Harwich RNLI launch in storm Franklin to support multi-agency rescue

At 2:45pm on Monday 21 February the volunteers of Harwich RNLI launched their Atlantic inshore lifeboat Tierney, Harvey, and Sonny Reid at the request of the UK Coastguard to support a multi-agency rescue of stranded motorists after the River Orwell overwhelmed its banks in the shadow of the Orwell Bridge.

At 3:15pm while making best speed in the challenging conditions of storm Franklin, the volunteers’ seventh service of 2022 was brought to a halt when they received a message from UK Coastguard to report all casualties had been successfully taken to safety and the crew could stand down and return to station.

Arriving back at station the weather conditions were deemed too rough to safely rehouse the lifeboat with the davit crane. A decision was made to tie up in the Harbour Master’s pound.5

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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