Southend RNLI hovercraft diverted from training exercise rescues four people

Southend RNLI volunteers arrived on scene minutes after receiving the call to find three adults chest deep in water and a child being carried by one of the adults wading towards shore. Between the casualties and the shore lies a channel. The casualties would have had difficulties crossing the channel due to the depth of water and incoming tide.

The RNLI volunteers swiftly took the casualties onboard the inshore rescue hovercraft Vera Ravine. The casualties, a little panicked but all in good health were taken ashore where a family member picked them up.

Jonathan Charnock RNLI commander said: ‘Whilst launching on a routine training exercise we overheard a radio transmission from a local yachtsman of four people cut off by the tide near the Mulberry harbour.

‘Arriving on scene near the Mulberry harbour (approximately 3/4 mile offshore) we found three adults and a child, with the adults nearly chest deep in water and the child holding on to an adults back making any progress was a struggle.

‘The swift tasking and actions of the hovercraft crew resulted in all four casualties being safely taken to shore. However, the call out could have drastically changed in minutes.

‘At Southend, the Mulberry Harbour is quite the landmark of the town. Whilst it can be walked out to, care must be taken in checking tide times and understanding when the tide will be covering the mud. The tide at Southend is fast flowing and a large gutway separates the mulberry harbour from shore. One that should you be stranded the wrong side creates a very difficult challenge to cross.

‘Whenever going near the water or on the mud. Check tide times and understand when the safe time to return is. Let someone know where you are going from / to as well as how long you'll be. Lastly have a means of calling for help, if you think you might be in trouble dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

The casualties were spotted by a vigilant sailor and fortunate to have the RNLI hovercraft located nearby.

'Enjoy your trip to the seaside and follow safety guidelines.' Jonathan continued. 'Check the tide times and weather for the local area. If you walk out on the exposed flats, return to shore well before the flood tide. Always carry a mobile phone or means to call for help. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Southend-on-Sea lifeboat station has been operating since 1879. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://southendlifeboat.org/
• Southend-on-Sea RNLI Hovercraft H-004 Vera Ravine has been saving lives since 2004.

RNLI media contacts

• For more information please contact: Nigel Gilchrist, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Southend-on-Sea RNLI, 07765875300 or [email protected],
• Hatti Mellor | RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
• Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead - South East, on 07827 358 256 or email [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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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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