Harwich RNLI volunteers complete 41st service of the year
A call for help from a disabled yacht off Felixstowe on Monday evening was the 41st incident attended this year for the volunteers of Harwich RNLI, making it their busiest start to a year since 2015. The station is preparing for one of its busiest summers ever.
At 5.45pm on Monday 5 July the Harwich volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Tierny, Harvey & Sonny Reid to assist a 9m long yacht taking on water with two people onboard, approximately half mile east of Landguard Point, Felixstowe.
The lifeboat and its four crew were soon on scene to assess the situation. The helm recounts what happened next:
‘Shortly after arriving on scene, we confirmed there were only two people on board who needed no medical assistance. After talking with the skipper it was soon discovered the yacht was no longer taking on water, but the engine was unable to be used, and the sails were also damaged. It was therefore decided to take the yacht, which was 9m in length, under tow, due to the risk of running aground. We towed it into the lock at nearby Shotley Marina, where the yacht and crew were handed over to the care of the Holbrook Coastguard team.’
The inshore lifeboat and crew then returned to station and the lifeboat was prepared ready for its next call out.
The RNLI volunteers of Harwich are expecting a busy summer with an increase in ‘staycations’ this year, alongside hoping for a busy summer for their shop, which has recently reopened after restrictions were relaxed. All funds generated through the shop ensure that both of Harwich’s lifeboats, and its crew members, are always ready to respond to a call for help.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to ensure the shop stays open throughout the summer and beyond can either email Peter Bull (Lifeboat Operations Manager): [email protected], or simply pop into the shop, which is attached to the lifeboat station, adjacent to Ha’penny Pier.
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.