Donate now

Harwich RNLI launches all-weather lifeboat to assist disabled yacht

Lifeboats News Release

Harwich RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) Albert Brown was launched on 9 June 2024, to assist a yacht in distress approximately nine miles off Harwich, near an area known as Rough Towers, with four people on board.

RNLI/Adam Prescott

The incident began when the Coastguard received a call that the yacht had suffered a broken mainsail and engine failure, causing it to drift towards the main shipping channels. Despite a call for assistance, no nearby vessels responded, prompting the Coastguard to task the volunteer crew from Harwich to assist.

The ALB launched at 6.15pm and promptly arrived on scene.

After assessing the scene and as the vessel was drifting towards the main shipping channels, it was agreed that the safest option was to take it under tow.

The lifeboat crew established a tow and safely navigated it back to Harwich, eventually securing the nine-metre vessel at Shotley Marina. Once the yacht was moored, the ALB returned to the station, where it was prepared for its next service by 9.10pm.

The efficient and effective response by the Harwich RNLI volunteers once again demonstrated their commitment to ensuring the safety of mariners. The RNLI's lifesaving operations are funded entirely by donations, allowing dedicated volunteers to continue their vital work.

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 Albert Brown and B class lifeboat (ILB) Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid.


RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact Adam Prescott, volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer 07881 286312 [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Communications Manager, North and East: [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.

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.

Categories