Harwich Inshore lifeboat launch to reports of a capsized boat
On 15 October 2023, the Harwich Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) crew was swiftly tasked to respond to a call reporting a capsized dinghy near Mistley with no visible occupants.
It was confirmed that the vessel was, in fact, a rowing boat, with the person back on board but not appropriately dressed for the significantly lower temperatures of the day, in stark contrast to the previous weeks and months.
The ILB crew expertly navigated the shallow channel past Mistley and proceeded towards Manningtree as the tide receded. While approaching the scene, they spotted the rowing boat aground on the mud off Manningtree Sailing Club. Regrettably, due to the challenging conditions, the ILB could not approach any closer, requiring additional assistance.
In response, the Holbrook Volunteer Coastguard team was called upon to take over the operation. The ILB crew was then stood down and began their return to the station.
Upon returning to the station, the dedicated crew members were grateful for a hot drink to warm them after their challenging mission. However, there was a bittersweet note as they discovered that there was no cake left from the day's fundraising cake sale.
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) The Duke of Kent and B class lifeboat (ILB) Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid.
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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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