One of the crewman that towed a RHS yacht to safety dashed from the dentists to take part in the rescue, it has emerged.

Antony Charles was at the dentist in Harwich when the pager sounded and dashed to join the RNLI's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Tierney, Harvey, and Sonny Reid.

Antony took the helm as the volunteer crew went to the aid of RHS Howe, a Cornish Shrimper from the Royal Hospital School at Holbrook, which had been making its way to Shotley with three other vessels when its engine failed.

The three accompanying vessels had tried unsuccessfully to help, so the yacht dropped its anchor and called the coastguard for assistance, as the conditions were too bad to try and attempt to use its sails.

HM Coastguard contacted the RNLI, due to the yacht offering no protection from the worsening conditions, and her proximity to the busy Harwich International Port.

It was deemed the safest option was to take the yacht and her occupant to Shotley Marina, where shelter from the conditions could be found, and be reunited with the three other vessels which had set out together earlier in the day.

The lifeboat and crew were back on station, refuelled and ready for service by 5pm.

RHS Howe rescued by RNLI.

Meanwhile, a little later, the volunteers of Harwich RNLI welcomed Oli Jordan, Jess Ashley, and Andy Large from East of England Paddlesports (www.eastofenglandpaddlesports.co.uk) to the station.

Starting out as a Facebook group in 2017 sharing advice and arranging group events on and off the water, the group has grown into a community of over 10,000 like-minded individuals, helping each other to get the most from paddlesports.

Having been delayed by Covid restrictions for two years, the group are keen to join in sea safety meetings, helping everyone better understand the needs and safety concerns for a water sport that has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years. Harwich RNLI Deputy Launch Authority Dave Thurston, was also presented with a donation for £315.

Whichever water sport or activity you wish to undertake the safety advice has similar key messages:

Carry a means of calling for help on you, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.

Suitable floatation device for your activity, such as a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. For some activities like paddle boarding, a more tailored device would be advantageous.

Check tides and weather before setting out.

Don't go alone, and if you do, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Float like a big starfish if you fall in the water until you get your breathing under control