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Harwich RNLI assist in multi-agency rescue of injured yachtsman

Lifeboats News Release

On the 21 July, at 4:36pm the Harwich RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) inshore lifeboat (ILB) was called into action to assist a casualty aboard a 32-foot yacht located off Shotley.

RNLI/Stephen Duncombe

A, B Class, Atlantic 85 in action

The person in distress was a male who had been knocked over and fallen into the yacht's cockpit, rendering him unable to move.

Upon receiving the distress call, the volunteer crew of the ILB The Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid promptly responded and reached the yacht. The crew then undertook the task of escorting the yacht back to the lifeboat station, where further assistance could be provided. During this transit, the RNLI crew onboard the ILB, including one off-duty paramedic among them, administered initial care to the casualty.

Upon arrival at the lifeboat station, a coordinated effort was undertaken by multiple agencies to ensure the safe extraction of the casualty and his subsequent transfer to an awaiting ambulance.

The Coastguard (CG), CRT (Coastguard Rescue Team), and the East of England Ambulance Service collaborated closely with the RNLI in this operation.

Once the ambulance crew arrived on the scene, utmost care was taken to immobilise the injured individual properly before lifting him clear of the yacht.

This cautious approach was necessary to prevent any further possible harm to the casualty during the extraction process. Only after ensuring the casualty's safety and stabilisation was he carefully transferred to the ambulance for further medical attention and transport to a healthcare facility.

This operation exemplifies the significance of effective teamwork and coordination among various emergency response agencies. The successful outcome of the mission was a result of the seamless cooperation between the Harwich RNLI volunteer crew, the Coastguard, and the East of England Ambulance Service. Their collective efforts ensured that the casualty received timely and appropriate care, demonstrating their dedication to saving lives at sea.

Notes to Editors

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 The Duke of Kent and B class lifeboat Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact Adam Prescott, volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

Or, the RNLI Press Office: [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 146,000 lives.

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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

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