'Windsurfer in distress' prompts emergency response near the Farne Islands
Last updated 27th Jul 2025
Rescue crews were scrambled to the Northumberland coast this afternoon (Sunday, July 27th) after receiving a 999 call alerting them to a windsurfer in distress.
Seahouses inshore lifeboat was launched shortly before 2pm and immediately began a search operation in what was described as "challenging conditions".
The volunteer crew made contact with a local boat tour operator, who had retrieved a sail from the water near the Farne Islands.
However, there was no sign of the casualty.
A further search then followed of Bamburgh beach, with the support of Seahouses Coastguard.
And, after half an hour of searching, the inshore lifeboat was stood down after the casualty was located.
The individual, who had sustained head injuries, was found safe and receiving medical attention.
WATCH: Click on the video below to view the RNLI's Float to Live safety advice...
Hugh Fell, from Seahouses RNLI, said: "This incident highlights the importance of being prepared and ensuring you have the right safety equipment when heading out on the water.
"We’re relieved the casualty was found and wish them a speedy recovery.
"We’d also like to thank our colleagues at Humber Coastguard, Seahouses Coastguard rescue team, and the Billy Shiel trip boat for their assistance."
It was the second call out of the day for the lifeboat team, who had earlier responded to reports of a vessel suffering mechanical failure - around half a nautical mile from Seahouses Harbour.
A spokesperson said: "We launched our D Class on service to locate and provide assistance to the vessel and persons on board.
"On arrival at scene, following assessment of the vessel and crew the most appropriate/ safest action was to tow the vessel back to Seahouses Harbour.
"The vessel was safely bought to Harbour, the D Class was cleaned, fuelled and made ready for service again."
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