RNLI Southend Lifeboat

17/09/2026

10/09/2026

Following events at Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight over the weekend, we are sharing this statement from RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes.

Southend-on-Sea RNLI stands in solidarity with our colleagues across the entire RNLI and remains committed to saving lives at sea without judgment, fear or favour, as our charity has done for more than 200 years. For those who stand with us, thank you 🙏

See comments for Peter Sparks full video statement.

01/09/2026

Last week Southend-on-Sea RNLI took part in an evening exercise with HM Coastguard helicopter rescue 363.

On a beautiful summer evening the RNLI volunteers launched the charity's Atlantic 85 B-885 Julia & Angus Wright, and inshore rescue hovercraft H-004 Vera Ravine to practice vital helicopter winching manoeuvres with HM Coastguard helicopter rescue 363 from Manston in Kent.

Winching to the B class and hovercraft are very different exercises.

The B-class lifeboat is required to keep a steady speed and course, whereas the hovercraft needs to be stationary due to the downdraft from the rescue helicopter which can drive the hovercraft wildly off course.

A perfect exercise by all, this ensures the lifeboat volunteers are always ready to carry out emergency airlifts when required.

A massive thanks to HM Coastguard rescue helicopter crew for the crucial training exercise.

31/08/2026

Southend RNLI Lifeboat Station celebrated a milestone this August, presenting retired RNLI volunteer Richard Offord with his 20-Year Long Service Award in recognition of extraordinary dedication to the charity.

Over the course of 22 years active service with Southend RNLI lifeboat station Richard has held vital leadership roles including fundraising treasurer, fundraising chair, and chair of the lifeboat management group. His tireless efforts behind the scenes have ensured the station maintained the crucial funding and leadership needed to help rescue those in distress at sea.

Richard’s decades of commitment have previously earned him some of the RNLI’s prestigious volunteer honours including the Bronze and Gold Badges, as well as the Commendation-Excellence in Volunteering Certificate and Award. Since 2011 Richard has been Southend RNLI station Vice-President.

The presentation was attended by key station personnel and local RNLI figures, including Southend Lifeboat Operations Manager Barrie Daykin, Fundraising Chair Tony Clarke, and Southend RNLI lifeboat legends John Foster and Giles Offord.

Southend RNLI Volunteer Fundraising Chair Tony Clarke said: ‘Richard joined Southend RNLI in 1997 as part of the Annual Dinner to the Crews of the Southend Lifeboats Committee. Richard became chair in 1998 until 2008. He went on to become fundraising treasurer and then fundraising chair, also taking on the role of chair of the lifeboat management group.

‘Additionally, as Chair for Special Projects Richard oversaw the new inshore boathouse facility project 2005-2013 and the modification to the pierhead boathouse to accommodate the new Atlantic 85 lifeboat from 2013-2014.

‘This is some voluntary achievement and one all of us at the lifeboat station deeply appreciate.’

Reflecting on his journey, Richard Offord highlighted the deeply personal connection he and his family share with the lifesaving charity.

Richard Offord said: ‘The charity has been a significant part of my life and my family's lives. What drove our fundraising was knowing every penny raised would go directly towards saving lives at sea.’

Southend Lifeboat Station remains one of the busiest in the country, relying entirely on the commitment of dedicated volunteers like Richard and the generosity of the public to keep its crews trained, equipped, and ready to launch 24/7.

https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2026/august/31/southend-rnli-honours-long-serving-volunteer-for-over-two-decades-of-service

29/08/2026

Happy 47th anniversary to Bote Salvavidas de Iquique official volunteers.

Today 29 August the Chilean volunteer lifeboat station at Iquique celebrates 47 years of saving lives at sea. Founded in 1979 Bote Salvavidas de Iquique currently operates Atlantic 21 lifeboat R9, formerly known as B-567 Percy Garron II, ex Southend RNLI lifeboat.

Southend RNLI volunteers send their best wishes to the volunteers at Iquique lifeboat station. Enjoy your celebrations!

23/08/2026

Southend-on-Sea RNLI volunteers were tasked by HM Dover Coastguard at 4.45pm Sunday 23 August to a 999-call reporting five children out by the waterline at the Shoebury Boom, Shoebury East Beach.

With the tide rising, Southend RNLI volunteers launched the charity’s hovercraft H-004 Vera Ravine at 5pm and headed at top speed to the reported location at Shoeburyness.

National Coastwatch Southend and HM Coastguard Southend On Sea had eyes on the casualties.

Arriving on scene approximately half a mile offshore on the waters edge, the RNLI volunteers found the five children in good health. The casualties were taken onboard the hovercraft and given a welfare check.

A little cold the children were taken to shore where their parents and HM Coastguard Southend-on-Sea (Southend CRT) were waiting. After further health assessment and some safety advice from Southend CRT, all services were stood down.

Southend RNLI volunteer Commander Jonathan Charnock said: ‘Southend has a vast tidal flat area, at low tide whilst the water can be seen it can be over 1 mile from the shore. East Beach has the added danger of the MoD firing range to the east of the Boom.

‘The children were found on their return to shore however they could have come into real danger quickly. With no way of calling for help, improper footwear and an unfamiliarity with the area today’s call could have had a very different outcome.

‘If you do go onto the beaches of Southend, check out the local area, know where you can and can’t go. Tell someone your plan and a time, properly prepare and have a way of calling for help.’

Southend RNLI hovercraft returned to station at 5.45pm to be refuelled, rehoused and made ready for service.

If you see someone in trouble or get into trouble by the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

If you are planning a visit to the coast, always check the weather and tide times for the local area.

Photos, Southend RNLI/Southend RNLI hovercraft Vera Ravine launches into service.

18/08/2026

Southend RNLI volunteer Tyler Bonham completed his first operational callout as a D-class helm on Saturday afternoon 15 August, just weeks after passing his assessment at the end of July.
https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2026/august/18/first-shout-as-d-class-helm-for-southend-rnli-volunteer

Dover Coastguard tasked the Southend RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew following reports of two teenagers who appeared to be drifting out to sea in an inflatable boat with an ebbing tide and offshore breeze near Chalkwell.

Launching the inshore D-class lifeboat D-904 Sue Sorotos, the volunteer crew arrived on scene in just five minutes. Upon contact with the casualties, both teenagers confirmed they were uninjured and capable of rowing back to the beach without assistance. Southend RNLI crew stood by and monitored the pair closely until they safely reached the shore.

Southend RNLI volunteer Helm Tyler Bonham said: ‘Taking the helm on my first shout was a fantastic experience. I had an incredible crew alongside me, we stood by to monitor the two casualties on the drifting inflatable until they safely self-recovered to shore.

‘It made for a busy day as I headed straight from Southend RNLI station to Gravesend RNLI station for a night shift in my full-time role as a London Commander’.

The successful tasking marks another milestone for Tyler, who adds D-class helm to his existing volunteer operational qualifications as a B-class helm and hovercraft pilot.

When taking part in water activities: Check the local weather and tides, always wear a buoyancy aid, and avoid going in an offshore breeze.

If you see someone in trouble or find yourself in trouble by the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

11/08/2026

Southend RNLI volunteers Dan and Tyler feature in this weeks episode of Not on your telly. All at sea.
Well done guys, very entertaining.

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 4 of Not on Your Telly - a weekly ente...

09/08/2026

There was a great turnout for the Southend RNLI bi monthly volunteer crew team building social evening.
Combined, more than 200 years lifesaving experience. Fortunately the pagers stayed quiet for the night.

Ten Green Bottles Leigh-on-Sea hosted the fish and chip supper which saw 25 volunteers enjoying the fine August weather along with some good laughs, a few drinks and recounting some incredible nautical stories.

Team building is a vital element for lifeboat crew, knowing and trusting the people you work with in sometimes very demanding and dangerous situations.

Have you got what it takes to be RNLI lifeboat crew?
Southend RNLI lifeboat will be recruiting this Autumn.

If you see someone in trouble by the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.