Southend-on-Sea lifeboat assists 8m fishing boat in busy Thames estuary
Southend-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat were paged Monday 27 May at 1:36pm to assist an 8m fishing boat with three people onboard that had broken down near the West Nore Sand buoy 2.5 nautical miles south of Chalkwell. Weather for the rescue, 25mph south-west breeze and good visibility
Southend RNLI volunteers launched the charity’s Atlantic 85 Julia and Angus Wright shortly after 2pm heading to the reported location of the casualty vessel. Arriving on scene the volunteer crew found three people onboard the fishing boat which was at anchor. The skipper of the fishing boat raised the alarm after the engine had failed to start.
Given the location of the casualty vessel, close to the busy Thames estuary shipping lanes and after being asked by the Coastguard to avoid the boat becoming a hazard to life and shipping, the decision was made to tow the vessel to the nearest safe harbour, which was the owners mooring at Two Tree Island,The lifeboat crew towed the disabled vessel around the Chapman Sands to its mooring at Two Tree Island, where the fishermen had their own tender moored. After ensuring the fishermen were in good health and safely moored, B-885 Julia and Angus Wright returned to station at 3:40pm.
This incident highlights the vital role that Southend-on-Sea Lifeboat and the RNLI plays in ensuring the safety of those at sea. The crew's swift response and expertise ensured a successful outcome for the three fishermen on board the disabled vessel.
Make your boating as safe as possible, follow RNLI safety advice: Always wear a lifejacket, check the weather forecast for the area, know the tides for the area, carry a means of calling for help, know your limits and keep a well maintained vessel.
RNLI safety advice on boating: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating#
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 Atlantic 85 Julia and Angus Wright is stationed at the end of Southend pier, launched by davit.
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
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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.