Ramsgate RNLI Lifeboats launch to swimmer caught in rough seas
Both of Ramsgate RNLI’s lifeboats, the all weather Trent class Esme Anderson and the inshore Atlantic 75 Bob Turnbull, were called out at 11.40am on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th. June, following reports of a swimmer being swept along in strong currents and rough seas between Broadstairs and Ramsgate. An RAF Search and Rescue helicopter had also been requested to the area.
On a day of strong winds and rough, breaking seas it is understood that two swimmers had entered the sea from the lower promenade at Louisa Bay, Broadstairs despite being advised not to by locals because of the poor sea conditions. It appears that they quickly got into trouble and whilst one of the swimmers managed to get ashore with assistance the other was swept away towards Dumpton Gap and Ramsgate and the emergency services were alerted.
The RNLI lifeboats proceeded with a search along the coast with the inshore lifeboat operating closer to the shore when a person was spotted in the sea some 30m. offshore below Ramsgate’s King George VI Park by one of the RNLI lifeguards diverted from their patrol area on Ramsgate Main Sands. The inshore lifeboat crew quickly recovered the person but as the seas were so rough it was decided that the lifeboat would quickly enter the turning circle within the more sheltered waters of Ramsgate Harbour, the nearest calm area of sea, where the recovered person could be safely winched aboard the helicopter for urgent transfer to Margate Hospital.
For more information, please contact John Ray, Volunteer Press Officer, Ramsgate Lifeboat on 07759 480825 or by email at john.g.ray@talk21.com or Tim Ash, East Division Public Relations Manager on 0207 6207426 or 07785 296252 or by email on tim_ash@rnli.org.uk or, alternatively, contact RNLI HQ Public Relations on 01202 336789, email pressoffice@rnli.org.uk