Yacht and Container Ship collide off Ramsgate

Another vessel was standing by, relaying the casualty's VHF transmissions to the UK Coastguard as, due to having no mast, the yacht's sole crew member was relying on a hand held radio. The Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lydd arrived on scene first and took over communications with UK Coastguard and the lifeboat crew.
Once on scene the lifeboat crew confirmed that the yacht was not taking on any water and it was decided to tow the stricken vessel to the safety of Ramsgate Harbour. A line and a hand held VHF radio were passed to the yacht's crew member/owner, who wished to remain aboard.
The yacht was then towed safely onto a berth in Ramsgate Harbour where it arrived shortly before 2pm.

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

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