Suspended Sea Palling volunteer lifeboat reinstated

Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat controversially had its lifesaving search and rescue services suspended by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) two weeks ago after a series of complaints were filed to the MCA.

The nature of the complaints has not been revealed, and the MCA previously said the lifeboat would remain off service until a full investigation was complete.

READ MORE: Lifeboat service suspended after complaints made about station

However, the MCA has now reinstated one of station’s lifeboats.

The smaller of the two lifeboats at the station – the lightweight 12-foot Arancia-class lifeboat – is operational again, but the larger 20-foot craft will stay off service.

The decision follows a meeting between the MCA and members of the crew last Thursday (June 22) and comes as kayakers saved three men caught in a riptide at Sea Palling beach on Saturday (June 24).

It was the fourth incident where people have had to be rescued at the beach since the lifeboat ceased operating earlier this month.

READ MORE: 'It's putting lives at risk:' Councillor's fury over suspension of volunteer lifeboat

Mick Clarke, the coxswain of the Sea Palling Lifeboat, said last Friday (June 23) that crew changes at the station over the last 12 months have caused training issues, which he suggested could be part of the reason for the complaints received by the MCA.

He said some members of the crew have not yet received the training required to operate the larger lifeboat, which has infrared cameras and a radar and navigation system onboard.

READ MORE: ‘We just want to get back to saving lives:’ Suspended lifeboat crew speak out

An MCA spokesman said: “HM Coastguard continues to work with members of Sea Palling Lifeboat to get the group back into full service as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, HM Coastguard will continue to task the smaller boat as and when required.”