Harwich RNLI lifeboat responds to adrift fishing boat incident near Navy Yard
Harwich RNLI lifeboat responds to adrift fishing boat incident near Navy Yard
Lifeboats News Release
At 1:40pm on the 10 December 2023 the volunteer crew of the Harwich RNLI inshore lifeboat the Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid launched to investigate reports of a fishing boat which was adrift.
Upon receiving the call, the inshore lifeboat (ILB) was promptly launched to investigate the situation. The crew, well-trained and experienced, navigated the waters to locate the vessel and discovered it wedged alongside the Harwich Ro-Ro (Roll on, Roll off) car ferry ramp. Notably, there were no people on board the drifting fishing boat.
Given the absence of individuals in distress and the secure position of the vessel, the decision was made to leave the fishing boat where it was found. Subsequently, Harwich Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) were informed of the situation. They, in turn, established communication with the navy yard to explore the possibility of lifting the vessel clear.
This strategic coordination was crucial, especially with a ferry scheduled to arrive later in the day. The collaboration between the Harwich RNLI, Harwich VTS, and the navy yard exemplifies the seamless integration of maritime services in ensuring the safety and efficient operation of waterways.
The crew returned the station to make the lifeboat ready for the next shout, an essential part of the operation to ensure all lifeboats are in the best possible condition to continue to save lives at sea.
Notes to Editor
The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Harwich RNLI is based on The Quay, Harwich. The lifeboat station was founded in 1829 and the volunteer crew use an all-weather Severn class lifeboat (ALB)
Albert Brown and B class lifeboat (ILB) Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact Adam Prescott, volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] 07946 519314
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.
