TWO lifeboats which were decorated with poppies launched to lay a wreath at sea to honour in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday.

At 11am on Thursday, November 11, the vessels engines were switched off and the two minutes silence was observed before crew member Sian Roberts laid a wreath created by herself on the water.

While the wreath was laid, prayers and the Remembrance Day Exhortation was read:

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.”

A spokesman for Harwich RNLI said: “Every year we remember those who have lost their lives during times of conflict, whether at sea or on land.

“It is a very emotional day for some of our crew who have been members of the armed forces and a time for them to reflect on their military family, who they served alongside.”

Members of Harwich RNLI also attended three memorial services on Sunday, November 13.

The first was at the Merchant Navy Memorial at 10am, and the second at the Cenotaph at 11am.

The number of crew members in attendance at the Cenotaph Remembrance Service were reduced as the UK Coastguard had paged for the charity’s inshore lifeboat to launch after reports were received of a paddle boarder in difficulty off the Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe.

The spokesman added: “The inshore lifeboat was swiftly launched and made best possible speed in calm conditions. A search of the area was made, but nothing untoward was found.

“As there were several paddle boarders in the vicinity, they were approached and asked if they had seen anything.

“Once it was confirmed that no-one was in difficulty, the lifeboat returned to station and was ready to launch again by 11.45am.”

Lifeboat crew members that were still ashore continued to the Cenotaph for the second service.

Crew member Jon Bliss carried the RNLI standard with Lee James laying a wreath, a time of reflection for everyone who attended.

In the afternoon crew members attended a memorial service at St Nicholas Church.