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Harwich RNLI launches inshore lifeboat to assist injured sailor

Lifeboats News Release

Harwich RNLI’s inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched on the 7 June 2024 to assist a yacht after its solo crew member sustained a serious head injury.

The incident occurred in the early afternoon when the Coastguard received a distress call from the yacht, which had one person on board. The Relief ILB Vivacious Atlantic launched promptly at 3.50pm and proceeded to the yacht’s location.

Upon arrival, crew members trained in casualty care immediately began treating the injured sailor, who had suffered a significant head injury. The team stabilised the person and transported them to Levington Marina. There, the casualty was transferred to an awaiting ambulance and taken to hospital for further medical attention.

Following the transfer of the injured sailor, the Relief ILB Vivacious Atlantic took the yacht under tow, so that it wouldn't cause a hazard to shipping, and safely moored it at Foxes Marina. Once the vessel was secured, the ILB returned to the station, where it was washed down and prepared for its next call-out.

The swift and professional response of the Harwich RNLI volunteers underscores their dedication to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all mariners. This successful operation highlights the importance of the RNLI’s lifesaving efforts, which are entirely funded by donations from the public.

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.

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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.

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