The Lizard RNLI team have took the unusual step of tweeting progress on a long rescue which saw the all weather lifeboat embarking on a 70 mile round trip out into the English Channel.
A crew launched just before 11am yesterday to rescue a 24 metre French trawler that was in difficulty after its propeller became fouled 34 miles off the coast.
And showing that the RNLI will always strive to keep abreast of modern technology, the press officer on shore kept everyone updated via social media.
The lifeboat launched just before 11 this morning to assist a trawler 34 miles SSW of Lizard Point with a fouled prop pic.twitter.com/CbKvSUC1eR
— The Lizard Lifeboat (@LizardRNLI) July 15, 2015
The Lizard lifeboat Twitter feed (@LizardRNLI) kept followers up to speed with the rescue as it unfolded.
The lifeboat has the 24 metre trawler under tow for Newlyn harbour @HeartCornwall pic.twitter.com/XGKcgjMaBp
— The Lizard Lifeboat (@LizardRNLI) July 15, 2015
The boats made their way towards Newlyn harbour, with the nimble-fingered Twitter team tracking it every step of the way, using what appears to be a boat-tracking app.
The tow is progressing well but the lifeboat has several miles to go before reaching Newlyn #AlwaysOnCall pic.twitter.com/kXJiA7xq26
— The Lizard Lifeboat (@LizardRNLI) July 15, 2015
The Lizard crew then passed the tow to Penlee's lifeboat, and their press officer thanked the crew, and appeared to take over tweeting duties too.
Great job @LizardRNLI. @RNLI team work at it's best #RNLIFamily https://t.co/l3n49YfRwZ
— RNLI Penlee Lifeboat (@penleelifeboat) July 15, 2015
@penleelifeboat always good to work with you!
— The Lizard Lifeboat (@LizardRNLI) July 15, 2015
Safe tow back to Newlyn for French trawler. @LizardRNLI @CornishmanPaper @ThroughTheGaps pic.twitter.com/y4Za1QJfot
— RNLI Penlee Lifeboat (@penleelifeboat) July 15, 2015
What next for the RNLI? The Packet can only ask. Perhaps Periscope?
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