Pushed to the limit Two inshore lifeboats were tested to their limits on 9 March 2002, when an angling vessel with a crew of three was in difficulty 1.5 miles from Southend-on-Sea. The weather was fair and dry.

but there were winds of force 9-10 and rough seas.

The lifeboats launched at 2.20pm and, despite waves of 3.5m breaking from the starboard quarter, they reached the scene 5 minutes later. As agreed before launching, the Atlantic held back while the D class entered the gutway (a channel of deeper water between sandbanks) to reach the casualty. Helmsman Michael Whistler had to take great care to avoid capsizing and the crew later praised the lifeboat: 'The D class performed to its limits and was outstanding.' Once alongside, Crew Member Anthony Bonham climbed aboard the Badger and established a tow. However, on leaving the gutway, the lifeboat could not make headway and was being swept towards the shallows by the wind and waves. The Badger was in danger of capsizing. Stewart Olley, helmsman on the Atlantic lifeboat, reacted quickly and steered alongside the vessel to pass a tow line. The Atlantic took over from the D class and all three boats moved away from the danger of the shallows.

The D class stood down when they reached Southend pier and the two lifeboats went separate ways. Michael had the unenviable task of taking the Ethel Royal back to the station single handed in terrible conditions. The Atlantic ploughed through steep breaking seas towing the Badger towards Two Tree Island. At one point, a squall nearly blew a crew member of the Atlantic off his feet.

The Badger was safely moored at 3.41pm and the Atlantic was reunited with the D class back at the station at 4.1 Opm. The crew were delighted with the Atlantic lifeboat Vic and Billie Whiffen, which only came to Southend in December 2001: 'It was the first severe weather call in our new Atlantic 75 and its performance was exceptional.' The outstanding performance of the Southend lifeboatmen has also been recognised. Stewart Olley and Michael Whistler received a letter of appreciation from the RNLI chairman, Peter Nicholson, who thanked them for their 'determination and skilful seamanship'. The remaining crew members received a letter of thanks from Operations Director Michael Vlasto. After the rescue Stewart Olley said: 'It gave us a great sense of achievement to have saved three lives and the vessel,' and put it down to the crews working together as a team..