Harwich RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager gets hands on with harbour rescue
Harwich RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) was involved in joint rescue with the Shotley Ferry after person fell into water close to the lifeboat station on Monday afternoon.
At 2:45pm on Monday 6 June while proceeding to a management group meeting at the station, the LOM spotted a crowd looking over the sea wall, and was informed that a person had fallen in. On reaching the edge and looking over he saw a man clinging to a small boat, and the Shotley Ferry trying to get close without success.
While instantly paging the lifeboat crew, the LOM spotted the RNLI relief mechanic from Tynemouth Dan Howe (Harwich full-time mechanic is currently away on a training course) appearing from the station already dressed in a drysuit and lifejacket and enter the water to assist the man. The LOM requested the Shotley Ferry come alongside the quay wall.
The Shotley Ferry was able to lower its boarding ramp to the water in order to aid bringing the casualty aboard. Harwich RNLI’s Second Coxswain Paul Griffin arrived while the ferry was manoeuvring and was able to get aboard to help pull the casualty out of the water.
The ferry brought the casualty to the RNLI inshore lifeboat pontoon, where the casualty was able to step off the ferry and be cared for by RNLI casualty care trained crew members at the station until the arrival of paramedics from East of England Ambulance Service. After a thorough examination by the paramedics the casualty was deemed fit to go home.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Peter Bull, said after the incident:
‘It’s not every day we have an incident right on our doorstep, which I can get involved in. The quick thinking and speed of Dan, along with the assistance of Paul and the Shotley Ferry crew, this was an amazing piece of teamwork, resulting in a positive outcome.
If you would like to help make a real difference by saving lives with Harwich RNLI, please email me at p[email protected]. No experience is needed as full comprehensive training will be given.’
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 07824518641or [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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