A STAITHES and Runswick lifeboatman was called out to a collision between a chemical tanker and a fishing trawler just hours before emigrating to New Zealand.

On the Friday evening, the crew attended a farewell evening for Peter Beresford and his wife, Anne, who were leaving the next day.

Then at 1am, the lifeboat was launched, together with the Whitby lifeboat and a rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield to help the fishing boat, the Ocean Rose, after it was hit by a tanker, The Reno.

The trawler skipper, Richard Brewer, cut his lines and requested assistance with pumping equipment.

The two lifeboats went alongside and transferred a pump, after which they escorted the fishing boat back to Whitby and the rescue helicopter was stood down. It was 4am before the lifeboat returned to Staithes.

A spokesman said: "Peter and his wife were leaving next day to emigrate to New Zealand where they plan to open a restaurant in Turango on the North Island.

"Peter, an experienced chef, was a keen volunteer crew member for two years and will have a lasting memory of being called out in the early hours of Saturday and then packing his bags to travel to the other side of the world for a new life and career."