Clacton RNLI volunteers launch to reports of a person in the water
Clacton RNLI’s D class inshore lifeboat carries out extensive search at the request of UK Coastguard after reports of a person in the water off Selsey Avenue.
At 3.57pm 18 February the volunteers of Clacton RNLI launched their relief D class inshore lifeboat Arthur Hamilton at the request of UK Coastguard after receiving reports of a person in the water off the SelseyAvenue outfall pipe.
Once on scene,the three volunteer crew made an intensive search of the area in calm but overcast conditions, but nothing was found. After the immediate area around where the person was sighted had been thoroughly searched, the crew proceeded to search along the coastline to a distance of one mile east of Clacton Pier. The volunteer crew were then stood down by UK Coastguard as nothing untoward had been found.The lifeboat was rehoused and ready for service again by 5.10pm.
It is believed the call was one of good intent but mistaken identity. Even though this service came to nothing, we would still urge anyone who sees anything out of place along the coast or at sea to please phone 999 and ask for the coastguard. We would rather be called out by mistake with good intent, than not be called and needed.
Notes to Editor
Relief D class inshore lifeboat Arthur Hamilton is on station while Clacton’s own D class lifeboat Damarkand IV is away undergoing maintenance.
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