A SCHOOL visit to a lifeboat station was interrupted by an emergency at sea.

Children and staff from Wix and Wrabness Primary School, of Colchester Rd, Wix were on an educational trip to the Harwich RNLI on Wednesday. (Jan 22)

However, the visit was interrupted at 10.55am when a yacht requested help after breaking down close to Shotley Spit and was left drifting with the tide, with no wind to sail to a place of safety.

Pupils and staff got to watch the launch of the inshore lifeboat, which later secured the yacht at Shotley marina.

Daniel Sime, press officer at Harwich RNLI, said: “Throughout the year, our education and visits volunteers welcome lots of groups to the lifeboat station and do a great job in delivering presentations about the RNLI and water safety.

“Seeing the lifeboats launch on service during a visit is relatively unusual, but seeing it happen can add a further angle and reinforcement to the important information presented by our volunteers.”