RNLI Southend Lifeboat

16/10/2026

Come and join Southend RNLI at their 7th Annual Comedy Night at the Chalkwell Park Rooms 13 November 2026.
Doors open at 7pm for 8pm start.

Windsor will be the MC for the evening. An accomplished comedy MC with sharp wit, charm and effortless crowd control.

Opening the show we have Tadiwa Mahlung, known for being a Edinburgh Fringe regular & rising UK comic with major festival, TV and radio credits. Joining him we have Russell Arathoon, a harp observational comic known for cheeky crowd work and camp storytelling. Closing the show is Mad Ron – an award-winning character comic and self-proclaimed “Uxbridge’s Third Hardest Man”.

Cash raffle on the night - all proceeds to Southend-on-Sea RNLI Lifeboat.

Bar meals available. Thanks to Gary Jackets (The Joker Comedy Club) for hosting the night on our behalf.

Tickets available at: https://southendrnlicomedy2026.eventbrite.co.uk

11/10/2026

Southend-on-Sea RNLI Lifeboat volunteers were tasked by HM Coastguard on Saturday 10 October at 6.30pm to reports of three people stuck in the mud near Hadleigh Ray. The RNLI crew launched the charity’s Inshore Rescue Hovercraft H-004 Vera Ravine into service.

Under the command of RNLI volunteer David Hopper, Vera Ravine made best speed possible in low light conditions towards the casualties reported location.

On route the RNLI hovercraft crew received information from HM Coastguard that the casualties were in contact and aware of the approaching hovercraft.

Southend RNLI volunteer Commander Dave Hopper said: ‘The soft mud around in certain spots in the Thames Estuary can catch people out, and it’s easy to get stuck and need help. That’s where the RNLI come in.

‘The casualties called the Coastguard as soon as they realised they were in difficulty with the light fading. They thought quickly and used their mobile phone torches to get our attention and show us exactly where they were, which was a great help in these challenging conditions’.

The RNLI crew made way cautiously across reels and gutway’s until they reached the casualties approximately 200 meters off the east end of Two Tree Island. The casualties were assisted onto the hovercraft and taken to Bell Wharf where HM Coastguard Southend On Sea were standing by.

Southend RNLI hovercraft was stood down and returned to station at 8.30pm.

Take care and research the local area. When walking around the shore or tidal areas of the estuary’s, local knowledge of the tidal creeks is essential. Deep soft mud surrounds many of the creeks and gutway’s of the Essex coast.

If you’re walking on the coast, take a mobile phone with you, call 999 if you get in trouble. If you get stuck in the mud, try not to panic or struggle, struggling can worsen the situation. Spread your weight by sitting down and call or signal for help.

01/10/2026

Along with our colleagues from around the UK & Ireland, all the volunteers at Southend RNLI lifeboat station are deeply saddened with the news from our RNLI family at Hastings today.

The flag at Southend lifeboat station has been lowered to half-mast today as a mark of respect following the tragic passing of a crew member from Hastings RNLI yesterday evening.

Condolences, thoughts and prayers of the volunteers at Southend RNLI are with Hasting RNLI's family, friends and crew 🙏

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.