Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85, Ralph, launched to capsized kayak
Aldeburgh RNLI Atlantic 85, Ralph, launched to capsized kayak
Lifeboats News Release
At 12.15pm on Sunday 27 July, during the debrief following a weekend training exercise, the pagers sounded and Aldeburgh lifeboat station was tasked by the coastguard to a person struggling in the water who was unable to right their capsized kayak.
RNLI/Jo Litt
RNLI Aldeburgh shout 27 July 2025 launch by Jo Litt
The Atlantic 85, Ralph, was launched at 12.25pm. There was good visibility and a smooth sea. The volunteer lifeboat crew reached the kayak which was approximately one mile away, off the coast at Thorpeness, at 12.28pm.
The person had been fishing from their kayak when the sea state got rough, capsizing the vessel. Despite numerous attempts they could not right the boat. Their radio had been lost in the struggle, but calmly the person used their mobile phone to call the coastguard and ask for help.
The volunteer lifeboat crew returned the kayak and casualty to Aldeburgh beach, completing a casualty care assessment on route. Once the lifeboat returned to station, it was washed down, refuelled and returned to service at 1.35pm.
If you are heading to a beach, or river, over the summer – stay safe. Invest in a waterproof pouch to keep your mobile phone safe. Ensure your phone is fully charged and wear it on your person, so it is within easy reach.
If you are visiting an unfamiliar area, download the What3Words app – it can help provide directions to emergency services. If you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Once you have provided the appropriate information, stay at a safe distance and do not enter the water. Encourage them to float on their back. Look for anything you can throw to help them float (eg a life-ring). Keep watch until help arrives.
Notes to Editors
Aldeburgh lifeboat station has been operating since 1826 and has been part of the RNLI since 1852. Since formation, their lifeboats have launched 1,267 times and saved 693 lives.
Aldeburgh lifeboat station has two boats on service: B-class Atlantic 85,
Ralph, and D class inshore lifeboat, Susan Scott.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Jo Litt, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected]
RNLI/Jo Litt
RNLI Aldeburgh shout 27 July 2025 launch by Jo Litt
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.
