Wanted man found and stranded boat rescued in busy weekend for Marine Unit

A busy weekend saw our Marine Unit officers locate a wanted man, rescue a boat with engine failure and report two riders of personal watercraft for speeding on the water.

As usual, they were out on their Operation Wave-Breaker patrols, aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour on the water and promoting water safety along our county’s coastline.

On Sunday 14 June, they were deployed to search Bradwell Waterside for a man wanted for assault. After locating a man, he was arrested onshore by colleagues from Maldon Local Policing Team. Daniel Nash, 35, of Halstead Road, Colchester, has been charged with assault by beating and was due to appear before Chelmsford magistrates on 16 June.

Heading towards Mersea, they were called by Dover Coastguard to assist a vessel off Mersea Island with engine failure. Quickly locating the boat, our officers established the two occupants and their dog were safe and sound before towing them back to the safety of Bradwell Marina.

PC Craig Stocker says:

“Fortunately, we arrived quickly at the scene and were able to reassure the passengers before towing them and their vessel back to Bradwell for engine repairs.
“If you’re heading out on the water, please do what these people did and make sure you know what to do in an emergency – dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The same goes for if you spot anyone in difficulty in the water along our coast.”

While on the way back from the traditional Blessing and Reclaiming of the Waters ceremony at the mouth of Brightlingsea Creek they sighted two riders of personal watercraft at Point Clear Bay travelling at more than 30 knots an hour in an 8-knot limit on the River Colne.

Two personal watercraft riders have been reported for prosecution. Craig urges people riding and hiring personal watercraft, to familiarise themselves with the controls and make sure they’re aware of local byelaws and speed limits, too.

More information can be found on our Marine Unit webpages where you can also read the PWC Code of Conduct.

On Saturday 13 June, our officers headed south down the coast and along the River Crouch, where they attended the Essex Boat Jumble at Fambridge Yacht Haven.

They spoke with visitors and boat owners at the busy marina and along the riverside moorings about water safety, crime prevention and local water byelaws and speed limits.

They’ll be out on patrol this weekend so if you see them, do stop to say hello.

Our Marine Unit launched Operation Wave-Breaker in 2021 to tackle anti‑social behaviour in the water along our coastline.

Focusing on the use of personal watercraft and small vessels, Op Wave-Breaker combines high‑visibility patrols, education and, where necessary, enforcement to promote water safety and ensure compliance with local water byelaws and speed limits.

Our operation is adopted as national best practice by the College of Policing.

Check out our Marine Unit webpages for more.