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RNLI Clacton in search for overdue vessel

Lifeboats News Release

On Tuesday 6 June 2023 just after 3.30pm, volunteer crews from the Clacton-on-Sea RNLI Lifeboat station received a call out with reports of a vessel that had failed to return to port at its allotted time.

RNLI Clacton - Launch in search of overdue vessel

RNLI/Mark Walsham

RNLI Clacton - Launch in search of overdue vessel

Concern had started to grow when the vessel did not return to port as planned, and a concerned bystander raised the alarm.

The volunteer crew launched both of their lifeboats, the D-Class ILB (Inshore Lifeboat) and Atlantic 85 into overcast and moderate sea conditions and headed to the reported location near St Osyth creek. The crews quickly located the vessel, a small 6ft RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), and conducted a welfare check with the occupant, who was found to be safe and well.

With the assistance of the crew, the vessel was guided back to Brightlingsea, and securely moored at the hammerhead jetty, where the crew provided some additional safety advice to the occupant.

The crews returned to the station where the lifeboats were recovered, cleaned, refuelled and ready for service by 5.10pm.

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 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.