Southend RNLI called to medical emergency near Mulberry Harbour

On Sunday August 9 2020, the volunteer RNLI crew at Southend on Sea was paged by HM Coastguard to reports of a person with severe lacerations on the leg, near the Mulberry Harbour. The team launched the inshore rescue hovercraft at 10:45am and made swift headway towards the distressed casualty.

Once on scene, one of the crew members, who is also a paramedic, immediately administered casualty care to the person, ensuring that the wound was clean and bandaged and that the person was safe for extraction. The team then brought the casualty on board the hovercraft, and liaised with Southend Coastguard to find a suitable landing point for the person.

The person was transferred to the beach opposite Thorpe Bay Yacht Club, where care of the casualty was handed over to the waiting Coastguard vehicle. The team was then stood down from the scene and returned to station.

The Southend Lifeboat Operations Manager, Graham Slack said, ‘Along our coastline, there are numerous sharp objects hidden under the water such as rocks and oyster shells, which can cause injury. We would always recommend that anyone entering the water should wear suitable clothing and footwear to protect themselves.

‘If you think that there is a possibility that someone could be in trouble in the water, please do not hesitate: dial 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard’.

Visitors are advised to check the following things before heading to the coast:

• Check the tide times before you visit

• If entering the water, let someone know where you are going and the time you will return

• Always carry a means of contacting help

• If you find yourself in trouble at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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.

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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.