RNLI Clacton assist vessel in distress
On Thursday 3 August 2023 just before 1pm, volunteer crews from the Clacton-on- Sea RNLI Lifeboat station received a call with reports of a vessel in distress in the Colne Point area.
The volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 class lifeboat ‘David Porter MPS’ into slight and overcast sea conditions at headed directly to the reported location at Colne Point. Once on the scene, the vessel was located, and the crew quickly performed a welfare check upon two occupants who were found to be fit and well.
Discussion with the occupants and visual inspection by the crew confirmed that the vessel had a line caught around one of the boats propellers.
Several attempts were made to free the vessel from the line, but the vessel eventually freed itself after 30 minutes. It was then discovered that one of the vessels engines was not operational, which would prevent the safe onward journey of the vessel, so the decision was made to escort the vessel back to the nearest marina.
The crew proceeded to escort the vessel to Brightlingsea marina, where it was successfully placed onto a mooring.
After communication with the coastguard the crew were stood down and then proceeded back to the lifeboat station where the lifeboat was cleaned, refuelled and ready for service by 3.25pm.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Mark Walsham, RNLI Clacton volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07468511158, or
[email protected]
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 142,700 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.