Episode 6
Documentary following life on the English Channel. The RNLI come to the rescue of some stranded mariners. Pets get caught up in the half-term rush across the Channel.
The RNLI come to the rescue of some stranded mariners, the coldest race in the yachting calendar gets under way and pets get caught up in the half-term rush across the Channel.
Established in 1824, the RNLI is on the front line of saving lives at sea - with more than 4,600 volunteers crewing an active fleet over 340 lifeboats. These dedicated volunteers give up their weekends to train in the essential skills they need to bring seafarers to safety, like winching casualties from moving vessels by helicopter. The team from Newhaven rush to answer a mayday call from a small boat that's broken in the middle of a ferry route.
Meanwhile, others are able to enjoy the winter weather on the Channel. While most amateur sailors prefer the summer months to get out on the water, the most hardy take part in the Frostbite Racing Series which runs from January to March near Southampton. It looks to be another good day for the team on board the Malice, who start the day top of the leader board. But things rapidly go from bad to worse as they struggle with unpredictable winter winds and get up close and personal with another boat.
And the end of half term means there's no let-up for the team at Eurotunnel Pet Centre. Since the introduction of pet passports in 2001, many passengers now bring their four-legged friends with them to the continent. However, smooth passage comes with strict regulations that can catch out the unprepared pet owner and their pooch.
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