Harwich RNLI volunteers respond to reports of red flares near Wrabness
Harwich RNLI volunteers respond to reports of red flares near Wrabness
Lifeboats News Release
On the evening of 12 May 2024, the Harwich inshore lifeboat (ILB) was tasked by the Coastguard following two reports of red flares being sighted near Wrabness.
At 10:22pm, the Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid inshore lifeboat was launched with its dedicated crew onboard, swiftly heading to the location from which the reports originated.
In collaboration with the Holbrook and Walton Coastguard rescue teams, the crew conducted a thorough search of the area, methodically looking for anyone who might be in distress.
For two and a half hours, the team meticulously combed the designated area, coordinating closely with the Coastguard teams to ensure that no stone was left unturned. Despite the extensive search, no signs of distress or emergencies were found. Subsequently, the crew received orders to stand down.
Upon returning to Harwich, the lifeboat was promptly refuelled and prepared for its next potential mission, ready to respond to any further emergencies at a moment’s notice.
Harwich RNLI would like to remind the public of the importance of properly disposing of out-of-date distress flares. Releasing flares near the coast can trigger unnecessary lifeboat launches, diverting vital resources and potentially delaying response times to genuine emergencies. For proper disposal, please follow the official guidelines provided by the UK government:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disposing-of-unwanted-marine-flares
The safety of the sea relies on the vigilance and cooperation of all maritime users. By adhering to these guidelines, people can help ensure that lifeboat crews can respond promptly to real emergencies, maintaining the high standards of lifesaving service that the RNLI has upheld for 200 years.
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 07881 286312 [email protected] or Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (North and East) [email protected]
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.
