Hemsby lifeboat stops daytime rescues in blue light row

The Hemsby independent lifeboat coxswain Daniel Hurd said the service would no longer attend daytime emergencies

An independent lifeboat service said it would no longer attend emergencies during the day after being told not to use blue lights on its road vehicles.

Hemsby lifeboat covers part of the North Sea and the Norfolk Broads.

Norfolk Police said it reviewed the legislation after a member of the public complained about the use of sirens and blue lights by the service.

The law does not allow independent lifeboats and their towing vehicles to use blue lights, it said.

The lifeboat service based at Hemsby is used mainly to attend inshore emergencies

Daniel Hurd, coxswain of the service based near Great Yarmouth, said: "We've had the blue lights for 20 years and never had an issue, never had an accident.

"I'm not going to risk us sitting in traffic for an hour and someone dying as a result. An inquest will only say, 'Why didn't you get there sooner?'."

Mr Hurd said at the height of summer, without sirens and a blue light, his vehicles could be sat in traffic for a long time.

The service has been notified by Norfolk Police that it can no longer use blue lights or sirens on its vehicles that transport boats to emergencies

The coxswain is calling for the Department for Transport to change the legislation to include independent lifeboats. Only RNLI vehicles are currently allowed to use blue lights on roads when launching a lifeboat on service.

The Hemsby service, which has two 4x4 vehicles fitted with blue lights as well as a low Broads boat, has notified the Humber coastguard that it will not be available to help in an emergency between 06:00 and 18:00, Mr Hurd said.

"It's sad, there's a service there that we're happy to provide at no cost to the government. It just seems like there's a lot of obstacles in the way now," he added.

'Regrettable situation'

In a statement, Norfolk Police said: "Unfortunately there is no exemption to allow the independent lifeboat service to use blue lights and/or sirens on the public highway or to have blue lights fitted to the vehicle, whether in use or not.

"We are aware the service would like special dispensation to drive its launch vehicles on blue lights, but the legislation is specific and does not allow it.

"This is a regrettable situation as we recognise the well-intended efforts of these volunteers. However, we have to work within the legislation and do not have the authority to amend or change it."

The Broads Authority said the volunteers offer a "valuable service" in the Broads.

"We have spoken to HM Coastguard who co-ordinate the emergency response in the Broads, and have been assured that they will provide alternative vessels should the situation remain unresolved," a spokesperson said.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard is currently working with the Department for Transport, tasking authorities and other UK Search and Rescue (SAR) organisations to create guidance and governance for SAR teams in relation to the use of blue lights and warning devices.

"Independent lifeboat groups have never been allowed to use blue lights, so we are working to provide a mechanism for the recognition of SAR teams and a framework for them to operate within."