Both RNLI Fleetwood’s inshore and all-weather lifeboats were called into action when a wind surfer was reported to be in difficulty off Sunderland Point, near Heysham.



UK Coastguard called RNLI Fleetwood and both lifeboats were immediately launched, along with the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter based at Caernarfon to help with the search. The wind surfer was eventually spotted by the SAR helicopter and directed the ILB to pick up the casualty.

The wind surfer was cold and wet, but otherwise in good spirits, considering the danger he was in and was safely handed over to Knott End Coastguard Rescue Team.

Coxswain Gary Randles said ‘It was lucky he was picked up quickly. The conditions were challenging and especially tough for the volunteer inshore lifeboat crew. It made the search quite difficult. The wind surfer was extremely cold when he was picked up, but declined medical assistance. We were grateful for the support from both the Coastguard and the Coastguard helicopter’.