NCI Press Release – 16th September, 2020

16th September, 2020

A volunteer Watchkeeper from the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) at Rossall Point, Fleetwood, was involved in an incident today, Wednesday (16th September) involving HM Coastguard and Fleetwood RNLI.

A small inflatable rib, with two adults onboard, was seen in difficulty and drifting out on the tide. Brian Johnson, a volunteer with NCI for the past five years and on watch at the time, was soon in contact with HM Coastguard at Holyhead, informing them of the possible incident.

Fleetwood RNLI launched both lifeboats and were directed to the casualties by Brian. Fleetwood RNLI in-shore lifeboat collected both casualties and transferred them to the all-weather lifeboat, before towing the small inflatable back to the shore, where they were met by the Coastguard.

Neither casualties required medical assistance.

Tony Cowell, Coxswain for Fleetwood RNLI said ‘Our friends at Coastwatch were of great assistance today. Not only did they spot the small boat in difficulties, but helped direct us to the scene, quickly. The situation could have ended very differently without their help.’

 

Fleetwood NCI Press Release 11th September, 2020

Channel swim donation for Coastwatchers

When National Coastwatch Fleetwood volunteer Watchkeepers at Rossall Tower were asked to keep a safety check on a local swimmer, whilst training off the beach at Fleetwood, they had little idea the training was for an attempt to swim the English Channel

Emma Truscott, a member of Fleetwood Swimming Club, decided to attempt the 22-mile-long distance swim over three years ago. Training started in earnest and because of Coronavirus restrictions, it was almost cancelled. But in the last minute, she got the green light to attempt the swim.

In a fantastic show of gratitude to the Watchkeepers who looked after her during her training, she decided to raise funds for National Coastwatch Fleetwood, based at Rossall Tower.

Emma’s swim lasted around 10 hours and unfortunately, several miles from France, she had to concede defeat, because of the detrimental effects of salt in her mouth.

Nevertheless, she presented a cheque for £260.91 to Brian Johnson, a volunteer Watchkeeper with National Coastwatch Fleetwood.

 

Brian Johnson, from NCI Fleetwood said ‘I was watching Emma training one day and realised she was being followed by our local seal ! I decided not to inform her though, in case it scared her. Emma’s a brave lass for even attempting the swim and we are really appreciative of her fundraising on our behalf.’

NCI Press Release 5th August, 2020

A volunteer Watchkeeper from the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) at Rossall Point, Fleetwood, was involved in an incident last Sunday (2nd August) involving HM Coastguard and Fleetwood RNLI.

A kayak, with an adult and child aboard, was seen in difficulty and drifting out on the tide. Roger Oakley, a volunteer with NCI for the past three years and on watch at the time, was soon in contact with HM Coastguard at Holyhead and was asked to keep the Coastguard updated, whilst help was mobilised.

At one stage, the casualties on the kayak, appeared to cling onto a buoy as the kayak drifted past on the tide.

Fleetwood Coastguard and Fleetwood RNLI were soon on the scene and the Fleetwood RNLI in-shore lifeboat collected both casualties and towed the kayak back to the shore, where they were met by the Coastguard.

Neither casualties required medical assistance.