Multi-agency Boat Rescue

A MULTI-agency boat rescue was conducted in Leigh after a boat ran aground amid a fast-moving tide.
HM Coastguard Southend was called to Old Leigh, tasked with helping a boat which had run aground near a wharf.
11 people were on board the boat, which had suffered a power failure and was listing to its starboard side.
The team from Southend were assisted by colleagues from HM Coastguard Canvey Island and RNLI Southend Lifeboat, who quickly agreed a rescue strategy, with the fast-outgoing tide limiting rescue options.
A spokesperson said: “The hovercraft was manoeuvred between the stranded vessel and the wharf and was used as a pontoon to allow the passengers to leave the boat and walk ashore with just a bit of mud to contend with.
Several coastguard officers dressed in dry suits supported their RNLI colleagues in the operation and everyone was ashore within 10 minutes of the first passenger leaving the boat.
A spokesperson said: “The vessel was tied to the wharf ready for re-floating on the next tide.”
The Coastguard thanked members of the public for helping them clear the beach and surrounding areas.
The spokesperson for the Coastguard also issued a safety warning: “Please respect the water and remember we have a very fast flowing estuary tide twice per day. Always check the tide times if you are planning to go into or onto the water and allow for wind and weather.
“If you see someone in trouble on the coast – call 999 and ask for the coastguard. You could save someone’s life.”
Picture: The hovercraft used as a pontoon – Pics: HM Coastguard
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