A TEENAGER has bravely completed his first shout with Harwich’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

Josh Reason, who is just 17, joined the Harwich RNLI crew last Thursday evening as they responded to the aid of a yacht.

Harwich RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Albert Brown was called into action by the UK Coastguard after the yacht got into trouble 10 miles north east of Landguard Point, Felixstowe, at about 5.40pm on June 30.

Josh Reason was excited, if a little nervous, to be picked for the first time as crew, said Harwich lifeboat operations manager Peter Bull.

He was joined by Ady Pells, 47, who recently qualified as an Atlantic 85 helmsman.

The lifeboat made good time and located the stricken yacht one hour after the crew were paged

The yacht and its three occupants were towed into Shotley Marina.

Mr Bull said he was pleased to see another volunteer complete their first shout.

“It’s great to see our latest and youngest crew member following in his father John’s footsteps,” he said.

“John recently received the RNLI’s 30-year service medal from the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst.

“In the past 12 months we have seen seven new crew members from all walks of life join, ranging in age 17 to 50, with Josh being the youngest.”

If you would like to help save lives at sea by joining the crew, email Peter_Bull2@rnli.org.uk.