RNLI Clacton in double call out to vessels in distress

Our volunteer crew launched their Atlantic 85 B-Class Lifeboat ‘David Porter MPS’ into moderate sea conditions with rain but good visibility and made their way to the last reported location of Gunfleet sands but the exact position and number of occupants was unknown at the time.

In communication with the coast guard, the crew were informed that another vessel was nearby and was rendering aid to the casualty vessel that had run aground approximately half a mile south east of Gunfleet lighthouse. The crew were unable to go alongside the casualty vessel to conduct a welfare check, but then additionally received notification of a second vessel that had run aground 1NM north of Gunfleet spit.

The crew tried to establish communication with the second casualty vessel, but communication could not be made, so the crew decided to place a crew member aboard the first casualty vessel to assist with establishing a tow line. The crews successfully towed the vessel into deeper water, and after a brief welfare check by our crew member, all was found to be OK – so our crew member safely disembarked back to the lifeboat, and the casualty vessel continued with their onward passage.

Our lifeboat crew then turned their attention to the second reported casualty vessel, and once on scene of the last known position, the vessel was quickly located and also found to have run aground. A crew member was transferred to the casualty vessel where we assisted in the navigation of the casualty vessel into deeper water. All occupants were found to be safe and well, and were happy to continue their passage onwards.

The crew member disembarked the casualty vessel, returned to the lifeboat where the crew were then stood down by the coast guard and started their return journey to the lifeboat station, but that was interrupted by another tasking.

To be continued....(see next news release)