Dover RNLI lifeboat launched to assist drifting diver

Dover’s RNLI volunteers were called out this afternoon (Monday 20 August) when a man was spotted drifting near the end of Dover’s Admiralty Pier.

The man was part of a group diving from the shore at Shakespeare Beach who had been caught out by the strong tidal run and was being taken out to sea. At just before 2pm Dover Coastguard requested the lifeboat launch.

Relief lifeboat, The Duke of Kent, on temporary duty at Dover, was soon underway and heading to the area where the man had been sighted which was near the port’s western entrance. A Dover Harbour Board patrol launch was also aware of the man’s predicament.

The launch located the man just before the lifeboat arrived and took him to the lifeboat station as there was now concern that other divers in the group might also be in difficulties.

Whilst the lifeboat began to carefully search the area close to the pier it was found that all the other divers had successfully and safely returned to the beach. The lifeboat was then stood down. Fortunately the incident did not result in the diver requiring medical assistance.

Dover Lifeboat Operations Manager, Roy Couzens, said: 'This group were well equipped and prepared so it just goes to show how the conditions can catch anyone out and the importance for divers to have someone ashore who knows when and who to call for help.'

Notes to editors
• Dover lifeboat station has been operating since 1837. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/dover or www.dover-lifeboat.org.uk.
• Dover Lifeboat Station currently operates, City of London II, a Severn class, all-weather-lifeboat. The 17m vessel is self righting, capable of 25knots, crewed at sea by a coxswain and six crew.
• Dover RNLI Lifeboat Station and shop is situated in the Marina on the Crosswall Quay, Union Street.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
• Martin Collins, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07711 607298 or collins.castledrive@ntlworld.com
• Tim Ash, Public Relations Manager (East) on 07786 296252 or Tim_Ash@rnli.org.uk
• Philly Byrde, Press Officer (East)  on 07786 668825 or philly_byrde@rnli.org.uk
• RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.