Margate RNLI assists motor cruiser with suspected engine compartment fire

The alarm was raised just after midday today (Monday 7 August) when the 10m motor cruiser with five people on board and on passage from Windsor to Ramsgate issued a Mayday distress call after discovering what was suspected to be an engine compartment fire.

The motor cruiser was around two miles north east of Margate and the distress call was picked up by UK Coastguard who immediately tasked Margate’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat. A nearby windfarm support vessel also responded to the Mayday call and stood by the disabled craft.

When the lifeboat arrived two crewmembers with fire extinguishers were put on board and established that the crew were safe and uninjured. After isolating the boat’s electrical system, careful examination established that there were no longer any signs of fire.

The vessel was taken in tow by the lifeboat to Ramsgate harbour where it was met by local coastguard officers and Kent Fire and Rescue Service who confirmed the situation was now resolved.

Ian Lowe, deputy launching authority Margate lifeboat said: ‘Fortunately those on board were well prepared for any contingency. They quickly broadcast a Mayday call via marine VHF radio and all on board donned lifejackets. They also avoided opening the engine compartment which could have reignited any fire that may have been present.’

ENDS

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• Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 [email protected]

• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) 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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