Sheerness RNLI crews launched three times over bank holiday weekend
Volunteers from Sheerness RNLI were tasked three times over the bank holiday weekend as the warm weather saw more people heading to the coast.
Crews were involved in incidents involving jet skis and a person reported in the water across the River Medway and Thames Estuary.
One of the callouts came while the all-weather lifeboat crew were already out on exercise with their station lifeboat, Judith Copping Joyce, and relief lifeboat, Eric’s Legend, on Sunday, May 24.
They were tasked by HM Coastguard to reports of an abandoned jet ski near the Sea Reach No1 North buoy.
Passing vessels had reported the jet ski while travelling through the shipping lane.
When volunteers arrived on scene, they found the jet ski secured to the buoy.
After assessing the situation and finding no sign of anyone nearby, the crew checked the craft for personal belongings and signs of recent use before deciding, alongside HM Coastguard, to tow it back to Sheerness due to its hazardous location and repeated reports from vessels and London VTS (Vessel Traffic Services).
Earlier in the weekend, on Friday, May 22, the inshore lifeboat, Buster, was launched to another jet ski incident after reports of a man stranded close to Folly Point Fort, on the south side of Hoo Island on the River Medway.
The man and his jet ski were recovered before being towed safely to Gillingham.
On the evening of Sunday, May 24, the all-weather lifeboat was launched again to assist Southend RNLI following multiple emergency calls, including reports of a person in the water.
However, shortly after launching, the crew were stood down after it was believed the person had made it safely ashore.
RNLI volunteer coxswain, Clive Hancock, said: “With the warmer weather, we are naturally seeing more people heading out onto the water, particularly on paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis.
“We would urge anyone planning to head out to make sure they are properly prepared before going afloat.
“Always wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help, and check both the weather and tide conditions before setting off.
“Jet ski users should also make sure they have enough fuel for their journey, use a kill cord at all times, and avoid heading too far offshore.
“If you see anyone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”
Ends
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Megan Carr, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Sheerness, [email protected]
Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 488243, [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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