The RNLI has issued a statement on why the Humber lifeboat was not initially involved in the large-scale rescue operation off the East Yorkshire coast.
The incident, which took place on Monday morning, saw an oil tanker and a container ship collide in the North Sea, triggering a major emergency response coordinated by HM Coastguard.
Lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes were launched early on, along with a coastguard rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft and several nearby vessels equipped with firefighting capabilities.
Some questioned why the Humber lifeboat was not among those first sent to the scene, although it attended later in the day.
An RNLI spokesman said: “The RNLI is one of a number of HM Coastguard’s declared list of search assets around the UK and is tasked by them as necessary. HM Coastguard is responsible for initiation and coordination of all maritime search and rescue.
“Humber Lifeboat Station was not on service at the time of the call. In well-practised plans, lifeboat cover for any part of the coast is provided by our stations working together – our volunteers, and staff, do not work in isolation and groups of stations always provide the right level of cover for larger sections of coastline all around the UK and Ireland.
“Four RNLI lifeboat crews were initially tasked to this incident – two inshore lifeboats and two all-weather lifeboats. Humber lifeboat was tasked later on in the day.”
The operation continues to be coordinated by HM Coastguard.
Photo: Tracie Talbot