A grateful fisherman has praised two of our marine officers after they rescued him and his two friends off the coast at Bradwell.

Terry Geoghegan’s boat broke down after developing engine trouble during a fishing trip.

Fortunately, our marine officers monitor various radio channels, heard Mr Geoghegan’s call for assistance and immediately went to help. 

Mr Geoghegan, of Latchingdon, says:

“We’d been drifting helplessly so when we saw their boat racing towards us, we were delighted.
“The officers were incredible. I’m blown away with how they dealt with the situation. They calmed us all down and towed us back to Bradwell Marina.
“They were so professional it was very reassuring and I want to thank them so much.”

He was returning to Bradwell with his two friends, who are in their 80s, when the engine of his 30ft fishing boat failed at about 2pm in 30C heat on 24 June.

“My boat suffered a total mechanical breakdown.
“Initially the wind caught us and took us in the direction of Bradwell but then we were in danger of drifting on to St Peter’s Flats and I had to drop the anchor in less than 6ft of water.
“Then I called for assistance. It was a hot day and, although we had plenty of water with us, we were relieved they got to us so quickly.”

PC Daren Chambers and PC Jonathan Holby were able to tow the three men and the boat back to Bradwell but, as it was low water, had to secure it outside the marina.

Mr Geoghegan adds:

“The officers were able to lift the engines on their boat and all of us back to the safety of dry land.” 

Daren and Jonathan were aboard the Essex Police rib Sentinel and setting out on one of their usual Operation Wave-Breaker patrols when the call came over the general VHF radio hailing channel.

Daren says:

“We were in the right place at the right time. Mr Geoghegan had done everything right. He anchored and calmly called for assistance on Channel 16. This made it so much easier for us to locate them.
“We’re glad we could help before their situation got worse. It was fortunate they were able to anchor before running aground on the flats.”

After securing Mr Geoghegan’s boat and getting everyone ashore, the two officers continued their patrol up the coast towards Frinton and Walton.

Although Jonathan is new to the Marine Unit, he is already experienced at rescuing stricken boats at sea – this was his fourth rescue in two months!

Operation Wave-Breaker is part of our Marine Unit’s work to reduce anti-social behaviour in the water during the spring and summer as visitors flock to the Essex coast.

It combines high-visibility patrols and education with enforcement of local water byelaws.

With permissions https://www.essex.police.uk/