Southend-on-Sea RNLI volunteers respond to double tasking on Saturday
The volunteers at Southend-on-Sea RNLI sprang into action twice on Saturday (1 June) evening, for separate incidents involving two swimmers and a kayak reported to be in difficulty.
The first call came in at 8:46pm, with reports of two swimmers in trouble near Eastern Esplanade Westcliff. A vigilant young man had spotted the two casualties in trouble and called 999.
The volunteer crew launched Southend RNLI inshore lifeboat D-818 Len Thorne GM DFC at 8.55pm locating two young girls clinging to a groin marker unable to return to shore. The casualties were safely taken onboard by the lifeboat crew and transferred to the care of Southend-on-Sea Coastguard upon reaching shore. The entire operation for this incident was completed by 9:05 pm.
Returning to the station, Southend-on-Sea RNLI volunteer crew received a second tasking at 9:06pm. A kayak was reported to be in distress off the Southend pierhead. The lifeboat crew swiftly located the kayak, but fortunately, the occupant had the correct safety equipment, was fine and not in need of assistance.
The kayaker had been casting his fishing rod which appeared from shore to be a wave for help. Noted as a false alarm with good intent, the lifeboat returned to station at 9:30 pm, marking the end of a busy but successful evening for the crew.
These incidents highlight the vital role the Southend-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat plays in ensuring the safety of those enjoying our coastline. Their swift response and expertise undoubtedly made a significant difference on Saturday night.
If you see someone in trouble on the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. You could save someone's life.
For RNLI safety advice at sea, on the coast and by the seaside click on the link:
https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity
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-on-Sea RNLI operate two D Class lifeboats housed at the shore end and offshore end of Southend pier. D-818 Len Thorne GM DFC and D-771 William Henderson.
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.