First tasking for two crew of Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI

At approximately 5.15pm the volunteer crew was tasked by the HM Coastguard to a 27 foot fishing vessel with 11 people on board, which had suffered engine failure whilst making their way back to Fambridge Yacht Haven from a day’s fishing expedition.

The weather was becoming increasingly difficult with a heavy fog descending throughout the afternoon. The charity's Atlantic 85 Tony and Robert Britt launched with visibility around 40 metres, noticeably worsening by the minute. HM Coastguard had informed the crew the casualty vessel had 11 people on board and insufficient shelter and supplies for the worsening weather situation.

Lifeboat crew Ian, Malcolm, David and Charlie were aboard the Tony and Robert Britt. This was the first shout for both David and Charlie who following many hours attending station and training were both declared recently safe on service.

The stricken vessel was located at anchor in the middle of the River Crouch between Bridgemarsh Marina and North Fambridge Yacht Haven, unable to progress any further due to engine failure. SAR Commander Ian, made a dynamic risk assessment. Points for Ian taken into account were: visibility was down to approximately 20m, the casualty vessel anchored in its current location was a hazard to other river users, the condition of the 11 people on board was deteriorating having exhausted supplies and little shelter on the vessel, the outcome was to take an alongside tow and recover them to the nearest safe haven.

An alongside tow is when the casualty vessel is tightly secured to the side of the charity's lifeboat instead of being towed at a distance behind it. An alongside tow is used when a high level of manoeuvrability is needed or in this case visibility of the casualty vessel.

Ian, SAR Commander said: ‘As a first shout this was a simple tasking, made very interesting by the very poor visibility, putting the crews navigation and radar skills to the test.’

Having taken the casualty vessel into the nearest safe haven the crew of the Atlantic 85, Tony and Robert Britt slowly made its way back to the Burnham Yacht Harbour relying on the radar, plotter and local knowledge to return to station safely at approximately 7.30pm.

David said: ‘It was exciting to finally get the opportunity to put all of my training into action on a live incident, I am relieved that said training prepared me well for the task at hand. I feel lucky to be in the position to be able to help those in trouble.’

Notes to Editor

During 2026 the RNLI celebrates 60 years of operation on the River Crouch.

RNLI has a purpose-built building situated in the Burnham on Crouch Marina.

Boat crew training is intensive and involves passing many units and a sea survival course at Poole to be declared Safe on Service.

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For more information, please contact Nicola Fletcher, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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