While sailing off the harbour near Berwick Pier, UK in the morning hours of 2 September, the crew of the dredger ‘Gypsey Race’ found a woman clinging to the north wall, and headed to her aid. However, whilst the crew were undertaking lifesaving activities, the vessel grounded on sand and rocks.
According to data provided by the HM Coastguard, the crew of the dredger noticed the woman clinging to the wall at 8.30 am and made an immediate call to the Coastguard whilst going to her aid. The Coastguard requested the Berwick RNLI inshore and all weather lifeboats to launch and the Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team to attend.
By the time that the lifeboats and coastguard team arrived on scene, the crew of the dredger had managed to rescue the woman from her predicament. The inshore lifeboat took the woman from the deck of the dredger and brought her to shore. She had been in the water for an hour and a half and was attended to by paramedics.
She was in a dire situation and the crew undoubtedly saved her life,
…said Jolene Smith, HM Coastguard.
Unfortunately, whilst the crew of the dredger were undertaking their lifesaving activities, the Gypsey Race grounded on sand and rocks. The vessel is now stuck by the pier, awaiting the next high tide, when efforts will be made to assist her in re-floating.
I’d like to take this opportunity to remind people to take care near the water or by cliffs when taking photos. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in taking the perfect photo, forgetting that you are in a hazardous environment. As the summer comes to an end and opportunities arise to take more photos of spectacular weather conditions, please do be mindful of your own safety and don’t take unnecessary risks,
…added Jolene Smith.
