This is what saving lives at sea looks like. When an emergency distress signal was received by the Coastguard, the Fraserburgh crew didn't hesitate, launching into huge seas and gale-force winds on the 51st anniversary of the 1970 lifeboat disaster.

After a three-hour search, a false alarm was declared and the crew returned through the gloom to the safety of the harbour where they paid their respects at the memorial to the five crew lost on 21 January 1970.

Many thanks to RNLI Fraserburgh Lifeboat volunteer press officer Billy Watson for the amazing footage.

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are ready to launch to help those in need. Whether you're stuck on a sinking ship, cut off by a rapidly rising tide, or in the water and close to drowning, RNLI crew members will drop everything to come to your rescue. 95% of RNLI lifeboat crews and station staff are volunteers.

But it’s not just lifeboats. RNLI lifeguards patrol 248 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands, keeping people safe, providing safety advice and rescuing those in trouble. Education volunteers visit schools and swimming clubs to help teach the next generation how to enjoy the water safely. And volunteer fundraisers and shop workers give up their time to generate vital funds. The RNLI is also working to help communities around the world that are most at risk of drowning.

If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

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Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ