A RESCUE mission was launched in Seaburn today (November 29), after a windsurfer was seaparated from his board in 60mph winds.

Lifeboat volunteers from Sunderland and Tynemouth RNLI Station launched the rescue mission after a 999 call reported a windsurfer in distress off Seaburn beach, at about 12.45pm.

The lifeboat launched in seven minutes and was crewed by Helmsman Ian Rowan and another three volunteer crew.

Mr Rowan, Helmsman at Sunderland RNLI said: “As we launched wind speeds were gusting up to 60mph in an offshore direction, so we knew we had to locate the surfer as quickly as possible.”

However, as the emergency teams arrived at Seaburn they discovered that the surfer had been able to make his way back into shallow waters.

Once the surfer was safely ashore the emergency teams were stood down from the incident and cleared to return to station.

Mr Rowan added: “Thankfully on this occasion everything ended without further incident; we encourage everyone talking part in water or coastal activities to check the weather forecast regularly and be aware of squally weather patterns when the wind speed can change drastically in a short period of time as it did today.”

The RNLI urges anyone going to sea to be especially careful in poor conditions.

For more information visit rnli.org/respectthewater