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Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI volunteers alerted by a passing sailor

Lifeboats News Release

On Friday 31 July a passing sailor alerted the Launch Authority at Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI of a situation unraveling in front of him.

RNLI/Peter Harris

Casualty drifted into shallows
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It is understood that the casualty, a small sailing boat with two people and a dog onboard bound for Pagelsham moorings, had sustained engine failure and was drifting into the shallows on the lee shore of the River Roach.

The Atlantic Class Lifeboat Tony and Robert Britt from Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI was launched shortly before 4pm to assist the casualty.

After waiting for the tide to rise, the casualty refloated and was assisted to safety by the volunteers of Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Peter Harris, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07802 418298 or email:

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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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.

About the author

Peter Harris
Lifeboat Press Officer, Burnham-on-Crouch Lifeboat Station

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