Aldeburgh RNLI Lifeboat Called to a Report of a Sinking Boat

The launch request from the UK Coastguard came in at 2.43pm and on arrival at the scene the volunteer lifeboat crew found two people on board. The motor boat, which it is believed had made the crossing from Holland, was taking on water, but those on board were managing to keep the pumps going to get the water out.

It was decided the motor boat would be able to proceed on its own without setting up a tow from the ALB, however the Freddie Cooper escorted the motor boat to the mouth of the Deben as there were concerns that the out-going tide was running fast and the vessel may not have been able to get into the channel.

The Aldeburgh ALB remained at the mouth of the river until it was established that the motor boat had made a safe passage into the Deben, where those on board had a berth booked for the night.

Once it was established that they were safe to continue, the ALB returned to station at 6.15pm.

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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.

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