Dover RNLI lifeboat volunteer crew members have an early wake up call
Dover Coastguard requested the Launch of Dover RNLI Lifeboat at approx. 06:25 due to concerns for a male's welfare.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch by UK Coastguard who had been informed a person may be in distress on or near the cliffs.
The lifeboat crew set out of Dover Harbour to conduct a search of Fan Bay, from Dover towards St Margaret's.
James Clapham, Coxswain for Dover RNLI Lifeboat, the City of London II, said: ‘We were joined by the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lydd to search for a person. The helicopter crew located a sighting beneath the cliffs near to Langdon Steps at approximately 7am.'
Dover lifeboat crew launched their smaller inshore inflatable, known as a Y-boat, in order
to reach and recover the body of a man from the shore beneath the cliffs.
Dover RNLI Coxswain James Clapham said: 'Sadly it wasn't the outcome we ever expect or like to find, as it is very distressing for family and friends of a person. We would like to share our sincere condolences to those concerned. We would also like to thank and provide continued support to our volunteer crew members who braved the task in hand.'
RNLI media contacts
• Ed Baker, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
07716799673, [email protected]
• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/South East/East)
0207 6207426 / 07785 296252 / [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.