New helm takes charge of rescue using flares

13/11/2023

A new helm at North Berwick RNLI has taken charge of his first call out where flares were used to illuminate the search area.

Fraser Fulton was the helm of the lifeboat, Evelyn M, early one morning in November, as part of a three-hour multi-agency land, sea, and air search.

An RNLI video shows the search and the flares being fired.

Members of North Berwick, Dunbar and Fisherrow Coastguard Rescue Teams, Police Scotland and a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter were also involved.

The volunteers were again tasked to search the same area in daylight, before being stood down after Police Scotland traced the casualty ashore.

Fraser Fulton says, “The RNLI’s training to become a helm is conducted largely on station giving you tools to help command the lifeboat, and volunteer crew in situations like this.

“Ten minutes prior to launching the crew were tucked up in their beds, sound asleep. Now they’re searching for a casualty, in the pitch black with single-figure air temperatures and a rolling sea. Not only must the helm focus the crew’s output but I also have to navigate the lifeboat safely and ensure information flows between other search and rescue assets.

“There’s obviously a fair bit of pressure, but I know that my training is second to none and that the RNLI crew here in North Berwick, along with our Coastguard and other emergency service colleagues will work together to get the job done.”

The image from RNLI/North Berwick shows the firing of a flare to illuminate a search area.

Source: RNLI