RNLI Clacton Lifeboat

20/10/2026

ALB Tasking from Dover Coastguard
Wednesday 14th October 2026
19:26 BST

The ALB was requested to launch to an undesignated DSC alert approximately 26 miles ENE of Clacton lifeboat station, in the northern end of the Sunk Traffic separation scheme.

The lifeboat launched a short while later into a fresh Force 6 south westerly breeze and began making the journey toward the casualty.

Once underway it was confirmed by the coastguard that the DSC alert was from a 38ft yacht with total electrical failure, crew fatigue and suffering from poor weather conditions.

The electrical issues meant the coastguard had no communication with the casualty vessel was wasn’t able to confirm if the occupants on board were fit and well. The Coastguard helicopter arrived on scene whilst we were on route and could see three people in the cockpit but again due to communication issues couldn’t not see if everyone was ok.

As we approached the scene the helicopter lit up the yacht with search a light for us to locate, and soon after departed the scene. Using a loud haler we made contact with the yacht and found the three people on board were ok, but needed assistance in getting to shore.

The lifeboat crew completed the towing check cards and deemed the safest way to assist the people on board was to tow the vessel to the nearest safe haven of Harwich Harbour. With this in mind a crew member was placed on board the casualty vessel in a breaking and confused sea state.

The crew member checked on the occupants, assisted in stowing sails and then attached a tow line in demanding conditions as well as providing a communication link to the lifeboat with a handheld VHF.

The lifeboat then began the four hour tow into Harwich harbour checking on the yacht frequently incase the situation worsened. Once in Harwich harbour the tow was shortened and brought alongside before placing the casualty vessel in a berth at Ha Penny Pier, where Walton coastguard rescue team assisted with the berthing of the vessel.

☝️

16/10/2026

Today, we celebrate a major milestone: two incredible years of growth and transformation with the Fleet training team, who've empowered us to unlock our full potential on the Shannon class lifeboat!

Through dedication and perseverance, our crew have risen to new heights, achieving qualifications as fully-fledged crew, Head Launchers, Drivers, Launch Authorities, and Navigators - including Clacton's first Volunteer Coxswain in years!

We're forever grateful to the Fleet team for their tireless efforts, which have ignited a spark of excellence within us. Their commitment to the RNLI has been the catalyst for our success, and we're excited to see the incredible impact we'll continue to make together!

15/10/2026

Our team is always down at the Lifesaving shop, where you can find all sorts of amazing items, like hats, calendars, teddy bears, and much more.

We are open from 11-3 daily, located right alongside the Lifeboat station on Hastings Ave, so why not pop down and see what amazing items you can get your hands on.

14/10/2026

What more could you ask for on a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning than a bit of launch and recovery training with the Shannon class lifeboat?

Our crew was hard at work, training on how to launch and recover the lifeboat safely and efficiently, making sure they're prepared for any situation that may arise. And it wasn't just the crew members who got to experience the excitement - some of our shore crew even had the opportunity to get a taste of what it's like.

13/10/2026

Wednesday is usually a day for our crew to hit the training grounds, but we decided to mix things up and host a crew night instead! It was the perfect opportunity for us to unwind, share some laughs, and catch up with each other in a more relaxed setting. We devoured delicious pizzas and celebrated the incredible achievements we've made over the last two years, which is a testament to our hard work and dedication.

It was also a bittersweet moment as we marked the departure of the fleet training team, who have been an integral part of our journey. We're grateful for the experience and knowledge they've shared with us, and we'll always cherish the memories we've made together. Here's to many more milestones and adventures to come!

☝️

13/10/2026

Our latest event is just around the corner and we can't wait to see you there! Why not take a break from your busy schedule and pop down for a cup of tea and a chat?

Your support will help the vital role of our lifeboat crews in saving lives at sea. Every donation, big or small, counts and will bring us closer to our goal of providing the best possible equipment and training for our crews. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable morning.

10/10/2026

Another milestone in our lifeboat stations development.
Clacton on Sea RNLI said goodbye to our Fleet Trainers on Friday.
Clacton on Sea all weather lifeboat is now fully operational with our own crew.
This has only been possible through the sheer determination of our volunteers giving up their time to make our coastline safer.
Since the arrival of “Chris & Jo West” in November 2024 the station has been constantly training our own crew to the ultimate goal of managing our own station.
Everyone at the station would like to say a massive thank you to RNLI fleet operations and everyone involved in the development of our lifeboat station.
The training however does not stop, we now will continue to train our crew to increase our resilience.
Next planned lifeboat launches will be tomorrow, Sunday at 9am and Wednesday at 10am.

02/10/2026

29/09/2026

Well, what a summer we've had, it's been a scorcher! The sun, the sea, the sand, and the memories we've made. But now, as the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The festive season is just around the corner and we can't wait to get into the holiday spirit! Why not pop down to our lifesaving lifeboat shop and grab all the Christmas gear you need to make this year's celebrations one to remember? From decorations to gifts, and from stocking fillers to festive treats, we've got everything you need to make your Christmas merry and bright!

12/09/2026

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Bradley and Amelia have successfully passed their Tier 2 assessment on Wednesday, 8th September, marking a significant milestone in their RNLI journey!

Becoming a Tier 2 Crew is a massive achievement that requires an enormous amount of hard work, dedication, and perseverance as volunteers. This accomplishment is a testament to their unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea and making a difference in their community.

We are incredibly proud of their outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing their continued growth and success within the RNLI.