RNLI Clacton training cut short for reported Kite Surfers in distress
On Sunday 31 July 2022 the volunteer lifeboat crew of Clacton-on-Sea started their routine training exercises, only for this to be cut short with a call out to someone in distress in the water.
Both the D-Class ILB (Inshore Lifeboat) Damar’s Pride and Atlantic 85 Lifeboat David Porter MPS launched at 10am into blustery conditions to run a series of training exercises, and to visit a local sailing club during their annual regatta, but that was all to change when a call from the Coastguard tasked the volunteer crews with reports of a person in distress in the water around the area of Jaywick.
At 12.19 both lifeboats made with best speed for the last known position and upon arrival the two lifeboats began to search two different areas. The Atlantic 85 searching the area around Beacon Heights (Point Clear) and the D-Class ILB searching Bel-Air.
The D-Class ILB rendezvoused with Clacton mobile unit once on scene at Hutleys Beach and spoke with the 1st informant who pointed out the wing boarders. The crew then checked in with the boarders and they were found to be okay.
HM Coastguard stood both lifeboat crews down and they returned to the lifeboat station, where the lifeboats were cleaned, refuelled and put back onto active service by 2pm.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Mark Walsham, RNLI Clacton volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07468511158, or
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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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