New Harwich RNLI recruits get first shouts days after qualifying

Within days of passing out as volunteer helms, Meredith Scanlon and Antony Charles took command of Harwich RNLI’s inshore lifeboat for the first time during separate incidents.

The first service fell to Ms Scanlon, who embarked on a search for a missing person which lasted more than five hours, alongside multiple coastguard rescue teams, Walton and Frinton RNLI, Essex Police and Essex’s fire service.

A rescue helicopter was also tasked to help with the search, which resulted in a positive outcome following the person being located.

Ms Scanlon said: “I found my first shout exhilarating and daunting at the same time, especially having to head up to Halls Boatyard in the Walton Backwaters.

“It was inspiring for my first service to be a multi-agency one and a real pleasure to work alongside the Walton lifeboat, not many people get to work alongside all these agencies on their first call as a helm.”

Mr Charles didn’t have to wait longer either for his first call to duty when he was called to investigate a yacht experiencing engine trouble.

Antony Charles

Once on scene it was clear the safest course of action was to take the yacht under tow to the nearby Suffolk Yacht Harbour, where repairs could be made.

Mr Charles said: “After being on the crew for more than eight years, I felt the time was right to use that experience to progress and become a helm.”

Harwich RNLI volunteer manager Peter Bull said it is was a “pleasure” to see the pair qualify as helms.

“Having two more volunteer helms to call on is a great asset for the station. Being a busy station with 98 call outs this year already, Meredith and Antony will no doubt help reduce the pressure on the existing volunteer helms.”