White flare used in rescue of person in the water
28/09/2021
The RNLI used a white rocket flare to help find a person in the water in Sunderland, one night in September.
RNLI Sunderland Lifeboat Station and other emergency personnel were called upon after reports that someone had fallen into the sea at Roker Pier.
The RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat was launched, supported by Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and Northumbria Police.
With daylight fading the RNLI crew used a white rocket flare to provide extra light. After hearing a cry for help they found the person around 100 metres from the RNLI lifeboat and 300 metres from the pier. It is thought they had been in the water for around 20 minutes.
The casualty was rescued by the lifeboat and received first aid. Once back at the marina, they were transferred to the North East Ambulance Service.
Sunderland RNLI team said: “We would like to thank the public for calling 999 and raising the alarm with the Coastguard tonight. The outcome of this incident could have been a very different one without the quick actions taken.” The image is from Sunderland RNLI’s Facebook page.
