Nearly three months since the new rescue hovercraft was introduced to Southend's RNLI base, volunteers have been hailing it a huge success.

The launch followed extensive trials to see if the craft could deal with the terrain and since it became operational on July 1, staff have been busy learning how to pilot the machine.

It is seen as an important improvement to the emergency service station located beside the pier, which was one of the busiest RNLI centres this summer.

Read the full story in Monday's Echo.

Published Monday September 20, 2004

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