Harwich RNLI inshore lifeboat responds to distress beacon on the River Stour.
At 12:40pm the Harwich RNLI inshore lifeboat (ILB) was dispatched to investigate an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) signal in the River Stour near Sutton.
Upon reaching the area the volunteer crew, used the onboard direction finding (DF) equipment on board, and determined that the EPIRB signal originated northwest from their location.
The crew immediately engaged in a shoreline search along the north bank of the Stour, taking advantage of the near high-water conditions.
Despite the crew's meticulous efforts, the shoreline search yielded no significant findings.
Undeterred, the ILB crew continued to assess the situation, noting that the signal, still bearing northwest and exhibiting a weak strength, suggested it was being transmitted from a location inland.
Following an extensive search both along the riverbank and the surrounding areas, the ILB crew made the decision to stand down.
The inshore lifeboat safely returned to the station at 3:15pm where it was refuelled and made ready for the next call.
Notes to editors
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.
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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.
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