A call that saved a life: Southend RNLI volunteer crew rescue man from drowning near Leigh-on-Sea

A man was just minutes from drowning when Southend RNLI volunteers launched a heroic rescue mission in Benfleet Creek, to the West of Two Tree Island on Saturday morning.

Thanks to the quick actions of both the crew and a vigilant member of the public, his life was saved in the nick of time.

The Southend RNLI team had been carrying out routine training exercises near Leigh-on-Sea when an urgent call came in from Dover Coastguard. A member of the public had reported hearing cries for help near a derelict jetty west of Two Tree Island and immediately raised the alarm. With precious seconds ticking away, the RNLI crew sprang into action.

Helm Dave Hopper, along with crew members Dave Smith and Alex Poole, swiftly boarded their D class lifeboat, D-771 William Henderson, and powered towards the location at full speed. As they approached Benfleet Creek, they spotted a small boat on the northern bank, and the member of public—still on the scene— guided them directly to the distressed individual.

The casualty, a man in his fifties, was clinging desperately to one of the jetty’s posts, barely keeping his head above water. The situation was critical. The spring tide was rising fast, pulling at him with increasing force. If help had arrived even minutes later, he may not have survived.

Lifeboat Helm Dave Hopper expertly manoeuvred the lifeboat as close as possible while Alex Poole, secured to a safety line, entered the water. Battling the strong current, he reached the exhausted man, who was showing clear signs of water ingestion and hypothermia. Crew member Dave Smith managed the safety line and assisted in hauling the casualty aboard.

Reflecting on the rescue, Dave Hopper said: “Luckily, we were exercising within a couple of miles when we received the call and were able to reach the casualty within minutes. With the guidance from the first informant, the crew were able to rescue the man quickly. He was exhausted and showing signs of water ingestion and hypothermia—he only had a short time left.”

The RNLI team immediately wrapped the man in a survivor blanket to protect him from the biting wind and preserve body heat. Recognising the seriousness of his condition, they radioed for an ambulance to meet them at Two Tree Island slipway. Upon arrival, paramedics took over his care and rushed him to hospital for further treatment.

The incident highlights the crucial role that both the public and RNLI volunteers play in saving lives at sea. Dave Hopper praised the individual who made the call, saying: “The crew did a great job, but thanks must go to the member of the public who heard a shout for help, raised the alarm, and then stayed on scene. By calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard, a life was saved.”

Southend RNLI is one of the busiest coastal stations in the UK, covering around fifteen miles of shoreline from Shoeburyness to Canvey and beyond. Their highly trained volunteers rely on public support to continue their life-saving work.

This dramatic rescue serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of the water and the importance of knowing what to do in an emergency. If you see someone in distress at sea or along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard—it could mean the difference between life and death.

Photos by Nigel Gilchrist and Southend Coastguard.