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Harwich RNLI Crew Diverted to Assist Yacht in Distress Following Flotilla Escort

Lifeboats News Release

Harwich RNLI’s volunteer crew demonstrated their unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea when they were diverted to assist a yacht in distress while returning from escorting Clacton-on-Sea’s new Shannon-class lifeboat to its station.

RNLI/Jeff Welch

Flotilla of RNLI Lifeboats from RNLI Clacton and flank stations.

The Harwich crew had been part of a celebratory flotilla, alongside crews from Burnham-on-Crouch and West Mersea, escorting the state-of-the-art Shannon-class lifeboat to Clacton. However, their journey home aboard their Severn-class lifeboat took an unexpected turn when they responded to a call for assistance from a yacht experiencing engine failure.

The casualty vessel, with three people on board, had become stranded in the busy Felixstowe shipping lanes, posing a significant risk to their safety and to passing vessels. The Harwich crew quickly located the yacht and towed it out of the hazardous area to a position of safety.

The crew returned to Harwich safely after ensuring the yacht and its passengers were no longer in danger where they refuelled and made Albert Brown ready for its next service.

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) 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, the RNLI Press Office: [email protected]


RNLI/Adam Prescott

Harwich Lifeboat alongside the rescued vessel

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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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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