Harwich RNLI assist broken down yacht

The 43ft yacht was found to be becalmed close to the Cutler bank off the Suffolk coast, in danger of becoming caught in fishing gear. On arrival at the scene, the volunteer crew worked quickly to establish a tow before heading for Harwich harbour.

By 4pm, the vessel was secured safely inside Suffolk Yacht Harbour. For the new Harwich lifeboat Coxswain, Neal Sandquest, this was his first 'shout' with the all weather lifeboat since taking on the role earlier this year. Reflecting on the rescue, Neal said, 'I was very happy with the outcome of today’s call out. I would like to thank the crew for helping to make my first 'shout' run smoothly. Today also marked the launch of the RNLI Respect The Water campaign. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage everybody taking to the water or visiting the coast this year to go to rnli.org/respectthewater and learn a little about how dangerously unpredictable the coast can be'.

RNLI media contacts
• Daniel Sime, Lifeboat Press Officer, Harwich Lifeboat Station on 01255 502258, 07793 883797  [email protected]
• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252  [email protected]
• James Oxley, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East)
0207 6207425 / 07786 668825 [email protected]
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.