Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team

Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team The Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team is on call 24 hours a day-365 days a year. In a coastal, beach or mud incident call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Holbrook Coastguard Rescue team was formed in 1996. Originally based at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, Suffolk it was comprised of Staff and Students and was one of only four teams in the UK to be made up of adults and young people in this way. We moved to our current base at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club in May 2011. Nowadays the team made up of ten volunteers from across the Shotley Penin

sular in Suffolk, all of whom have full time jobs or commitments, and give their time, skills and efforts willingly and without salary. As an emergency service Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRT's) respond to 999 call outs to perform Search & Rescue, Water Rescue, Mud Rescue and and work with other emergency services and neighbouring CRT's in joint response to incidents. We also work closely with the RNLI for example to rescue vessels in difficulty and get them and their crew to a place of safety. The team is fully trained and equipped to carry out search and rescue operations across the Peninsular and beyond and can be called out by the Maritime Operations Centre at any time of the day or night, in all weathers, to assist those in trouble or missing, to seek confirmation or further information of a report, or to any emergency that requires our resources. Where needed we can also request the assistance of colleagues from neighbouring teams or the Coastguard helicopter which provides a fantastic service to all CRT's in the South East.

03/04/2026

In a coastal emergency, minutes matter. Could you tell someone exactly where you are if you or a loved one needed help?

When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is: “where are you?”. The moment you provide this information; the teams will dispatch the most appropriate responders. We have world-class systems to help us, but valuable time can be saved if you can give some location details.

There are very simple ways, as well as more advanced options, to help you stay safe and know your location.

• Before you leave: Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

• Safety signs and location: Look for local safety signs depicting beach names and location references. Take a picture of local landmarks such as car park names and buildings.

• Location apps: Know how to use your location apps. Many smartphones now have a Global Positioning System (GPS) installed which pinpoints geographical locations.

• Mobile phone: Make sure your mobile is fully charged, ideally in a waterproof case. It’s also worth taking a power pack so you can recharge your phone, especially if your activities involve heavy battery use.

If you can tell us exactly where you are, rescuers can be sent more quickly. It could save a life.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and recognise the women volunteering and working full-time across HM Coastg...
08/03/2026

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and recognise the women volunteering and working full-time across HM Coastguard.

Women have historically been underrepresented in search and rescue services, only being officially allowed to join HM Coastguard in 1970.

Here at Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team, we are proud to have two volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers, Caroline and Faye. Both are a valued part of our team, bringing dedication, skill and commitment to every incident we respond to.

Thank you for everything you do to help keep our coastline safe. 🌊🚨

24/01/2026

Tasking 002.

🚨 Overnight Search 🚨

At 00:48 last night, Felixstowe Lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard following reports of a missing person - our second tasking of the year.

Our volunteer crew worked alongside Holbrook, Felixstowe and Shingle Street Coastguard Rescue Teams, as well as Suffolk Police, as part of a coordinated search.

The missing person was located and accounted for.

Following the tasking, the lifeboat was washed down, refuelled, and made ready for service once again by our shore support - ready to respond when needed.

05/01/2026

Every month, our Coastguard Rescue Teams carry out Operational Readiness Checks.

The teams inspect rescue equipment, vehicles, and station buildings to ensure all essentials are present, clean, undamaged, correctly stored, and in good condition overall.

This helps keep teams fully prepared to respond as quickly as possible in times of need.

Happy Christmas from Holbrook CRT 💙
24/12/2025

Happy Christmas from Holbrook CRT 💙

28/10/2025

📟 Shout x2 for Felixstowe Lifeboat! 🚨

Shout 1

🟧 Whilst out on a routine training exercise, our volunteer crew were tasked to reports of an individual in the water on the River Orwell.

The lifeboat quickly located and recovered the person from the water, before handing them over to our colleagues from Felixstowe Coastguard Rescue Team and the East of England Ambulance Service for further care.

Shout 2

🟧 As the team were handing the casualty over, we were tasked again – this time to reports of an individual stranded on an upturned craft. The lifeboat made its way to the scene, located the vessel, and recovered the casualty, returning them safely to Levington where they were handed over to Felixstowe CRT.

Our crew then returned to the upturned craft, taking it under tow to Pin Mill, where we were met by Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team and a Royal Harwich Yacht Club safety boat. Working together, the teams successfully righted the vessel, with the lifeboat standing by to provide safety cover. Once the boat was upright, RHYC towed it safely back to their club.

👏 A great example of teamwork between multiple agencies – well done everyone involved!

18/09/2025
10/09/2025

Today is Emergency Services Day, a special opportunity to honour all those who work tirelessly to care for us and protect our safety.

As one of the UK’s emergency services, HM Coastguard stands ready round the clock to help anyone in difficulty at sea or on the coast.

While our staff in operations rooms answer 999 calls and coordinate the response to a variety of incidents, we have our helicopter crews in the sky and our coastguard rescue officers on the ground, rescuing people and saving lives.

We are grateful for everyone in the emergency services and can never thank you enough for your service 💙

25/07/2025

World Drowning Prevention Day

26/06/2025
12/06/2025
In May, together with the RNLI, we visited Stutton CEVC Primary School to discuss how to stay safe along the coast. We h...
09/06/2025

In May, together with the RNLI, we visited Stutton CEVC Primary School to discuss how to stay safe along the coast. We had lots of fun trying out throw lines and practicing how to ‘float to live’. Thank you for having us!

If you get in trouble at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Address

Holbrook
IP9

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category