IT has been reported that coxswain Tom Clark of the Scarborough lifeboat has been sacked for an unauthorised practice launch.

A spokesman for the RNLI stated that breaches of safety policy can cause unnecessary risk to life, and also, the vessel was not in place if needed.

Can I just point out to the gentleman that all on board do not take this job lightly, and if they thought they were in any danger would not have gone to sea.

Also does he not know that it could be reached by radio in an emergency – this man made himself look foolish on national TV.

Lawrence A McGowan, Sherburn Village, Durham