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Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched on its first shout

Lifeboats News Release

Aldeburgh RNLI was tasked by the coastguard on Thursday 14 November at 5.20pm to search the water around Sizewell Beach following a report of an object in the water.

RNLI/Susie Potter

Atlantic 85 launch, 5.36pm Thursday 14 November
The crew were paged and the lifeboat was launched at 5.36pm. This was the first shout for Howard Bell, the Atlantic 85 at Aldeburgh Lifeboat station, which went on service on 14 October 2024.

In light wind with limited visibility due to a moon-less night, the crew arrived on scene at 5.46pm. The four volunteer lifeboat crew undertook a thorough search of the area with the coastguard conducting a shoreline search. Coastguard helicopter, R163, joined the search at approximately 6.30pm.

At around 7.30pm, the search was called off as a false alarm with good intent. The Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Howard Bell, returned to station, was washed down, refuelled and made ready again for service by 8.30pm.

The RNLI advises that if you see someone in trouble in the water, or a boat that needs urgent assistance, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. Once you have called for help stay at a safe distance and do not enter the water, then keep watch until help arrives.

If you are taking part in open water swimming or any watersports, invest in a personal flotation device (PFD) - a buoyancy aid or lifejacket - and a personal locator beacon (PLB). The type of PFD or PLB you choose will depend on the activity you are planning to do. You should always choose a device that has been tested and approved to UK or Irish standards.

Notes to editors
The RNLI was founded in 1824. More than 146,000 lives have been saved since 1824.

Aldeburgh lifeboat station has been operating since 1826 and has been part of the RNLI since 1852. Since formation, their lifeboats have launched 1,267 times and saved 693 lives.

Aldeburgh lifeboat station has two boats on service: Atlantic 85, Howard Bell, and D-class inshore lifeboat, Susan Scott.

RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Jo Litt, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected]

RNLI/Susie Potter

Atlantic 85 launch, 5.36pm Thursday 14 November

RNLI/Susie Potter

Atlantic 85 recovery, Thursday 14 November

RNLI/Susie Potter

RNLI Aldeburgh Talus Thursday 14 November

RNLI/Jo Litt

RNLI Aldeburgh search patter, 14 November 2024

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.

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