Harwich RNLI volunteer records first service on eve of Christmas festivities

On December 23 at 12:53 the volunteers of Harwich RNLI launched the station’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Tierney, Harvey, and Sonny Reid for the 100^th time of 2021. A request by UK Coastguard had been made to check on a fishing vessel with engine failure one-mile south of Landguard Point, Felixstowe.

Taking her place aboard the lifeboat on a service call for the first time was Sian Rowlan, having undergone months of training since joining the team in April (2021). On her return Sian spared a few words:

‘The adrenaline rush on my first shout was like no other. It was a really good shout to be on, which went very smoothly. The puzzle pieces of training all came together highlighting how far I had come since April.’

‘I will be on call over Christmas with my fellow volunteers, something might happen where people will need our help, and we will be there.’

As no other assistance was available, the fishing vessel and its two occupants were towed into Titchmarsh Marina by the lifeboat and its crew, where repairs could be made to the fishing vessel.

Peter Bull, Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, added a few words of his own:

‘I am very proud of how Sian and her fellow trainee crew members have applied themselves under the tutorage and guidance of the more experienced crew members, which really shows in how far they have progressed in such a short time.’

‘I have always seen Harwich RNLI as belonging to the community we serve, and we are only the custodians. it is only through the community’s support and generosity the volunteers have been able to answer the call for help day and night 117 times so far in 2021 (100 inshore lifeboat, 17 all-weather lifeboat).’

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact:

Richard Wigley, RNLI Harwich volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07903424698 or [email protected],

Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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