Sheringham Councillors: Lives could be put at risk by lack of lifeboat cover
The problems all stem from the closure of Sheringham’s own lifeboat station in February
One of the most popular stretches of the Norfolk coast will have reduced lifeboat cover this summer, with local leaders warning lives could be put at risk as a result.
Councillors in Sheringham have voiced safety concerns about those using the waters off the town because the RNLI has had to reduce its provision in the area.
The problems all stem from the closure of Sheringham’s own lifeboat station in February.
The facility – from which the Odd Fellows lifeboat operates – was shut because it was considered to be at risk from a landslide from the surrounding cliffs.
The closure was only meant to be temporary but there are currently no immediate plans to reopen it and many in the town fear it will not be possible to bring it back into use.
The RNLI stations at Cromer, which is four miles away, Wells (15 miles) and Mundesley (11 miles) have been providing cover.
However, at a recent Sheringham Town Council (STC) meeting, members were told that a shortage of volunteers available meant that Cromer could not provide cover during the day on Monday to Friday, while boats from further afield would take longer to arrive in an emergency.
Councillor Jon Dorey said Cromer’s volunteer lifeboat crew “cannot be mustered” Monday to Friday.
He also said that launch times from other stations at nearby Wells and Mundesley could lead to delays in reaching incidents.
He told the meeting that Cromer’s Lester lifeboat is larger than the ‘inshore’ one which previously operated from Sheringham and cannot be used in shallow waters close to the beach.
Wells has a large lifeboat, which is also unsuitable for inshore use, as well as a smaller one.
But Mr Dorey said the smaller one was too little to make the long journey to Sheringham and could not deal with many casualties.
The nearest inshore lifeboats are at Mundesley and Hunstanton, which is 31 miles away.
According to meeting minutes, Mr Dorey said: “If there is an incident, the coastguard will have to call Wells but it will take 45 minutes to launch the big boat and they won’t send their smaller lifeboat.
“This is too long and could lead to a loss of life. This is not just about the fishing fraternity, it is kayakers, swimmers and paddleboarders.”
Following the meeting, the town clerk said: “STC are very concerned that the lifeboat, the Odd Fellows, is currently out of service and the impact this could have on the safety of all those who look to enjoy our part of this coastline for employment or leisure.”
The council intends to write to the RNLI, urging the charity to ensure the Odd Fellows starts operating from Sheringham again as soon as possible.
However, the RNLI is yet to say if or when the lifeboat will return to the town.
Its engineers have been examining the Sheringham station building and a report is being developed to explore “where and how a lifeboat service can be provided in the area,” a spokeswoman said.
However, the RNLI has sought to reassure the public that its crews will continue to keep people safe along north Norfolk’s coastline.
Trials are currently taking place to see if Sheringham’s Odd Fellows, an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, can operate temporarily from Cromer, with the aim to bring it into service from the pier by July 2025.
Beach lifeguards have also been deployed for the summer across north Norfolk and the service will expand in July.
The RNLI said it has “well-practised plans” to ensure lifeboat cover is provided for any part of the coast through its volunteers working together across its stations.
A spokeswoman added: “While the lifeboat service has been suspended at Sheringham, a huge amount of work has been taking place to investigate both short and long-term solutions to get RNLI operations running again in the area.
“In the meantime, RNLI search and rescue cover is being provided by our lifeboat crews from other stations and our seasonal lifeguard service began operating on a number of beaches in the area from May 24, including Sheringham West.
“No individual lifeboat station is continuously on service because we are a volunteer-led service and we recognise that people cannot give unlimited cover.
“Additionally, our lifeboats can be taken off service for maintenance or repairs when rescues result in damage.
“This is why we have plans and arrangements to manage whole stretches of coastline and not only one lifeboat station or crew covering just their specific geography.”
SAVING LIVES FOR NEARLY 200 YEARS
Sheringham’s lifeboat crews have been saving lives for nearly 200 years and have been involved in many rescues at sea.
One of the most memorable acts of heroism occurred in 1956, when 18 men were saved from the SS Wimbledon, a large steamer.
The crew from Sheringham battled through 15ft high waves to retrieve the men, earning awards for its coxswain, Henry West and mechanic Edward Craske.