Blyth RNLI crew rescued after being swept from lifeboat

All three RNLI lifeboat volunteers were swept overboard but later rescued, the charity said

A lifeboat crew had to be rescued after being swept overboard by a wave in Northumberland.

RNLI volunteers from Blyth lifeboat station had been carrying out a search for a missing person in Seaton Sluice harbour on Sunday evening.

However, their D-class inshore vessel was struck by a wave, knocking all three crew members into the sea.

They were later brought to safety, while the lifeboat was retrieved by the RNLI's Tynemouth crew.

An RNLI spokesperson said none of the crew members required hospital treatment and praised them for their actions.

"Using their extensive training for scenarios like this, the crew switched on their personal locator beacons and fired a distress flare.

"Thankfully all three were unharmed."