Whitby’s Trent class lifeboat was launched on 20 July 2008 at 11.30pm to help the historic fishing vessel Reaper, which had suffered engine failure and was taking on water. In force 7 winds and a 4m swell, the volunteers transferred their pump onboard. Second Coxswain Nick Botham followed, before Reaper was taken under tow. As conditions were too rough to return to Whitby harbour, the lifeboat headed north and the tow was transferred to Hartlepool’s Trent class (pictured). The Whitby crew arrived home at 6.15am.