Southend-on-Sea RNLI hovercraft launches to injured kitesurfer

On route to the scene the RNLI hovercraft crew received further information that the casualty had a leg injury and another kitesurfer, who made the initial call was in the water with the casualty for support.

H-004 Vera Ravine arrived on scene approximately 500 meters offshore, the casualty and first informant were carefully taken onboard the hovercraft. The volunteers assessed the casualty who had suspected ligament damage, the RNLI crew then took both kitesurfers to East beach slipway where HM Southend Coastguard were standing by to take care of the casualty until an ambulance arrived.

Shortly after landing on East beach the RNLI volunteers were tasked to a second incident. A windsurfer in difficulties near the Mulberry harbour. On route to the Mulberry harbour the volunteers received an update that the windsurfer had self-recovered, the volunteers were stood down. H-004 returned to station at 3pm and was made ready for service.

If you see someone in trouble on the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

For RNLI water sports and activity safety information follow the link: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity

For further information please contact:

• Nigel Gilchrist. Lifeboat Press Officer at Southend-on-Sea RNLI [email protected] or 07765875300
• Hatti Mellor | RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Notes to Editors:

• Southend RNLI is one of the busiest coastal stations across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Southend RNLI cover approximately fifteen miles of shore from Shoeburyness to Canvey and beyond.
• For more information, please visit http://www.southendlifeboat.org/

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.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.