Harwich RNLI launches all-weather lifeboat to aid cross-Atlantic rowing vessel

The distress call was received in the late morning, and the lifeboat launched promptly to respond to the emergency. One crew member was in a potentially serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. It was determined that she would need to be extracted by the all-weather lifeboat and possibly transferred to a helicopter for urgent medical care.

The charity's lifeboat arrived on scene at 1.50pm. Prior to their arrival, the most seriously ill casualty had already been airlifted by helicopter at 1.30pm and taken to Ipswich Hospital, where she has since been reported to be in stable condition.

Upon assessing the remaining crew members, the RNLI crew found some of them to be suffering from exhaustion and seasickness, rendering them unable to continue their journey. Given these conditions, it was decided that the safest option was that the rowing vessel would be taken in tow. At 2.10pm, the lifeboat commenced the tow back to Harwich.

The lifeboat and the towed vessel arrived safely at Harwich at approximately 8pm. The rowing crew were secured at Ha’penny Pier and then welcomed into the lifeboat station for hot drinks and a much-needed rest. The rowers expressed immense gratitude for the swift and professional assistance provided by the Harwich RNLI volunteers.

After ensuring the wellbeing of the rescued people, the crew meticulously refuelled and prepared the lifeboat, ready for its next service by 9.40pm.

The Harwich RNLI’s ability to swiftly and efficiently respond to emergencies is a testament to the dedication and expertise of its volunteer crew. The RNLI, as a charity, relies entirely on donations to continue its vital lifesaving work at sea.

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.

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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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