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Harwich RNLI responds to emergency beacon alert 19 miles offshore

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteers of Harwich RNLI were called into action on 22 October when the Coastguard tasked the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) Albert Brown to investigate an emergency beacon that had been activated approximately 19 nautical miles offshore.

RNLI/Adam Prescott

Albert Brown leaving Harwich

The incident was treated as urgent, as the Coastguard had lost contact with the vessel, and the potential for a serious emergency was high. With time being of the essence, the Albert Brown launched swiftly from Harwich Harbour and headed out to the location.

However, just as the lifeboat began its journey, the Coastguard re-established communication with the vessel. It was confirmed that all was well on board, and the activation of the emergency beacon had been an accidental false alarm. The Albert Brown was stood down and returned to station, ready for its next call out.

This incident serves as a reminder of the fast response and readiness of Harwich RNLI’s volunteer crew, who are always prepared to assist in emergencies at sea. The RNLI is a charity that relies entirely on donations to maintain its lifesaving 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]


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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