Skegness RNLI lifeboat rescues three during nine-hour shout
Russell Matthews, 11/12/11

Skegness RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) lifeboat Lincolnshire Poacher was called out early this morning (Sunday) when a motor vessel began taking on water 17 miles north-east of Skegness.

The lifeboat was requested to launch at 00:36 to the MV Sarah, a former fishing vessel with three crew on board, heading for Wells in strong winds and moderate seas.

Once the casualty was located, lifeboat crew members Dean Sumner and Ian Johnson were transferred to the vessel with a salvage pump and the lifeboat began escorting her towards Fosdyke - a 30 mile journey to the south of The Wash.

A short time into the escort, the steering on the Sarah failed and a tow needed to be attached. Lifeboat crew member Mark Holley was also transferred to the vessel to assist with the pumping and rigging the tow.

Skegness lifeboat coxswain, John Irving, said the lifeboat faced challenging conditions during the long call out.

He added: "It was a bitterly cold, windy night and a long tow down to Fosdyke where the vessel could be hoisted out of the water as soon as possible. This was one of the longest shouts we've had for a while and we're all pleased to be home safe and ready for bed."

Sarah was safely berthed in Fosdyke Marina at around 7:45am and the lifeboat headed back to Skegness, reaching the beach just after 9:30am, nearly nine hours after launching.

Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Ball raises £8,000 with help from Centrica
Russell Matthews, 11/10/11

The first Skegness RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) Lifeboat Ball in association with Centrica has been hailed a huge success having raised £8,002.91 for the charity that saves lives at sea.

The fundraising event, held at The Suncastle, Skegness, on Saturday night was attended by nearly 160 guests - each given a 'Golden Ticket' opportunity to win a trip on the Skegness lifeboat Lincolnshire Poacher - and was sponsored or supported by over 30 local and national companies.

Title sponsors Centrica Energy have close ties to the area as operators of the Inner Dowsing and Lynn wind farms off Skegness, and the nearby Lincs wind farm, currently being constructed by fellow event sponsors, MPI Offshore.

The evening featured entertainment by jazz quartet Tufty Gordon and Friends, and eight-piece band Soul Intention.

Event organiser, Skegness lifeboat Second Coxswain Ray Chapman, said the night had been more successful than he'd ever imagined.

Ray said: "When we set out to organise a fundraising ball our primary goal was to create a memorable night and to establish the event as an annual fixture. We've been overwhelmed by the level of support received from local companies and the generosity of our guests on the night - thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success."

Nearly £1,500 was raised on the raffle with prizes including an iPad 2 donated by Taylors Ford, a 40" Samsung TV donated by East Lindsey District Council and table sponsors, and a Xbox 360 with Kinect donated by Skegness Springs Ltd.

The auction generated over £1,700 with lots ranging from a 15-minute trial helicopter lesson, a VIP tour of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to an opportunity to drive an Audi TT for a weekend.

Ray added: "The Lifeboat Ball Team have already turned their thoughts to next year. We look forward to starting the planning and announcing a date for 2012 very soon."

Notes

• Full list of Event Sponsors & Supporters: Centrica plc, MPI Offshore, Sid Dennis & Sons Ltd, Taylors of Skegness, Blue Anchor Leisure Ltd, Skegness Springs Ltd, East Lindsey District Council, Bray Design, Copystat, Batemans Brewery, Boston Audi, RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, The Lifeboat College, City Electrical Factors, Kuki Helicopters, Alexanders, North Shore Hotel, Hallgate Security, The Piano Academy, MKM, Stewarts Bar & Restaurant, SSP Hats, Jacksons Building Centres, Keith Fear Electrical, Hodgkinsons Solicitors, Facial Attraction, Manorcrest Homes, Little Learners, Fenland Laundries, Carter Signs, Brough Hall & Co, Miles Hartley, Michael Fagan, Nigel Millard, Dean Godden.

• The Lifeboat Ball Team: Second Coxswain Ray Chapman, Lifeboat Treasurer April Chapman, Lifeboat Press Officer Russell Matthews, Supporter Shaun Sellars, Deputy Second Coxswain Richard Watson and Inshore Lifeboat Crew Member Adam Holmes.



• For further information or comment relating to The Lifeboat Ball, please contact Ray Chapman on 07866 866777 or Russell Matthews on 07930 449602.

Photos

1. Skegness Lifeboat Station Chairman Ron Chapman (L), with wife Audrey and Lifeboat Operations Manager Alan Fisher (R). (Credit RNLI/Skegness).

2. Lifeboat Treasurer April Chapman and her husband Second Coxswain Ray Chapman. (Credit RNLI/Skegness).

3. Table centrepieces featured small RNLI lifeboats floating in fish bowls. (Credit RNLI/Skegness).

4., 5. The Lifeboat Ball Sponsors and Supporters and The Lifeboat Ball poster.