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Harwich lifeboat conducts search following report of person in water

Lifeboats News Release

The Harwich RNLI volunteers were called into action by HM Coastguard (HMCG) on Wednesday 26 February to assist in the search for a person reported to have been seen in the water off Walton-on-the-Naze Pier.

RNLI/Adam Prescott

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Responding promptly to the call, the volunteer crew of the Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid inshore lifeboat (ILB) was swiftly deployed, arriving at the scene at 12:32pm.

Upon arrival, the crew immediately commenced a visual search in the area north of the pier. Throughout the operation, they maintained open lines of communication with the Walton Coastguard team, who were in direct contact with the person who reported the sighting.

During the search, the vigilant crew spotted a large piece of driftwood, followed by a second, smaller piece. Despite their thorough efforts, no other significant sightings were made. Consequently, at 12:50pm, the ILB was stood down.

Returning to Harwich Harbour, the lifeboat reached base at 1:15pm Following a swift turnaround, which included refuelling and a thorough washdown, the vessel was reported ready for service by 1:25pm.

This incident underscores the dedication and readiness of the Harwich RNLI team to respond to emergencies at a moment's notice. While this particular launch was to a well-meant call to a possible person in the water, we would not dissuade anyone from calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard if they suspect someone might be in danger.

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) The 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 07946 519314 [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 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.

About the author

Adam Prescott
Lifeboat Press Officer, Harwich

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