A LIFEBOAT crew was in the middle of preparing for a coxswain's memorial service when their pagers sounded after reports of a missing swimmer were made.

Volunteers from Harwich RNLI had just finished preparing the lifeboats and station for former Second Coxswain John Teatheredge’s memorial service and scattering of ashes, when the pagers sounded.

Harwich's volunteers were completing the station and lifeboats for the arrival of Mr Teatheredge's family for his memorial service, when their devices went off at about 12.30pm on Saturday.

Gazette: Memorial - the crew said Mr Teatheredge had a fitting send off Photo credit: Peter Bull (Harwich Lifeboat Operations Manager)Memorial - the crew said Mr Teatheredge had a fitting send off Photo credit: Peter Bull (Harwich Lifeboat Operations Manager)

The "much-loved" Mr Teatheredge died, aged 63, on Boxing Day from complications following an operation for a heart condition.

While changing into his protective dry suit, helm Lee James, who was supposed to have been part of the memorial service, reflected on what had just happened: "I knew as soon as I heard the pagers go off, John would be looking down with a wry smile, having a chuckle. "Being a man who often missed important events due to his pager going off, it feels quite fitting in a way our pagers went off when we gather to remember him and scatter his ashes."

UK Coastguard had received reports of a swimmer being observed entering the water off Felixstowe beach and not seen returning.

Harwich RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched immediately, and once on scene the volunteer crew of four, began a search between Landguard Point and the River Deben, in swells of up to two metres.

They were soon joined in the search by Walton and Frinton RNLI volunteers, and their Tamar class all-weather lifeboat which had been due to join the memorial flotilla.

Coastguard rescue helicopter 163 joined the search too, along with Coastguard mobile search and rescue units.

The search area was also expanded to include to Walton Backwaters and Harwich Harbour.

At 3pm after an extensive search with nothing being found, all search teams were stood down by UK Coastguard until further information was received.

While returning to station the Harwich crew were requested to assist a capsized sailor off Shotley, in Suffolk.

On arrival, the crew quickly assessed the situation, and pulled the sailor from the water, who was cold and exhausted after being in the sea for 20 minutes.

After checking the welfare of the sailor, the crew righted the dinghy and took them both to Shotley Marina, where they were passed to the care of the Coastguard Mobile Rescue Unit.

Peter Bull, Harwich RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: "It was as if he’d planned it, to ensure he got a farewell to be proud of."

Mr Teatheredge’s family said: "It was an overwhelming showing from the maritime community in paying their respects, we are incredibly grateful. We’re also glad all the family, friends and colleagues had a chance to join us in a moment of reflection we’ve been waiting for."

Harwich RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was accompanied by a small flotilla of pilot and tug boats as it made its way to the South Shelf Buoy, where Mr Teatheredge's ashes were scattered on the sea he worked and loved.