Humber Rescue Lifeboat Saves 3 Lives in 10 Hours

On Friday 23rd May, the Humber Rescue lifeboat was launched multiple times in response to a series of serious incidents across the River Humber. Over a demanding 10-hour period, our volunteer lifeboat crew saved three lives, supported multiple agencies, and demonstrated the vital role our service plays on the water.

🚨 Humber Rescue Lifeboat Responds: Person in the Water

The first call came in at 18:06, reporting two vessels aground near Brough. One had two people onboard, including an elderly gentleman; the other was occupied by a single individual.

Before arriving, the Humber Rescue lifeboat was re-tasked to a more urgent emergency: a person in the water in need of immediate help. Upon arrival, the crew quickly assessed the escalating situation and successfully recovered the casualty into the lifeboat within two minutes.

Onboard, they delivered immediate care before transferring the individual to shore, where Yorkshire Ambulance Service took over and transported the person to hospital.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service outside Humber Rescue.

⛑️ Multi-Agency Effort Led by Humber Rescue Lifeboat

With the casualty stabilised, our D-Class lifeboat resumed its original mission in Brough. However, before reaching the grounded vessels, another call came in, reports of a second person in the water, this time closer to the station.

Both Humber Rescue lifeboats responded swiftly, initiating a coordinated search. Fortunately, this incident was declared a false alarm with good intent after 40 minutes.

After a quick stop back at base to refuel both boats and bodies, the crew headed back to Brough. The two individuals stranded on the grounded vessel were still awaiting assistance.

This time, the rescue effort expanded to include:

• Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 912

• Cleethorpes, Hornsea, and Hull Coastguard Rescue Teams

The Humber Rescue lifeboat ferried emergency personnel to the scene, where a mud rescue was successfully carried out under helicopter light. Both casualties were safely extracted and found to be in good spirits.

Humber Rescue and HM Coastguard mud rescue team prepare to rescue occupants of grounded vessel.

🌊 Final Check and End of a Long Night

Before standing down, the crew made one final check on the second grounded vessel. The sole occupant was safe, well-equipped, and opted to remain onboard until the tide allowed them to float off.

With all tasks completed, the Humber Rescue lifeboat returned to base just before 04:00. The crew then began washing down, refuelling, and resetting the boats, ready to launch again, whenever needed.

Humber Rescue mud sled

💙 Your Support Keeps Us Afloat

What made this night especially challenging wasn’t just the number of incidents, it was the emotional impact and the unrelenting pace. There was little time to reflect between emergencies. Our crew experienced one of the most difficult callouts possible and were still ready to face the next task without pause.

Throughout the night, we worked alongside:

• Hull, Hornsea, and Cleethorpes Coastguard Teams

• Yorkshire & East Midlands Ambulance Services

• Rescue Helicopter 912

• Humber Coastguard

Every person involved gave up their evening and personal time to save others.

We understand that such major events often generate speculation, especially when helicopters are involved. We kindly ask the public to avoid sharing unverified information and instead rely on updates like this one, directly from Humber Rescue.

🙏 Humber Rescue Lifeboat: Powered by Public Support

Humber Rescue is an independent lifeboat charity, not part of the RNLI, and receives no government funding. Our lifeboats are crewed by unpaid volunteers. Every rescue is only made possible through donations from the public.

If you’d like to support the Humber Rescue lifeboat, please consider donating today. Your support helps us stay on the water, ready to save lives, 365 days a year.