
Southend-on-Sea RNLI hovercraft launched to assist sailing yacht aground
Southend-on-Sea RNLI volunteers were tasked to a six-meter yacht reported to be aground a short distance east of Southend pier head Saturday evening.
At 7.53pm Saturday 16 September 2023, H.M. Coastguard tasked Southend RNLI volunteers to carry out a welfare check of a six-meter sailing yacht aground with three persons onboard a short distance east of Southend pier, mobile communications between the coastguard and casualty vessel had been lost.
In a gentle breeze and clear visibility, the RNLI volunteers launched the charity’s relief* rescue hovercraft and made their way at best speed arriving on scene at 8.25pm.
On arrival the RNLI volunteers assessed the situation. The vessel undamaged and with a good weather forecast a decision was made to take one of the yacht's crew ashore leaving the remaining two crew aboard the vessel until the tide re-floated them.
The hovercraft returned to station arriving at 8.46pm handing over the casualty to HM Coastguard. Volunteer RNLI shore crew then washed down, refuelled and made the rescue hovercraft ready for service.
Detailed RNLI safety advice for sailing can be found here: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating
Note for editors:
*Southend RNLI is one of only four stations with a hovercraft. This unique asset is used throughout the year to help to rescue casualties and tackle incidents on the tidal mudflats in the Southend area that a boat would be unable to reach. The RNLI has an extensive relief fleet including three hovercrafts which are sent to stations when the station's own craft (in this case the Vera Ravine) is away for servicing on repair.
Photo credit: Stephen Duncombe.
For further information please contact:
Nigel Gilchrist, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Southend-on-Sea RNLI on 07765 875300 or email [email protected]
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 or email [email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected]
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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
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 over 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 142,200 lives.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.