Southend-on-Sea RNLI tasked to multi-agency search for paddleboarder off Canvey
Southend-on-Sea RNLI volunteers were tasked by HM Coastguard to assist in a multi-agency search for a paddleboarder reported to be in difficulties south of Canvey Island at 3.33pm Tuesday 02 April (2024).
The RNLI volunteers launched the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat D-818 Len Thorne GM DFC in cloudy conditions with a 12-15 mph south-westerly breeze and good visibility, heading to the location approximately 4 miles away at best speed. Arriving on scene at 3.55pm the volunteers began the search at Canvey point at the eastern end of the Island.
Crew from Southend-on-Sea's flank station, Gravesend RNLI, were already on scene searching with their B class lifeboat B-827 Olive Laura Deare II, along with HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter Rescue 163, HM Canvey and HM Southend-on-Sea Coastguard plus Thames estuary tugs and cargo ships. At 4.30pm Southend RNLI launched their Atlantic 85 B-885 Julia & Angus Wright from the offshore boathouse on Southend pier to join the army of search and rescue assets.
After two hours of thorough searching by the agencies the length of Canvey Island and out to the shipping lanes, covering the creeks and bays with nothing found, HM Coastguard were satisfied all search areas were covered, at 5.43 all agencies were stood down.
Both Southend-on-Sea lifeboats returned to their stations and were made ready for service by 6.15pm.
For safety information on paddleboarding click here: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding
Notes to editors
- Southend-on-Sea lifeboat station has been operating since 1879. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://southendlifeboat.org/
- Southend RNLI operate four rescue craft from two stations. The shore end of Southend pier houses a D class lifeboat and a rescue Hovercraft, while the offshore station houses a D class and B class lifeboats.
RNLI media contacts
- For more information please contact: Nigel Gilchrist, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Southend-on-Sea RNLI, 07765875300 or [email protected],
- Hatti Mellor | RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead - South East, on 07827 358 256 or email [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.