Bridlington: Lifeboat Christmas party interrupted by sea rescue

Bridlington's all-weather lifeboat was launched just before midnight on Friday during rough weather conditions

A lifeboat crew's Christmas party was interrupted by an emergency call-out almost 100 miles (161 km) off the East Yorkshire coast.

The Bridlington RNLI crew launched just before midnight on Friday after being alerted to a medical emergency on a guard boat near Dogger Bank wind farm.

The crew of six reached the boat at about 02:50 GMT and brought the casualty back to shore.

Its crew described it as a "marathon tasking" in challenging sea conditions.

Steve Emmerson, coxswain of the Bridlington all-weather lifeboat, said: "It was very surreal to have the crew attend in evening dresses, suits and PJ's.

"The casualty was successfully taken onto the lifeboat without incident and, after a long trip back to port, they were safely deposited with the coastguard."

The boat arrived back at Bridlington harbour at about 08:00 on Saturday, eight hours after it launched.

Discussing the timing of the call-out, made just as the party was concluding, the RNLI said: "As is normal, a large number of crew had volunteered to have a 'dry' evening so they could remain on call and keep the station ready 24/7."