Two RNLI lifeboats helped locate a missing person off the coast of Weston-super-Mare yesterday evening (Wednesday, March 16). The two lifeboats joined police in trying to locate the individual, who was eventually found on Brean Down.
Whilst one lifeboat was launched from the crews base at Knightstone harbour, another was already at sea, conducting routine training exercises before being called out to assist the search. Thankfully, the person was located soon after and the lifeboats could return to base, reports Somerset Live.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said: "The call-out was because a missing person was thought to be somewhere on Brean Down. One of our lifeboats was already at sea, training, so they went and we also launched our other lifeboat. Fairly soon the police found the missing person and so both our boats were stood down."
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The rescue team's base at Knightstone harbour in Weston is currently being used as a temporary station for the RNLI whilst they wait for their brand new Birnbeck Pier base to start construction. The base is limited due to tide times, meaning that the search for a better, permanent station has been on the cards for years.
The works are set to be phased over several years after the RNLI confirmed its interest in moving its life-saving operations back to the island and significantly improving access to the water.
Just two weeks ago, emergency teams in Weston were rushed to the aid of a person seen walking into the sea in darkness near the Grand Pier. Both the town’s RNLI lifeboats were called out after a member of the public reported seeing a person entering the water.
Also on scene were the Weston Seafront Rangers, the Coastguard helicopter which was out on exercise as the call came in and Weston-super-Mare Coastguard Rescue Team.
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