Boys found safe and well after Holy Island search

Aug 20 2010 The Journal

YOUNGSTERS reported as missing off the Northumberland coast were found safe and well after a multiple agency search.

Humber Coastguard received reports that two boys aged 15 and nine had gone into the sea off Holy Island and not returned, leaving their parents distressed, at 5pm on Wednesday.

The coastguard requested the launch of both Seahouses lifeboats, while a Berwick lifeboat, local coastguards and a helicopter from RAF Boulmer were also mobilised to search the area off Snipe Head.

As the lifeboats and helicopter approached the scene, the missing boys were found safe and well in the sand dunes by the coastguards.

Seahouses lifeboat operations manager Ian Clayton said: “The crews were all very relieved to learn that the lads were safe.

“We have no qualms at all in launching the lifeboats for a call of this nature, and we were delighted to receive the news that it was a false alarm with good intent.

“There are strong currents off the shore, our initial concern was that these boys could have been carried out to sea.

“Fortunately, that was not the case.”