RNLI Clacton launches Shannon to assist vessel
On Thursday 17 July 2025 around 19.25 RNLI Clacton launched their Shannon class lifeboat to reports of a vessel experiencing engine failure near busy commercial shipping lanes.
The volunteer crew launched the ALB (All Weather Lifeboat) ‘13-52 RNLB Chris and Jo West’ at 20:00 and proceeded to the last reported location, where it was reported that there were two people aboard the vessel which was drifting very close to some of the busiest commercial shipping routes in the area.
Upon arrival on the scene at 20:55 our crews assessed the situation, and the plan was agreed to tow the vessel away from these busy routes and a tow line was established and commenced at 21:10 heading to Harwich.
The vessel completed its passage to Harwich at 23:40 and was safely moored alongside Halfpenny Pier where the two casualties disembarked and were found to be in good health.
Our volunteer crews then refuelled the lifeboat at RNLI Harwich station and commenced the passage back to RNLI Clacton at 01:10 arriving at 01:55 where the lifeboat was recovered, cleaned and placed back onto active service.
Notes to the Editor
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.
The charity relies on donations.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Mark Walsham, RNLI Clacton volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07468511158, or [email protected]
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.