Ramsgate launch to capsized fishing boat

In calm but cold and misty conditions crew aboard a passing vessel had spotted a man on top of the upturned hull of what was later found to be a capsized trawler and as well as rescuing the man they alerted the Coastguard. It was learned from the rescued man, who was later taken by the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lydd to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent, that the whereabouts of other crew aboard the trawler were unknown.

On arrival at the scene the Ramsgate lifeboats, the Trent class all weather lifeboat (AWB) Esme Anderson and the Atlantic 85 class inshore lifeboat (ILB) Claire and David Delves, firstly checked for any sounds made by the missing crew trapped within the upturned hull and having heard none the RNLI's volunteer crews commenced a search for the missing crew in a pattern directed by the UK Coastguard. The search was later joined by the RNLI all weather lifeboat based at Harwich.

Ramsgate ILB was stood down at around 1.00pm having reached the end of its operational range and subsequently a second crewman was located and taken aboard the Ramsgate's AWB from which the Lydd based Coastguard search and rescue helicopter transferred him to the William Harvey Hospital.

In the failing light of dusk the UK Coastguard suspended the search and the Ramsgate AWB returned to station, arriving at 5.19pm.

Ends

• John Ray, Volunteer RNLI Press Officer, Ramsgate on 07759 480825 [email protected]
• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
  
  

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