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Southend RNLI launches to kite surfers in difficulty at the Shoebury Boom

Lifeboats News Release

Southend on sea’s RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews responded to calls of multiple surfers in difficulty on Sunday (9 September).

Two of Southend's inshore lifeboats pictured on a station open day.

RNLI/Paul Dunt

Two of Southend's inshore lifeboats pictured on a station open day.

The volunteer crews of Southend’s Atlantic 85 and Inshore D Class lifeboats were making a PR visit to Old Leigh Regatta this afternoon when they were paged to a report of 'four kite surfers in difficulty near the Shoebury Boom'.

The crews made best speed to the area with the Atlantic 85 first on scene at the outer end of the Boom where they located one surfer. He was taken on board the lifeboat and the crew then recovered his rig.

The ILB (inshore lifeboat) searched the area closer to shore but it was reported that the three other surfers had managed to make their own way to the shore. Due to concerns about lack of water near the beach the casualty was transferred to the ILB and handed over to Coastguards.

The ILB crew then returned to the boathouse to refuel and wash down. The Atlantic crew then resumed the exercise.

RNLI media contacts

  • Brian Wood - Southend Lifeboat Station Volunteer Assistant Lifeboat Press Officer. [email protected]
  • Paul Dunt - Regional Media Officer (South East) on 0207 620 7426, 07785 296252. [email protected]
  • For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

RNLI online: For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre.

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.

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