Southend RNLI launches to extensive four-hour search following EPIRB activation
Volunteer crews from Southend RNLI alongside multiple search and rescue assets were launched into action Saturday evening 02 May following the activation of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) in the Thames Estuary.
The call for assistance came at 7:08pm after HM Coastguard detected a distress signal. EPIRBs are designed to alert rescue services to the exact location of a vessel in significant distress, prompting an immediate and large-scale response.
The search covered a vast area of the Estuary, stretching from Canvey Island to Foulness Point and the River Crouch. Due to the nature of the signal, a comprehensive tasking of sea, air, and land assets was coordinated.
Southend RNLI launched the charity’s Atlantic 85 relief lifeboat B-926 Julie Poolie along with RNLI Shannon class Launch a Memory lifeboat RNLI 13-40 Eric’s Legend currently stationed at Sheerness and RNLI 13-04 Storm Rider, relief Shannon class lifeboat at Clacton.
Coastguard helicopters from Kent and the Solent swept the Thames Estuary and River Crouch while HM Coastguard rescue teams from Southend, Canvey and South Woodham carried out shoreline searches. Clacton RNLI lifeboat searched north of Foulness Point and the River Crouch while Southend and Sheerness RNLI lifeboats searched the Thames Estuary from Canvey Island to Foulness Point.
Despite an extensive four-hour search, no vessel in distress or debris was located. With the search area thoroughly saturated and no further signals detected, all assets were stood down by HM Coastguard by 11:30pm.
Southend RNLI volunteer Helm Daniel Wanna said: ‘This was a significant operation involving multiple RNLI stations and Coastguard agencies. While nothing was found, we treat every EPIRB activation with the utmost urgency. We would like to thank our colleagues from Sheerness, Clacton, and HM Coastguard for their seamless coordination during the search.’
The incident has been recorded as a false alarm with good intent. The RNLI reminds all mariners to ensure their emergency beacons are correctly registered and handled to prevent accidental activations, and any accidental activations to be reported to HM Coastguard.
If you see someone in trouble by the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
For more information on the RNLI Launch a Memory lifeboats, follow the link: https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate-in-memory/launch-a-memory or visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/989481018362805
For further information please contact:
- Nigel Gilchrist. Lifeboat Press Officer at Southend-on-Sea RNLI [email protected] or 07765875300
- Jess Curtis RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
Notes to Editors:
- Southend RNLI is one of the busiest coastal stations across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
- Southend RNLI cover approximately fifteen miles of shore from Shoeburyness to Canvey and beyond.
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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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