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Harwich and Walton and Frinton RNLI launch as part of multi agency search

Harwich and Walton and Frinton RNLI launch as part of multi agency search

Lifeboats News Release

Tuesday 18 August 2020

At 11.30am on Tuesday 18 August, Harwich RNLI's inshore lifeboat was requested to launch following a report of two people in difficulty close to Felixstowe Pier, struggling against the tide.

Harwich RNLI Inshore Lifeboat launching on service — Harwich RNLI Inshore Lifeboat

The inshore lifeboat was quickly on the way to the scene and on arrival, began a search from Felixstowe Pier, up the coast towards the river Deben entrance.

As time moved on and with no recent sightings of the individuals, Harwich's all-weather lifeboat was launched, closely followed by Walton and Frinton RNLI's all-weather lifeboat.

Coastguard Rescue Teams carried out a search from shore side, and a Coastguard Helicopter from Lydd was sent to perform a search from the air. Felixstowe NCI, Suffolk Police, East of England Ambulance Service, and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were all involved in what was a significant multi-agency incident.

After a number of hours searching, with the search extending further up the coast with the tide going out, confirmation was received that the individuals were safely ashore. The search was stood down and the lifeboats returned to station. Harwich RNLI's lifeboats arrived back at station at approximately 3.30pm, four hours after the initial pager activation.

If you're heading to the coast with family or friends, the RNLI would always urge people to look out for each other and update each other on where you are venturing to and for how long.

Exactly the right call was made today in calling the Coastguard when seeing individuals appearing to be struggling. If you ever find yourself struggling, try to lay on your back and float with arms and legs outstretched.

Commenting on the incident, Harwich RNLI's Lifeboat Press Officer, Daniel Sime said: ‘We were very relieved that this incident had a positive outcome today. This was a significant multi-agency effort, and for the individuals to be found safely ashore is excellent for everybody involved.'

We would advise anybody that thinks somebody may be in difficulty in the water to dial 999, ask for the Coastguard, and if at all possible, stay where you are to keep eyes on the individual until help arrives.'

RNLI Media contacts
For more information please contact Daniel Sime, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

Harwich RNLI lifeboats and Coastguard Helicopter performing search — Harwich RNLI lifeboats and Coastguard Helicopter

Harwich RNLI Inshore Lifeboat leaving the harbour — Harwich RNLI Inshore Lifeboat

Harwich RNLI All Weather Lifeboat leaving the harbour — Harwich RNLI All Weather Lifeboat

Harwich RNLI All Weather Lifeboat performing search — Harwich RNLI All Weather Lifeboat

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.

Daniel Sime

Lifeboat Press Officer, Harwich Lifeboat Station

Harwich and Walton and Frinton RNLI launch as part of multi agency search

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