Walton and Frinton RNLI volunteers assist vessel with two people on board
Walton and Frinton RNLI all-weather lifeboat had their first call of 2021 this week.
The Irene Muriel Rees and her crew assisted the 8.5m yacht with two people on board on the afternoon of Saturday February 27.
Dover Coastguard made the request for the volunteer crew to launch at 3.40pm on Saturday after the vessel, which was on passage from Brightlingsea to Walton Backwaters, reported that it was in difficulty.
Upon arrival at the yacht’s position, just off Holland on Sea radar mast, a rope was passed and the lifeboat proceeded to bring the vessel back to safety and then helped to moor it at Walton Backwaters.
The lifeboat returned to her berth and was ready for service again just before 7pm.
On the way the lifeboat crew were also requested by the Coastguard to investigate an object in the water off East Terrace, Walton which had been reported by members of the public. Upon inspection it was found to be a small tree branch.
The RNLI points out that during the Coronavirus emergency our lifeboats will continue to launch to those in peril at sea. We urge you to follow government instructions. But if you are at the coast, please take extra care and follow safety advice.
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.