One of Britain’s busiest independent lifeboat stations, Humber Rescue, is ready for action despite a major mechanical failure that temporarily put its main launch tractor out of service.
The tractor is essential for safely launching and recovering the team’s two larger lifeboats from the charity’s boathouse on Hessle Foreshore on the north bank of the Humber Estuary.
To prevent any disruption to service, Russells, a leading farm machinery supplier based in Malton, North Yorkshire, has come to the rescue with a temporary replacement. The loaned New Holland T6.155 tractor, valued at £70,000, will remain in use for the next few weeks while repairs take place.
Russells CEO Paul Russell said: “When we heard about the breakdown, helping Humber Rescue keep operations afloat felt like the right thing to do.
“Humber Rescue plays a vital role on the Humber, and loaning a tractor is a simple way we can support their work and help keep everything running smoothly while repairs take place.”
Dave Roberts, Chairman and Trustee at Humber Rescue, said: “We’re grateful to Russells for stepping in so quickly. Their support means we can continue to launch as normal and respond when we’re needed.”
Fully volunteer-run and unfunded by government, Humber Rescue continues to deliver round-the-clock search and rescue on one of Britain’s busiest and most challenging waterways.