
RNLI Clacton crew launch both lifeboats to person in water
On Sunday 06 November 2022 at approximately 1.10am, crew from the Clacton-on-Sea RNLI Lifeboat station received a call to reports of a person in the water in the Jaywick area.
The volunteer crew launched their D-Class ILB (Inshore Lifeboat) Damar’s Pride into a dark but clear night and into moderate sea conditions making their way to the last reported location. Whilst heading to this location, the volunteer crew were re-tasked to the Clacton Pier area with a similar report to a person in the water.
Upon arrival at the new location the crew undertook a search around the pier and adjacent beaches before being tasked with a shoreline search from Clacton pier to the Western end of Clacton Golf Club. The crew progressively searched in 0.1nmi increments away from the shoreline until 0.5nmi offshore had been reached, then returning to repeat back towards the pier.
During this period both the rescue helicopter and Clacton’s second lifeboat the Atlantic 85 David Porter MPS were requested to support. Clacton launched their second lifeboat at 2.00am and was immediately tasked to assist in the search. A shoreline search was commenced by the crew of the Atlantic 85 between Clacton Pier and Holland Haven.
Both lifeboats completed their initial searches and had started to commence a return search toward the pier, when the UK Coastguard stood both units down. The missing person was found to be onshore and safe.
Both lifeboats returned to the lifeboat station, where they were cleaned, refuelled and put back onto active service by 3.15am.
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.