THE risks intrepid lifeboat crews put themselves through to help is being captured on film.

Crews at Harwich lifeboat station are to feature in a documentary about their work.

The programme, called Trawlers, Rigs and Rescues, tells the stories of those who live and work in the North Sea.

Matt Fisher, of Original Productions, has been recording his experiences with the lifeboat crews.

He said: “They are a good crew, a good bunch and it is my first experience of lifeboat stations.

“The action happens in a fairly short period of time but it is intense.

“You have to be professional and be prepared for that moment.

“It could be saving someone’s life.”

Mr Fisher has spent a week in Harwich, poised for the sound of his RNLI bleeper to go off and for the crew to swing into action.

He has already been busy, going out on three rescues, including one to a report someone had gone missing at sea.

He said: “As far as I could understand, there was a missing person and they found them ashore but for a while, there was the possibility we would keep searching at night.

“When the story was happening, I was thinking, who is controlling the operation? Who is in charge? I need to find the people to tell me what is happening and get the shots.

“You are filming a story and you need to know what to film to make it make sense.”

The station’s inshore lifeboat has been rigged with a camera, showing the driver’s perspective and another attached to the helmet of a crew member.

Keith Churchman, Harwich RNLI spokesman, said it was great publicity for the crews to show the work they do.

He added: “We are very pleased they chose the station, as we are one of the busiest on the east coast and are pleased we can help.

“One major factor is the lifeboat crews are all volunteers.

“Without the donations that come in from the public, we wouldn’t be able to do our jobs.

“By having the documentary, it will highlight what the volunteers do.”

Mr Fisher, who is filming the documentary for Virgin 1, is expected to stay in Harwich for another two weeks, gathering as much footage as he can.

His previous work includes films for the marines, police and paramedics, and he believes there is real interest in such programmes.

He said: “There is a demand for real-life drama. People are interested in this type of thing.

“At the end of the day, these guys are volunteers. They provide a unique position on the public’s consciousness.

“I would be interested to see how they go about their jobs.”

Trawlers, Rigs and Rescues is due to be aired on Virgin 1 at the end of April.