Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI volunteers assist in medical emergency

The Atlantic Class lifeboat Tony & Robert Britt was immediately launched and proceeded to intercept the sailing yacht in the area of Buxey Sands.

The casualty vessel had sustained power/engine failure and had been out all night exposed to the elements. Unfortunately the lone sailor’s mobile phone had run out of battery and the radio had failed but fortunately the lone sailor, despite their medical condition, managed to set off red distress flares which alerted a local fishing boat who assisted until the volunteers from Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI arrived on scene.

Following emergency checks on the casualty, the Atlantic Class lifeboat Tony & Robert Britt took the casualty vessel under tow into Essex Marina where the sailor was handed over to officers from H.M. Coastguard Southend on Sea and then passed into the care of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust as the sailor was cold and wet and showing early signs of hypothermia.

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.