Long haul for Harwich's new Severn Harwich was the first station to receive a new Severn class lifeboat (on 20 October 1996) and it was not long before the speed and endurance of the new class was put to the test.

On 12 November the new boat, Albert Brown, was called to the aid of a 270ft merchant vessel with an electrical fire which had put all essential services out of action.

Although she was initially thought to be some 40 miles offshore Albert Brown eventually stood by her 51 miles to the east of the station. Launching at 1828 she took only two and three quarter hours to make the passage to the casualty, despite a Force 9 ahead of the beam which was producing a very rough sea on top of a 6m swell.

The Severn stood by for a further five hours before the casualty was able to restore power and go on her way - leaving Albert Brown with the passage back home in the same wind and sea conditions.

After 11 hours at sea in very testing weather the Harwich crew were very pleased with their new lifeboat - the Honorary Secretary's report simply and economically stating:' Severn class tested for real. Good boat. Long outstanding service in v. bad weather. Crew took severe punishment for 11 hours'..