A couple, fearing for their lives during a storm while sailing off Essex, have commended the bravery of Marine Unit officers who came to their rescue. Roy Harris and Caroline Wilson were returning to the River Crouch from Kent on Sunday, August 25, when an unexpected storm hit. Their yacht, the Samphire, began taking on water, and the jib sheet tore. Harris sent a PAN-PAN message to alert nearby boats and emergency services of their urgent situation.
Sergeant Alex Southgate, PC John Perry, and Special Constable Scott Mccabe were patrolling in the force rib Sentinel when they received the distress call. Collaborating with the Dover Coastguard Operations Centre, they located the 40ft-yacht near the Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm, four miles off Clacton.
Harris expressed immense relief when Alex boarded the yacht and assured him of their safety. He praised the officers for their bravery, acknowledging that they do more than just apprehend criminals—they save lives.
An unexpected storm put lives at risk before an officer jumped aboard telling the man “You’re safe now” https://t.co/lKAyX7OHlO
— Essex Live (@essexlive) September 1, 2024
He mentioned that the storm had not been forecasted; otherwise, they would not have set sail from the Isle of Sheppey. Good conditions prevailed for six to seven hours, but the situation deteriorated rapidly as they approached the Crouch. The wind caught the tender on the front of the yacht, the jib sheet broke, ropes tangled, and water poured through the hatch. Exhausted, Harris reluctantly sent a PAN-PAN call, hoping for assistance despite busy airwaves. The unexpected arrival of the Essex Police Marine Unit was a lifesaver for him.
Alex described the challenging conditions, with large waves crashing over Samphire, making the approach dangerous. PC Perry’s skillful navigation allowed Sentinel to safely draw alongside the yacht. Alex managed to board Samphire, assess the crew’s condition, and take control of the yacht, steering it to Brightlingsea Harbour.
During the operation, SC Mccabe maintained vital communication with Dover and their control centre. Their efforts were complemented by the timely arrival of the Burnham-on-Crouch lifeboat and the Gunfleet Sands Windfarm crew transfer vessel.
The journey to safety took over two hours in rough seas, a trip that would typically take 45 minutes. Alex highlighted the Essex Police Marine Unit’s commitment to ensuring the safety of marine communities, emphasising their crucial role in search and rescue operations. Being on patrol that day enabled them to locate and rescue Harris and his partner just in time.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Express reports on the dramatic rescue of a couple, Roy Harris and Caroline Wilson, who were sailing off the Essex coast when a storm struck their 40ft yacht, the Samphire. The yacht took on water, and the couple feared for their lives before being saved by Essex Police Marine Unit officers.(read more)
- Faharas News reports a dramatic rescue operation by Essex Police when a couple feared for their lives on a 40ft yacht battered by a sudden storm off the Essex coast.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Roy Harris and Caroline Wilson during their sailing trip?
They encountered a storm, their yacht took on water, and the sail rope broke.
How did Roy Harris and Caroline Wilson signal for help?
Roy Harris sent a PAN-PAN message to alert nearby boats and emergency services.
Who rescued Roy Harris and Caroline Wilson?
Officers from the Essex Police Marine Unit rescued them.
What did Sergeant Alex Southgate do when he boarded the yacht?
He checked the crew, took control of the yacht, and steered it to safety.
How long did it take to rescue the yacht in rough seas?
The rescue took over two hours in rough seas.
