Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat ceases operations

Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat, stationed in Beach Road, has been withdrawn from a national list of search and rescue assets, according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

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It is not yet clear why the lifeboat has been withdrawn, but the MCA said it is working with Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat to bring it back into service “as soon as possible”, and that it will ensure all emergencies continue to be responded to while the lifeboat is out of action.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “The Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat has been withdrawn from the list of declared assets available for search and rescue and we are working with them to bring it back into service as soon as possible.

“HM Coastguard has a range of search and rescue assets including lifeboats, HM Coastguard’s helicopter and coastguard rescue teams that will be able to ensure that all emergencies can be responded to with appropriate resources.”

The MCA provides a 24-hour maritime and coastal search and rescue emergency coordination and response service to prevent the loss of life on the coast and at sea across the UK.

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The National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA) has also offered its support to the Sea Palling station.

NILA trustee Wayne Monks said: “The NILA understands that the Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat has been withdrawn from service.

“As the national body for independent lifeboat services we will be assisting in any way we can to get this service back operational and we will work with HM Coastguard which is the tasking authority."

Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat has been approached for comment.