RNLI Aldeburgh ILB had been returning from a fundraising event in Orford, when it was tasked to a yacht that had lost its’ auxiliary engine overboard, but was still attached to a lanyard. One of the yachts crew was having difficulty retrieving the engine. Once the engine was back on board, it became apparent that it had damaged the steering.

Once on scene, the ILB crew assessed the situation and escorted the yacht to a mooring at Orford. After the securing the yacht the ILB was stood down and returned to station at 10pm..

Callout No. 2

25^th July 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboat launched in storm to drifting yacht RNLI Aldeburgh inshore lifeboat (ILB), the "Susan Scott" was launched to a yacht that had broken its moorings and was drifting down the River Ore.

RNLI Aldeburgh ILB Susan Scott launched at 9.23pm, following a pan pan call. A yacht had snapped its moorings and was drifting in the River Ore, towards the river mouth and sea.

The weather conditions were very poor with thunder, lightning, winds gusting 25 knots (force six) and rough water. This hampered the rescue of the yacht.

Once on scene, the ILB crew attached a line to the yacht and towed it back to Orford. In consultation with the local harbour master and Coastguard, the yacht was attached to another mooring, in safer waters.

Once secured and ensuring that the yachts' crew were safe, the ILB crew were stood down and returned to station at 11.15pm.

Callout No. 1

22^th July 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboat Launched to Rescue Stranded Speed Boat RNLI Aldeburgh Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), the ‘Susan Scott’, was launched at approximately 9.15pm, following a Coast Guard request, to a speed boat that was stranded on the mud in the River Alde.

RNLI Aldeburgh ILB was tasked by the Coast Guard to launch, following a report of a speed boat stranded on the mud, with six people on-board. They had requested help in transferring everyone to shore, as the tide was low and did not want to remain onboard overnight.

Once on scene, the ILB crew assessed the situation, then transferred an ILB crew member on-board the speed boat. They then proceeded to take the speed boat crew off in relay, which was difficult due to the low tide and mud. The speed boat was secured and the ILB stood down, once the casualties were safely taken ashore.

The ILB was back on station at 11.45pm.

Callout No. 4   Callout No. 4

14^th July 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboats Launched to Rescue a Capsized Kayaker RNLI Aldeburgh All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’ and Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), the ‘Susan Scott’, was launched at approximately1pm, following a Coast Guard request, to a kayaker who had capsized, south of Aldeburgh.

RNLI Aldeburgh ILB was initially tasked by the Coast Guard at 12.50pm to launch, following a 999 call from a kayaker, who had capsized and was struggling to get back onto the kayak, due to the waves. Once launched, the ALB was also tasked to assist, as the casualty had been in the water for over half an hour, which would be extended before help could arrive.

Once on scene, the ILB crew recovered the casualty from the water, who was well but very tired and carried out a casualty care assessment. The ILB crew ensured the casualty was kept warm until the ALB arrived.

The casualty was then transferred to the ALB, where the crew continued to carry out casualty care assessments. The ALB then returned to station, at 2.15pm, where the crew handed over the casualty to shore crew.

The casualty said “When you admit to yourself you need help, you make that call and the professionals come to help. Also, all the people behind the scenes is awesome and what they are doing to help you. It is very much appreciated.”

The ILB towed the kayak back to Aldeburgh and were back on station at 2.30pm.

Callout No. 3

27^th June 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh All-Weather Lifeboat Launched to Assist in Medivac Rescue RNLI Aldeburgh All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’, was launched at 5.17am, following a Coast Guard request, to an unwell crew member on an oil tanker, 22 miles south east of Aldeburgh.

RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was initially tasked by the Coast Guard at 4.50am to launch to an oil tanker with an unwell crew member on board. The casualty had respiratory problems and required helicopter evacuation, but was initially reluctant. It was then agreed the casualty would go, so the ALB was stood down, but re tasked at 5.07am to assist the helicopter.

The ALB was on scene at 6.05am, not long after the helicopter had arrived and stood by at an appropriate distance. A paramedic was winched down, from the helicopter, onto the oil tanker, to assess the casualty. The casualty was eventually winched up and transferred to the local hospital, for further assessments.

As no further assistance was required, the ALB was stood down, at 6.26am and returned to station at 7.19am.

Callout No. 2

18^th June 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB), the ‘Freddie Cooper’, was launched at 9.45am, following a pan pan request, to a lone yachtsman reporting to be unwell, south of Orford Ness lighthouse. A second yacht was close to the casualty, assisting by relaying information to the ALB crew.

RNLI Aldeburgh ALB was tasked by the Coast Guard at 9.37am to launch to an unwell, lone yachtsman. A pan pan request was radioed to the Coast Guard, which means that they have a situation that is urgent, but does not pose an immediate danger. On arrival at scene at 10.25am, the ALB came along side the casualty’s yacht and two ALB crew transferred over to assess the yachtsman. Following casualty care assessments the casualty was conscious, vomiting, unwell and requiring oxygen. A Helivac was assigned by the Coast Guard. In preparation for this, the casualty was transferred over to the ALB. Once the helicopter was on scene at 11.10am, a paramedic was winched down onto the ALB to assess the casualty. The casualty was then winched up and transferred to the local hospital, for further assessments. The casualty’s yacht was taken under tow by the second yacht who had stood by.

Steve Saint, Coxswain, said “The casualty made the right decision in not delaying and calling early, enabling us to give swift casualty care”. The ALB was then stood down and returned to station at 12.45pm.

Callout No. 1

22^nd March 2019

RNLI Aldeburgh's All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB), ‘Freddie Cooper’, was launched this morning to a fishing vessel. There were two crew onboard. They had called for assistance as they were reported to be struggling with engine failure and were drifting, South of Aldeburgh.

At 6.30am there was a request to launch the ALB immediately to assist the casualty. On arrival at scene at 6.45am, it was found that the casualty had been unable to restart their engine. The casualty was taken under tow and taken back to Aldeburgh beach. The ALB was back on station at 7.30am.