Walton and Frinton Lifeboat
Service Callouts 2006 - 2001
2006 Service Callouts   2003 Service Callouts    2002 Service Callouts    2001 Service Callouts 

Year 2006

Call No. 27

 9/12/06: Launch to assist 24ft Snapdragon class yacht Miss Amanda, 3 pob, sending Mayday near to NE Maplin Buoy. Rescue Helicopter 125 was also tasked. Thames CG had heard a child’s voice calling for assistance on Channel 16, followed by the word Mayday. VHF bearings by the coastguard had established an approximate position. During this time the coastguard also received a telephone call from the wife of the owner of the Miss Amanda. The wife informed the coastguard that she had received a mobile text message from her husband and two sons stating that we have hit something. She also informed the coastguard that her husband and 13-year-old son were profoundly deaf, but that her 11-year-old son was not. Fortunately the text also contained a position in latitude and longitude. Radio communication between the coastguard and the yacht were lost for some time and not restored until the helicopter arrived on scene. 125 established that the vessel was aground on the Maplin Spit with its engine broken down and that the three crew were ok although cold. When the lifeboat arrived the yacht was still pounding on the sand. Once alongside the man and two children were taken on board the lifeboat and given hot drinks. The yacht was then taken in tow to Brightlingsea, with the three survivors sleeping all the way. The yacht was safely moored at Brightlingsea were the man and his sons were happy to stay on board. The yacht had been on passgae from Wivenhoe on the Colne to the Greenwich Yacht Club in London.

Launched: 20:50     RRFS: 02:30    Wind: W2/3     Sea: Slight

Crew: G Edwards, T Halls, K Bigwood, R Farrance, R Bettany, And C Smith.


Call No. 26

 24/11/06:  Launch to assist 24ft motor boat African Queen making water off St Peters Flats at the entrance to River Blackwater, 2 pob. Lifeboat recalled when off Frinton as casualty had reached Bradwell Marina with the assistance of West Mersea Atlantic.

Launched: 12:45     RRFS: 13:25    Wind: South 6/7     Sea: Rough

Crew: G Edwards, T Halls, K Bigwood, R Wyatt, M Oakes, C Smith, M Rayner and J Cooper.



Call No. 25

11/11/06: Launch to assist twin hulled motor vessel (catamaran) Dolphin Adventure with one engine out of action near Barrow No 2 Buoy. The two men on board asked for assistance after they found it impossible to steer the vessel in the poor weather conditions. On arrival the lifeboat took the vessel in tow to Titchmarsh Marina. The Dolphin Adventure was on trials prior to making passage to Gibraltar where it is intended to use her as a pleasure vessel-viewing dolphins etc.

Launched: 15:55     RRFS: 20:15    Wind: WSW 6/7     Sea: Moderate

Crew: T Halls, R Farrance, K Bigwood, R Wyatt, C Smith, And M Oakes.



Call No. 24

21/10/06: Launch to assistance of 41ft ex-navy craft Millbrae making water near Maplin Edge. The casualty beached itself on Foulness Sand 13 miles SSW of Walton Pier. Burnham Atlantic was also launched. As tide was ebbing lifeboats unable to reach casualty but one crewman from Walton and Burnham Atlantic walked over sands to casualty & inspected damage to hull. The two people from the casualty were taken back across the sands to Walton lifeboat and taken to Burnham Yacht harbour for dry clothes and rest prior to an attempt to refloat the vessel on the flood tide. Both lifeboats returned to the casualty at about 21:00 and as the tide rose Walton lifeboat was able to get alongside and transfer salvage pump to the Millbrae which was still making water. The pump was able to keep the situation under control and a decision was made to attempt to tow the casualty close inshore near Foulness Point. Once afloat the casualty was towed towards Foulness Point and anchored as close to the high water mark as possible in a waterlogged condition. The owner was taken back to Burnham on the Atlantic and Walton lifeboat returned to station.

Launched: 15:18     RRFS: 01:37    Wind: SW 5/6     Sea: Moderate

Crew: G Edwards, T Halls, K Bigwood, R Wyatt, & P Moore.


Call No. 23

 4/10/06: Launch to assist 49ft ketch Offshore Scout aground on Gunfleet Sands about one mile east of the lighthouse, 9 pob. With the tide falling the lifeboat unable to refloat the yacht and after waiting for the yacht to settle on the sands the lifeboat returned to station. On the flood tide the lifeboat returned to the Offshore Scout and stood by until it refloated undamaged. The yacht continued on passage to Harwich and the lifeboat returned to station.

Launched: 13:18/18:01     RRFS: 14:37/20:49    Wind: NW5 later SW4     Sea: Moderate later slight

Crew: G Edwards, T Halls, R Farrance, K Bigwood, R Wyatt, And M Oakes.


Call No. 22

 27/9/06: Diverted from exercise to assist 27ft-fishing boat Cockney Rebel, 2 pob, broken down in vicinity of Colne Bar. The vessel was on passage from Newhaven to Brightlingsea and was in shallow water very close to the beach. Towed Brightlingsea.

Diverted: 19:35     RRFS: 23:00    Wind: SW 5/6     Sea: Moderate

Crew: G Edwards, T Halls, R Farrance, K Bigwood, R Wyatt, M Oakes, J Cooper, and P Moore


Call No. 21

 2/9/06: Launch to 36ft yacht Why Knot, 1 pob, with engine failure in vicinity of North East Gunfleet Buoy. The Why Knot was on passage from Portsmouth to Hull and the yachtsman was fatigued due to stress of weather & engine failure. The yacht was still under sail when the lifeboat reached it about ¼ mile east of the south end of the Cork Sand on which the sea was breaking heavily. After taking down its sails the yacht was taken in tow to Titchmarsh Marina. The yachtsman reported a wind speed of 45 knots on his wind gauge.

Launched: 17:23     RRFS: 20:56    Wind: SW 8/9     Sea: Rough

Crew: G Edwards, K Bigwood, R Farrance, R Bettany, K Bruce, R Wyatt and C Smith


Call No. 20

12/8/06: Launched to assist a 25ft motorboat Irresponsible on passage from St Osyth to Grimsby with total engine failure, 2 miles off the Naze.  Took casualty under tow & proceeded into Tichmarsh marina.

Crew: G Edwards, K Bigwood, R Wyatt, C Smith, M Oakes And M Rayner.

Launched: 08:50     RRFS: 11:30    Wind: NNW 4-5     Sea: Slight


Call No. 19

9/9/06: Launch to assistance of 35ft motor yacht Jessica 11 aground on East barrow Sand, 2 pob. Vessel had sustained damage to propellers and after refloating was towed to Brightlingsea.

Launched: 20:25     RRFS: 00:55    Wind: E 4     Sea: Moderate

Crew: T Halls, K Bigwood, K Bruce, R Wyatt, C Smith, S Peters.



Call No. 18

7/8/06: Launched to assist a 23ft yacht Mistress who was pounding on Buxey sands.  Clacton towed casualty clear of the sands & proceeded up river to Burnham.  On arrival Clacton transferred tow to Walton & they continued up river.  Burnham then met Walton & took the casualty to her moorings in Pagglesham.

Crew: G Edwards, T Halls, R Farrance, K Bigwood, K Bruce, and W Bell.

Launched: 19:06     RRFS: 22:10    Wind: N/E 4     Sea: slight



Call No. 17

 28/7/06: Launch to assistance of 25ft yacht Stella Lucia, 1 POB, with fouled propeller and rudder near Medusa Buoy. Yacht freed from obstruction by lifeboat and after checking for damage continued on passage. Lifeboat returned to station.

Launched: 10:26     RRFS: 11:12    Wind: SE 2     Sea: calm


Call No. 16

 23/7/06: Launched to assistance of 38ft yacht Frenzy Free, 2 POB, making water 3 miles south east of Long Sand Head. Vessel was 19.5 miles ESE of station and still taking water on, but source of leak was difficult to discover. Yacht towed to Shotley.  This was also Ricky Farrance our Dept 2nd coxswains first call in command.

Launched: 10:22     RRFS: 17:16    Wind: SSE 2     Sea: Slight



Call No. 15

 14/7/06: Launch to assist 30ft Motor Yacht Lady J II, 2 pob + 2 dogs aground on Foulness Sand near the Ridge Buoy. Communication with the casualty was poor and initial radio communication was via other yachts in the area. Clacton ILB also launched and towed casualty clear of sands on flood tide, transferring tow to Walton lifeboat. The casualty’s steering was damaged and she was towed to Brightlingsea.

Launched: 10:29     RRFS: 14:49    Wind: NE 5/6     Sea: Rough



Call No. 14

16/7/06: Launched to assist in search for 15ft speedboat, 2 POB, aground and lost in Thames Estuary. Boat had left Maldon bound Burnham but had run aground on a sandbank, exact position unknown. No radio communication and casualty’s mobile phone battery was flat. Sheerness LB, Margate LB and ILB and rescue helicopter 125 all tasked to search. Shortly after launching 125 found the speedboat hard aground on the Maplin Sands. Helicopter winched the men off the speedboat and landed them at Southend airport. All other units stood down and returned to station. The two men had lifejackets but no charts, flares, anchor or VHF radio.

Launched: 21:52     RRFS: 22:19    Wind: NE 1     Sea: Calm


Call No. 13

 8/7/06: Launched after spoken word mayday heard from yacht Carolina stating sinking two miles off Clacton Pier. Large-scale search made of Colne Estuary with Clacton and West Mersea A 75’s. Nothing found; considered malicious hoax.

Launched: 22:56     RRFS: 01:15    Wind: WSW 5     Sea: Moderate


Call No. 12

10/7/06: launch to assist 25ft yacht Maitresse, 1 pob with fouled propeller near Medusa Buoy 1.5 miles east of pier. Fishing gear freed but yacht towed into lifeboat berth at end of pier in order to free rope that was still round propeller. This was accomplished and yacht proceeded on passage to the Medway.

Launched: 05:54     RRFS: 07:46    Wind: W 2     Sea: slight




Call No. 11

8/6/06: Launch to assist yacht Mwingo with rudder fouled by fishing gear off the Naze. The lifeboat succeeded in freeing the yacht from the gear, which then continued on passage to Brightlingsea.

Launched: 16:05     RRFS: 17:03    Wind: SE 2     Sea: Slight



Call No. 10

 7/6/06: Launch to assist 30ft motor yacht Shere Khan, disabled west of South Galloper Buoy, 2 pob. On arrival at position lifeboat towed casualty to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 10:29     RRFS: 17:03    Wind: S 2/3     Sea: Slight



Call No. 9

 27/5/06: Launch to assist yacht Carpe Diem 2 pob, aground on Long Sand close to Black Deep 6 Buoy. Yacht refloated before arrival of lifeboat and continued to Ramsgate. Lifeboat returned to station.

Launched: 15:46     RRFS: 16:48    Wind: NW 2     Sea: Slight (Heavy rain and poor visibility)


Call No. 8

23/5/06: Received a call from Thames Coastguard saying a Belgian beam trawler Job Senior 26metres in length had gone aground on the top end of the Longsand. On route also was HMS Severn who was patrolling in the area. With 4 miles to run the skipper reported he had got of the sands & was able to Continue with his passage so Lifeboat returned to station.

Launched: 20:36     RRFS: 22:05     Wind: south 6/7     Sea: Moderate


Call No. 7

 1/5/06: Launch to the Sail Training Vessel Excelsior aground on the Colne Bar, with 3 crew, 9 children and 3 teachers on board. West Mersea ILB also launched and stood by until the arrival of the Walton Lifeboat. On arrival Walton Lifeboat attached tow line and pulled casualty’s bow round holding her in that position until on the flood tide the lifeboat pulled the Excelsior into deep water. The lifeboat escorted the vessel until the master reported that no damage had been sustained. The lifeboat was then diverted to another casualty.

Launched: 07:53     Diverted: 10:30    Wind: SW 6/7     Sea: Rough



Call No. 6

 1/5/06: After leaving the Excelsior the lifeboat proceeded to the assistance of the motor yacht Nerida, which was aground on the Buxey Sand with Burnham ILB standing by. After the Nerida refloated the lifeboat escorted her through the Spitway towards Brightlingsea until the yacht was happy to proceed on its own. The lifeboat then returned to station.

Diverted: 10:30 RRFS: 13:25



Call No. 5

 15/4/06: Launch to 28ft yacht Southern Comfort, 2 pob aground with fouled propeller on North Buxey Sand. The yacht had been towing an 18ft sailing boat from Brightlingsea to Burnham. On arrival at the position Deputy 2nd Coxswain Ricky Farrance walked a towline across to the casualty and also cleared the fouled propeller.

Both boats were refloated on the rising tide and towed to Brightlingsea. Lifeboat then returned to station.

Launched: 19:23     RRFS: 23:53    Wind: NE 3     Sea: Slight


Call No. 4

 14/3/06: The lifeboat was launched, after an EPIRB (emergency) signal, was heard by the coastguard. The lifeboat was requested to proceed to the Wallet 6 Buoy about 4 miles south west of the pier to see if DF bearing could be obtained on the signal. No further signal was heard and with no sign of any vessel in distress the lifeboat returned to station.

Launched: 08:09     RRFS: 09:22    Wind: SE 3/4     Sea: Slight


Call No. 3

 24/2/06: Launch to 36ft yacht Piranha, 5 POB, aground on Buxey Sand, close to Sunken Buxey Buoy. Burnham ILB also launched and took towrope from yacht to Walton lifeboat, which then anchored to await the flood tide. Yacht towed clear on flood tide without damage and made its own way into Burnham.

Launched: 14:55     RRFS: 19:11    Wind: NE 6/7     Sea: Rough



Call No.2

 18/2/06: Launch to assistance of 26ft motor cruiser Aphrodite, 2 POB, with fuel problems 500 yards off the pier head. Towed Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 17: 47     RRFS: 19:56    Wind: SE 1/2     Sea: Calm


Call No.1

 13/2/06: Whist working on the lifeboat in her berth, fishermen on the pier drew Mechanic Karl Bigwood’s attention to a capsized plastic canoe just off the pier head. Two teenage boys were sitting on the hull, with a third hanging onto the canoe. The mechanic immediately launched the Y-Class inflatable form the lifeboat berth by which time the canoe had drifted through the pier on the ebb tide. Taking the Y-Class through the pier the mechanic son reached the boys and took them aboard. They were all lightly clad in tee shirts and shorts. They were landed on the beach south of the pier into the care of the coastguard, all showing signs of hypothermia.

Launched: 11:51     RRFS: 12:20    Wind: Nil     Sea: Calm


Year 2003

27/3/03: Launch to assist 31ft Motor Cruiser Morning Swan, 2 pob, lost in thick fog in the Walton Channel. Located near Island Point and escorted to Titchmarsh Marina



27/3/03: Just as the lifeboat was leaving Titchmarsh Marina having escorted in the Morning Swan, the coastguard advised that another yacht, Ardvila, with 3 pob was also lost in the fog (visibility less than 40 yards). The yacht was located by the lifeboat in Hamford Water and escorted to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 17:30     RFS: 20:30    Wind: North East 2/3     Sea: Slight


18/4/03: Launch to 37ft yacht Pallitier with engine failure and unsure of position, but believed to be in the Black Deep. The yacht was on passage from Holland to Burnham. Some of the 5 people on board were seasick and had little experience. The yacht's GPS was not working and Thames & Dover Coastguard established an approximate position near the entrance to Foulger Gat. This was confirmed by lifeboat's radio DF bearing. When lifeboat reached casualty she was in shallow water on Long Sand, south of Black Deep No.6 buoy. Tow successfully connected and casualty towed to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 01:14     RFS: 06:50    Wind: North East 5/7     Sea: Rough



18/4/03: Launched to 18ft wooden yacht Herbs & Spices, 2 pob, on passage from Arlesford Creek to Harwich. A 999 call from the yacht to Thames Coastguard reported that the yacht had hit something off Walton Pier, (possibly the outboard engine hitting the bottom as it was low water) resulting in the outboard being torn from the transom, causing a large hole. Unable to make headway against the wind the yacht drifted towards Frinton. The two men were also cold and wet. When the lifeboat reached the yacht, about a mile south west of the pier, it was towed slowly to the lee of the pier, where the two men were taken on board the lifeboat and warmed up. All hatches on the yacht were closed and it was towed in rough seas to Titchmarsh Marina. Because of weather conditions the lifeboat remained at the marina overnight, returning to the pier moorings the following morning at low tide.

Launched: 20:30     RFS: 22:58 (Titchmarsh Marina)    Wind: North East 6/7     Sea: Rough



2/5/03: Launched to 21ft fishing boat Misty Blue, 2 pob, which had broadcast a Mayday after suffering engine failure off Walton Pier in rough seas. The fishing boat was also making water. When the lifeboat reached the Misty Blue it was taken in tow, a drogue being passed to her to steady her in a rough following sea. In the lee of the Naze two lifeboat crew were placed on board and succeeded in unblocking the casualty's bilge pump. Pumping was required most of the way into Titchmarsh Marina where the casualty was safely moored.

Launched: 14:05     RFS: 16:20    Wind: South 5/6     Sea: Rough



21/5/03: Launched to 36ft yacht Bonny Girl, 3 pob, aground on Middle Sunk Sands, close to Barrow Deep No. 4 buoy. Yacht made Pan broadcast after going aground which was answered by Clacton Atlantic 75 lifeboat, already at sea on exercise. Upon arrival of Clacton lifeboat it was found that the casualty was hard aground. After arrival of Walton lifeboat, Clacton lifeboat returned to station. Walton lifeboat then stood by the Bonnie Girl until she refloated at 02:45. At the request of the yacht's crew the lifeboat escorted it to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launch: 20:35     RFS: 05:45    Wind: South West 3/4     Sea: moderate







9/6/03: Launch to 39ft yacht Cellandyne with engine failure off Holland Haven, 3 pob. The yacht was on its way to Fox's Marina at Ipswich for painting and its mast and sails have been taken off at East Mersea. Towed to Titchmarsh Marina.


Launch: 11:45     RFS: 14:46    Wind: SE 4     Sea: slight























11/6/03: Launch to 28ft yacht Circe, 2 pob, with fouled propeller between Medusa Buoy and Naze Tower. When lifeboat arrived yacht was free of obstruction but had faulty gear box. Towed to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launch: 16:15     RFS: 17:40    Wind: SW3     Sea: slight



22/6/03: Launch after Mayday from 24ft yacht It's Only Me, 2 pob, near the Gunfleet Lighthouse. The yacht had grounded on the Gunfleet, damaging its rudder. Towed to Titchmarsh Marina in squally winds and thunderstorms.

Launch: 03:37     RFS: 07:47    Wind: East 5/7     Sea: rough



22/6/03: Launch to 37ft.yacht Lady Cressida, 3 pob, aground on Gunfleet Sands close to Wallet Spitway. Stood by yacht together with Clacton Atlantic until she refloated and continued on passage.

Launch: 12:35     RFS: 15:43    Wind: ESE 4     Sea: moderate



24/6/03: Launch to 20ft fishing boat Our Lizzie with fouled propeller and rudder, 200 yards off Frinton, 1 pob. Rudder and propeller freed and vessel continued on passage to Maldon.

Launch: 08:32     RFS: 09:25    Wind: West 2/3     Sea: Slight



21/7/03: Launch to 36ft yacht Heartbeat of Burnham, 8 pob, aground on Sunk Sands near SW Sunk Beacon. Yacht refloated before lifeboat arrived and continued on passage to Burnham. Lifeboat returned to station.

Launch: 14:22     RFS: 15.16    Wind: SSW 4/5     Sea: Moderate



30/7/03: Launch to 15 metre Dutch Yacht Eda Escape, 2 pob, which sent out Mayday call, having suffered engine failure near Long Sand Head. Crewmember put aboard casualty to assist, which was then towed to Shotley Marina.

Launch: 20:43     RFS: 00:27    Wind: WNW 2     Sea: Slight


12/8/03: ON 1154 to Goodchilds, Burgh Castle for replacement of Halon fire extinguishers.



ON1095 47-004 St. Cybi (Civil Service No.40) on relief duty.



16/8/03: Launch to yacht Tempo with engine failure, whose two crew were inexperienced and suffering from seasickness. Yacht was about one mile offshore from the coastguard station at Walton. Towed to Titchmarsh Marina.



16/8/03: When returning from Titchmarsh Marina after towing in Tempo asked to assist 35ft steel yacht Blue Heron, 2 pob, with gearbox failure in Hamford Water. Towed to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launch: 17:20     RFS: 20:45    Wind: NE 3/4     Sea: moderate



18/8/03: Launch to assist 100 year old wooden smack Joseph T making water close to the Colne Bar Buoy, 1 pob. Clacton Atlantic lifeboat took casualty in tow, which was then transferred to Walton lifeboat. Crewmember put aboard to assist and smack taken to Pyefleet Creek and beached.

Launch: 18:24     RFS: 21:26    Wind: SW 2/3     Sea: slight



25/8/03: Launch to 40ft yacht Norma Ann, 2 pob, aground on Pye Sands and pounding heavily. Yacht refloated just before lifeboat arrived, checked and escorted to Stone Point, due to uncertainty about damage to steering.

Launch: 18:05     RFS: 19:10    Wind: NE 4     Sea: moderate



28/8/03: Launch to mayday from 34ft yacht Van Dyke, 4 pob, aground on Swallow Tail, River Crouch and pounding heavily. Clacton Atlantic LB also launched. The casualty soon refloated on the flood tide, without apparent damage and was escorted to the entrance to the River Crouch by Clacton Lifeboat.

Launch: 22:20     RFS: 23:25    Wind: NE 5/6     Sea: moderate



7/9/03: Launch to 30ft motor cruiser Montana, 2 pob, broken down 1 mile off the Naze Tower. Towed to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launch: 17:42     RFS: 20:15    Wind: N2     Sea: slight


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22/9/03: Lifeboat mechanic Karl Bigwood received a telephone call at the boathouse about 16.30 from a kite surfer, on Frinton beach, who reported that he had become detached from his kite which was now blowing in squally winds towards Walton Pier. The mechanic advised the coastguard who shortly afterwards received several 999 calls from members of the public reporting a person in the water about 400 yards off Eton Road, Frinton. The lifeboat launched together with Clacton Atlantic and proceeded towards Frinton. It was soon established that the person reported in the water had swum ashore, after 30 minutes in the sea. (The original caller had not reported anybody with the kite, which had had two kite surfers with it when it took off near the Golf Club!) By now the kite was entangled around the piles of the pier. It was taken on board Clacton Atlantic and landed on the beach.

Launch: 16:50     RFS: 17:12    Wind: SSW 6     Sea: Moderate



22/9/03: As the boarding boat was being moored up from the previous incident the second coxswain's pager was activated, requesting the lifeboat launch again to the assistance of the 30ft. yacht Chablis which had encountered a severe squall near the Colne Bar Buoy and was unable to make any headway under motor power. Clacton Atlantic also proceeded. On arrival Walton Lifeboat found the two crew to be disorientated and unsure of position. Clacton LB returned to station and due to the weather conditions, with frequent severe squalls reducing visibility to nil, the yacht was escorted to Bradwell Marina.

Launch: 17:23     RFS: 20:12    Wind: SSW/NNW: 6/8     Sea: Rough



22/9/0/3: As the lifeboat was refuelling after the previous service the coastguard reported that they had received a 999 call from a woman reporting that her husband had gone into the sea near the Marine Slipway, just north of the pier. An immediate search was made by the lifeboat and launchers on the beach, but was called off shortly afterwards when the man returned home. He had been in the sea for some time but had made his own way ashore.

Launch: 20:29 RFS: 21:05

Wind: NNW 5/6 Sea: Moderate



24/9/03: Launch to Jack-Up Rig Skate 2D, 5 pob, some 7 miles south of Walton Pier. Clacton Atlantic also launched. Rig was involved in test bores for projected wind farm on Gunfleet Sands when two of its four legs sank into the sand causing it to tilt at an angle of 30 degrees. Crew launched safety boat, which was damaged in the process. On arrival crew of rig taken aboard Walton Lifeboat. Later two crew taken ashore by Clacton Lifeboat. Both lifeboats then stood by the jack-up barge until arrival of tug. Rig crew were then put aboard tug and lifeboats returned to station.

Launch: 14:48 RFS: 18:35

Wind: NW 1/2 Sea: Slight



26/9/03: Launch to 18ft angling boat RIA, 3 pob, and making water one mile east of Pye End Buoy. Harwich ILB reached casualty first, putting pump on board and taking casualty in tow. Walton LB escorted tow to Stone Point in case of further problems. ILB towed RIA to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launch: 15:00 RFS: 16:30

Wind: W2/3 Sea: slight


27/9/03 Station Tyne Kenneth THELWELL II returned to station after updating of engine fire control system.



10/11/03: Launch after red flare reported by cargo vessel Caroline Rusk, bearing 350 degrees from Black Deep No. 5 buoy. Lifeboat searched Swin Channel, Gunfleet and Sunk Sands but nothing found.

Launch: 07:07 RFS: 19:38

Wind: East 1/2 Sea: slight


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23/11/03: Launch to 30ft yacht Solar Wind aground ' mile east of Outer Crouch Buoy, 1 pob. Casualty refloated without damaged and escorted by lifeboat and Burnham Atlantic 75 to Holliwell Point.

Launch: 19:48 RFS: 23:16

Wind: NNE 4/5 Sea: moderate



4/12/03: Launch to 14 metre, 70 ton steel trawler Golden Ray, aground on Long Sand Head, 3 pob. Vessel refloated before arrival of lifeboat but drifted along edge of bank with rudder damaged and jammed hard to starboard. Towline passed but vessel proved difficult to tow due to damaged rudder and weather conditions, which caused the casualty to sheer to starboard. Tow broke after some twenty minutes and was reconnected with difficulty as casualty drifted close to Long Sand. Lifeboat only able to tow at 3-4 knots with constant adjustment of engines and helm needed to keep tow under control. When grounding casualty's rudder had pushed the stern post up, causing some ingress of water, requiring the use of the casualty's pumps during tow. Harwich Harbour reached at 11:30, but weather conditions and size of casualty prevented lifeboat berthing it at Harwich or Shotley and Levington Marinas. The only place where casualty could be lifted out was at Ipswich, so tow continued up river Orwell, in company with MCA launch Eagle. Ipswich reached at 14:00, but as it was now low water casualty could not be taken into dock and was left on outside pontoon. Lifeboat refuelled at Harwich Lifeboat Station before returning to Walton.

Launched: 06:08 RFS: 16:30

Wind: NNE 6/7 Sea: rough

Year 2002

ON1154 Kenneth Thelwall II



19/5/02: Launch to assistance of 40ft. motor yacht QFD aground on Gunfleet Sands about one mile north east of the old lighthouse. Lifeboat was unable to reach the casualty due to ebbing tide and because of an unfavourable weather forecast Clacton 'D' class lifeboat was requested to assist. The three people on board the casualty were taken off by the 'D' class and transferred to the Walton lifeboat which landed them at Walton Pier at 23:30. Lifeboat returned to casualty on flood tide and put crew back on board. Casualty refloated, escorted off sands and made its own way to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 21:13     RFS: 04:32     Wind: South 3/4     Sea: Slight
   


1/6/02: Launch to 7metre diving rib Venture broken down south east of South Galloper Buoy. On arrival at the casualty the four crew were taken on board and the rib towed to the mouth of the River Deben where the tow was handed over to the Felixstowe Volunteer patrol boat.

Launched: 12:37     RFS: 17:30     Wind: SW 2/3     Sea: slight



21/6/02: Launch to assist yacht Tunnus with fishing gear fouling propeller and rudder off the Naze, I pob, Gear cleared by lifeboat crew and yacht proceeded on its passage to Levington Marina.

Launched: 14:32   RFS: 15:08     Wind: SW 2/3     Sea: slight



8/7/02: Launch to Belgian trawler Flamingo 4 pob, after EPIRB beacon alarm heard, position believed to be south east of Long Sand Head. Belgian trawler Aquarius reported locating capsized hull of the Flamingo. Harwich lifeboat and Rescue 125 also proceeded together with other Belgian fishing vessels, Harwich pilot launch and merchant vessels. One body recovered by Harwich lifeboat close to hull of casualty, followed by recovery of second body later. Walton lifeboat carried out search without success. At about 06:00 Solent Coastguard Rescue helicopter India Juliet landed a team of Navy divers and gear onto Walton lifeboat. Divers made a search of the Flamingo as far as conditions allowed. The Coastguard Tug Anglian Monarch was sent from Dover to attempt to tow the casualty to the Long Sand Head where it could be beached to allow the divers to carry out a complete search of the hull for the remaining two persons. However the trawler sank shortly after being taken in tow between the Sunk Light Vessel and Inner Gabbard Sand. Walton lifeboat then returned to station, landing the divers at Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 02:05     RFS: 18:10     Wind: S 4/5     Sea: moderate




18/7/02: Launch to yacht Peterwit, 2 POB, with fouled propeller and rudder off the Naze. Lifeboat crew freed the yacht, which then proceeded to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 13:30     RFS: 14:15     Wind: NE 2/3     Sea: slight



21/7/02: During the afternoon two jet skis left Clacton beach and headed out to sea. One of the jet skis broke down well out of sight of land. The other Jet Ski returned to Clacton and contacted coastguards reporting that the other Jet Ski had been left near a 'lattice mast' which was taken to be the experimental wind mast on the Gunfleet Sands. Clacton Atlantic was launched and took the jet skier on board so as to identify the 'lattice mast'. On arrival at the wind mast the jet skier stated that it was not the right one. Clacton LB then proceeded to the old Gunfleet lighthouse whilst Walton lifeboat and Rescue 125 were sent to assist. Walton lifeboat took the jet skier on board and after confirming that the Gunfleet lighthouse was not the 'lattice mast' proceeded to the Sunk Beacon. The jet skier positively identified this as the correct one and both lifeboats began to search the Barrow Deep. Shortly afterwards an outward bound cargo vessel Clara reported a man in the water near her. The helicopter picked up the man and confirmed he was the missing jet skier. He was in very good condition. Walton lifeboat picked up the Jet Ski and took it to Clacton.

Launched: 19:05     RFS: 22:17     Wind: NW 4/5     Sea: moderate



26/7/02: Launch to yacht Jasba with fouled propeller and rudder between Stone Banks and Outer Ridge buoys, 2 POB. Fishing gear cleared and yacht proceeded to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 17:35     RFS: 19:00     Wind: SW 2/3     Sea: slight



27/7/02: Launch to two yachts with fouled anchors near Stone Point. Situation resolved on arrival of lifeboat.

Launched: 18:01     RFS: 19:05     Wind: variable 1/2     Sea: slight



3/8/02: Launch to yacht Aqua Dancer aground on Sunk Sands, 2POB. Yacht refloated as lifeboat left moorings and proceeded on its voyage to Ramsgate.

Launched: 13:15     RFS: 13:21     Wind: SW 2/3     Sea: slight



16/8/02: Launch to 44ft motor yacht Lady Genevieve disabled after striking object, possibly oil drum between the South Galloper buoy and North Falls Head. The yacht could only make 5 knots and steer 30 degrees off intended course suggesting damage to both propellers and rudder. Local fishing vessel True to the Core reached the yacht first and took her in tow. Visibility was now very poor with thick fog. Lifeboat took over tow and took casualty to Levington Marina on river Orwell.

Launched: 15:24     RFS: 21:45     Wind: SE 2/3     Sea: slight



19/8/02: Launch to report of red flares in vicinity of Wallet Spitway, which had been seen by West Mersea LB out searching for a large speedboat, which had informed coastguards by mobile phone that they were running out of fuel. Several others vessels reported seeing the flares and the fishing vessel Boy Neil sighted a large speed boat, the Lady Jane with 4 POB. This was the vessel to which West Mersea LB had launched. Upon arrival Walton lifeboat took the speedboat in tow to Brightlingsea.

Launched: 21:43     RFS: 01:14     Wind: SW 2/3     Sea: slight



22/8/02: Paged to assist small yacht aground at Frinton but launch cancelled when yacht towed off beach by council patrol boat.

Paged: 12:11



26/8/02: Launch to two yachts reported aground on Long Sand Head by passing vessels. On arrival at scene, one yacht Seawok had refloated and was attempting to sail to Harwich. The yacht Dawn Mystery contacted this yacht and reported that the casualty's radio had been swamped and possible damage sustained to rudder. Walton lifeboat attended to the other yacht with Rescue 125 while Harwich lifeboat was sent to assist the Seawok. The second yacht Psamanthe with 2 POB was still pounding heavily on the sands. The helicopter took off the female crew member while the lifeboat made repeated attempts to get a line on board. A rocket line was fired which fell across the casualty's stern, but the remaining crew member was unable to move from the cockpit to take the line. Just as the helicopter was about to winch off the remaining crewmember the Psamanthe refloated and the lifeboat was able to get alongside, put a man on board and take the yacht in tow to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 09:35 RFS: 15:56     Wind: NNE 5/6     Sea: moderate with heavy swell on sands



28/8/02: Launch to yacht North Wind aground on Long Sand, 1 mile south of Black Deep Number 6 buoy, 3 POB. Belgian survey vessel Belgica stood by until lifeboat arrived. On flood tide lifeboat towed casualty clear of sands. The yacht was towed to the entrance of Harwich Harbour and then made its own way to Ipswich.

Launched: 19:55     RFS: 04:39     Wind: N 3/4     Sea: moderate



26/9/02: Launch to yacht Aeleo adrift, unsure of position and with three seasick crew on board. Initial reports had put the casualty in the mouth of the river Crouch but a search by Burnham Atlantic had failed to find the yacht. DF bearings obtained by the coastguard suggested the yacht was near the Barrow Deep No. 5 buoy. This was confirmed by a passing dredger the Arco Beck. Burnham Atlantic reached casualty first and took it in tow but in the prevailing conditions could make little headway. Walton lifeboat took over the tow and took the yacht to the entrance to the river Crouch where it was escorted by Burnham Atlantic to Burnham.

Launched: 07:03     RFS: 11:58     Wind: NW4/5     Sea: moderate



12/10/02: Paged at 1410 after Jet Ski broke down half mile off shore. Launch cancelled when casualty managed to reach shore before lifeboat launched.



10/12/02: Launch to motor launch Trevega reported in difficulties just south of the pier head. The crew had been reported as waving to the shore. Due to the weather conditions the coastguard requested the lifeboat to investigate. When the lifeboat reached the vessel the two occupants were found to be fishing. The lifeboat returned to station.

Launched: 1321     RFS: 1341     Wind: East 6-7     Sea: Rough

Year 2001

R.N.L.B. LORD SALTOURN (ON 1138) TOOK UP RELIEF DUTIES 16TH MARCH 2001

STATION BOAT ON1154 KENNETH THELWALL II TO GOODCHILD'S, BURGH CASTLE FOR REFIT.

16/4/01: Launch to 38ft Sigma yacht MOONSHINE IV aground on the Cork Sands with 8 persons on board. Casualty was rolling heavily in heavy swell on sands but was towed clear by lifeboat and after being checked for damage made her own way to Levington Marina.

Launched: 11:15     RFS 12:50     Wind: NW 5-6     Sea: Moderate-heavy swells on sand


2/5/01: Launch to 32ft Moody class yacht OLD SPICE aground on Longsand Head with 4 pob.

Rescue Helicopter 125 and several other vessels proceeded to casualty's position. Radio contact with the yacht was lost after initial Mayday call.125 found the casualty on the sands but could get no response from the crew. 125 indicated they would wait for the lifeboat to reach the position but when the lifeboat was some 3 miles away she sighted a red hand flare to the sw. Proceeding to this position immediately a second hand flare was soon sighted. This flare was also seen by the helicopter, which spotted a liferaft just as the lifeboat arrived on scene. The 4 crew members of the of the OLD SPICE were winched on the helicopter and landed at Walton cold but otherwise O.K. The lifeboat recovered the liferaft and went to try and locate the yacht but found only debris and it was assumed that the casualty had broken up on the sands. The lifeboat therefore returned to station.

Launched: 01:49     RFS: 05:10     Wind: NE 5-6     Sea: Moderate but very heavy swell on sands



7/5/01: Launch to motor yacht SHOGUN making water off Frinton. When l/b arrived casualty had been run aground on the beach. The mechanic's Y boat was used to put a pump on board and casualty was towed off beach and taken to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 17:23     RFS: 22:50     Wind: NE 4/5     Sea: moderate



24/5/01: Launch to yacht TELAMOND, 2 pob, aground on West Barrow Sand near Barrow No.9 buoy. Yacht's rudder damaged. Towed to Bradwell Marina.

Launched: 1105     RFS: 1705     Wind:NW4/5     Sea: moderate



24/5/01: Launch to yacht SOLON aground on East Barrow Sands, 3pob. Clacton Atlantic and Rescue Helicopter125 also proceeded, The yacht, a wooden folkboat began to take water on the flood tide and the 3 persons on board were taken off by 125 as the lifeboats stood by. When sufficient water the lifeboat investigated the possibility of salvaging the yacht but she had been badly holed and was abandoned on the sands.

Launched: 21:43     RFS: 00:30     Wind: NW 4/5     Sea: moderate



3/6/01: Launch to capsized catamaran, about ' mile south of pier head. On arrival at scene the lifeboat found the one person on board sitting on the upturned hull. He had been unable to right the craft because fishing gear fouled the mast. The lifeboat cleared the fishing gear, righted the catamaran, put the crew back on board and escorted it back to the beach. This was Cox Brian Oxley's last service call before his retirement.

Launched: 18:20     RFS: 18:45     Wind: WNW 4/5     Sea: Slight



22/6/01: Launch to yacht MOON RIVER with fishing gear foul of rudder and propeller, ' mile off the Naze Tower. After freeing the gear yacht towed to Titchmarsh Marina with 3 pob.

Launched: 1920     See Below:

22/6/01: On leaving Titchmarsh Marina after towing in the MOON RIVER lifeboat asked to investigate small yacht apparently in difficulties off the Naze. On arrival the lifeboat found the small yacht ISLAND BLOSSOM with one man on board. The yacht was not in difficulty, merely making slow progress to Shotley against the Wind: and tide. Lifeboat returned to station.

Diverted: 22:10     RFS: 22:50     Wind: East: 3/4     Sea: Moderate.



24/6/01: Launch to Motor Cruiser PRINCESS BECKY, with engine fire near Pye End Buoy, 2 pob. Casualty had put out fire when lifeboat arrived and was towed to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 14:15     RFS: 16:30     Wind: E 3/4     Sea: Moderate



30/6/01: Launch to 40ft. smack PERTWEE dismasted near Wallet No.4 Buoy and with injured female crew member. When lifeboat arrived crew went aboard casualty to check on the injured female who was found to have severe spinal injuries and gashed skull. Decided to evacuate by RAF helicopter direct to Colchester Hospital. Lifeboat crew secured stump of casualty's mast, which was swaying from side to side and removed debris to enable safe winching operation. Female successfully evacuated and PERTWEE then made its own way to the River Colne under engine power.

Launched: 16:31     RFS: 17:50     Wind: NW 5/6     Sea: Rough



22/7/01: Yacht GAYLORD reported aground on Longsand near Black Deep No.6 Buoy, 3 pob. Casualty refloated as lifeboat was launching.

Launched: 10:30     RFS: 10:40     Wind: SW 4/5     Sea: Moderate



4/8/01: Launch to 36ft. motor cruiser SACRED SPIRIT which was requesting assistance in fierce squall and reduced visibility '10 miles off the Orwell'. Lifeboat found casualty proceeding in from vicinity of Wallet No. 2 Buoy and escorted to entrance of Harwich Harbour.

Launched: 19:20     RFS: 20:32     Wind: SW 3/4     Sea: Moderate



4/8/01: Launch to 27ft gaff cutter SWANTI with engine failure and making water in the East Swin Channel, south of the Gunfleet Spit Buoy, 2 pob. Burnham Atlantic was diverted from another casualty at the mouth of the Crouch to provide immediate lifesaving cover but in the event Walton lifeboat reached casualty first. Casualty taken in tow with crew pumping. Slow progress was made in fierce squalls and reduced visibility with Burnham lifeboat following Walton lifeboat to the entrance of the Crouch. Once inside the river the tow was transferred in sheltered conditions and casualty towed to Burnham. The casualty had left Breskens in Holland at 03:00 but had run into severe weather near the English coast.

Launched: 23:14     RFS: 03:20     Wind: SW 6/7     Sea: Rough, heavy rain squalls.



8/8/01: Broken down Jet Ski reported close to Walton Pier, 2 pob, but taken in tow by speed boat, Launch aborted.



13/8/01: As lifeboat left moorings to proceed to Titchmarsh Marina for boat change over, coastguard requested lifeboat to investigate inflatable dinghy drifting off Frinton. When lifeboat reached dinghy found to be empty. Immediate area Searched with no result and with no one reported missing assumed dinghy had drifted off beach. Lifeboat resumed passage to marina.

Launched: 19:05     Diverted: 19:07     Wind: W 4/5     Sea: Moderate



STATION TYNE CLASS 47-036 (1154) KENNETH THELWALL II BACK ON STATION AFTER REFIT. RELIEF TYNE 47-025 (1138) LORD SALTOURN TO GOODCHILDS, BURGH CASTLE 14/8/01



19/8/01: Launch to yacht PROSPECT of CHATHAM broken down and unable to sail in poor conditions near Barrow No. 5 Buoy, 3 pob. When lifeboat arrived casualty taken in tow to Burnham where tow was handed over in sheltered waters to Burnham Atlantic. A female crew member of the yacht was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia.

Launched: 16:39     RFS: 21:50     Wind: Sw 6/7     Sea: Rough.



27/8/01: Launch to yacht MELENDUNE with fouled rudder off the Naze. Yacht freed from fishing gear and proceeded on passage to WallaSea: Island.

Launched: 14:43     RFS: 15:12     Wind: NE 2/3     Sea: Slight



13/10/01: Launch to yacht Beagle IV, 2 pob, aground on Sunk Sands near SW Sunk Beacon. Yacht towed off sands by lifeboat and towed to entrance of River Crouch in poor visibility. There the tow was handed over to Burnham Atlantic.

Launched: 17:08     RFS: 21:30     Wind: SW2/3     Sea: Slight



21/10/01: Launch to yacht Asiz making water near Wallet Spitway, 4 pob. Three yacht crew winched off by Rescue 125. Pump put on board and yacht escorted to BrightlingSea:.

Launched: 14:12     RFS: 17:51     Wind: SW 5/6     Sea: Rough


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25/10/01: Launch to yacht Kotik aground on East Barrow Sands, 1 pob. Yacht pulled off sands and towed to BrightlingSea:.

Launched: 12:35     RFS: 17:35     Wind: SE 4     Sea: Moderate



18/11/01: Launch to Nonchalant II, 2 pob, broken down in vicinity of Sunk Head Tower Buoy on passage Southend to Holland. Towed to Titchmarsh Marina.

Launched: 14:25     RFS: 18:16     Wind: NE 3-4     Sea: Moderate