RNLI Burnham on Crouch responds to pan-pan Sunday 23 March

Simon Dennis the Burnham on Crouch LOM called HM coastguard to inform them that the station was ready to launch it’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat in response to the pan-pan. HM Coastguard, was gathering information on the pan-pan whilst Burnham on Crouch self paged it’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

The Tony and Robert Britt the charity’s Atlantic 85 was launched with four crew on board Tony (SAR Commander), Jason, Mike and Edward. Shore crew was Simon (Head Launcher) and Launch Authority was Simon D.

The casualty vessel an 11.5m Beneteau sailing yacht had run into difficulties on passage from Burnham on Crouch to Shotley, Ipswich. Two casualties were on board who had run aground partly due to equipment failure on the boat. Two crew members were put aboard to make sure the casualties were fit and well. The casualty vessel’s boat engines were still running so crew members assisted in turning off the engines and making sure that the boat was safe.

The casualty yacht was caught on a falling tide whilst navigating the Swallowtail Sands, unable to free the yacht the RNLI crew set the anchor and advised the casualties to wait until the rising tide to refloat the boat. The volunteer crew gave fresh water to the casualties who advised that they were happy to stay on board until the boat was able to refloat.

At 3 pm the crew were re-tasked to visit the vessel for a welfare check and with a plan to tow them back to Burnham Yacht Harbour. The Tony and Robert Britt along with four volunteer crew, Tony, Jason, Edward and Sarah made their way back to the casualty to see it had refloated on the rising tide. Sarah was put aboard the vessel, secured the tow rope and pulled in the anchor by hand. This was Sarah’s first experience of being aboard a casualty vessel,. following her safe on service pass out, in December 2024. The RNLI Lifeboat began the journey back along the River Crouch to the safe mooring in the marina.

Quote from Simon LOM, said: ‘This has been a long day afloat for some on the crew, with a combined 28 hours at sea for the volunteer lifeboat crew. The casualty vessel did the right thing in calling for assistance early on, and we were able to ensure their welfare as well as return them safely to Burnham Yacht Harbour. A pan-pan call is the second highest form of assistance request, and we are pleased this was a safe outcome for all involved.’

On returning to the Burnham Yacht Harbour the casualties were welcomed into the station to warm up and enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits with the crew. The casualties were extremely grateful for the help the volunteer lifeboat crew gave them in returning them and their boat safely.

Notes to editors

The RNLI has only three stations around the UK which use floating boat houses, one of which is located at Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. The tow with the casualty vessel was 11 nautical miles. The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

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