Ramsgate crew leave Christmas Eve event to rescue yacht
At 1.34pm on Christmas Eve the UK coastguard requested the assistance of Ramsgate RNLI's inshore lifeboat (ILB) to a small yacht in difficulty with no engine on Ramsgate's main beach
The crew, who were just gathering to begin enjoying a Christmas Eve social afternoon at the harbour-side Mariners Bar left their families and a superb buffet, to come to the aid of the lone yachtsman.
After leaving the harbour the ILB crew found the casualty was clear of the beach but not making way to the harbour. The ILB came alongside and offered to tow the yacht into the harbour, but the lone crewman on board the casualty declined. Two of the four ILB crew transferred to the casualty to explain the need for a tow, with the ILB remaining on scene. After approximately some 45 minutes and after drifting even further from Ramsgate, the casualty eventually accepted the ILB tow and was finally towed safely into harbour and placed on a berth.
After berthing the yacht and returning the ILB to the boathouse the RNLI crew and shore helpers rejoined their families!
RNLI media contacts
John Ray, Volunteer RNLI Press Officer, Ramsgate on 07759 480825 [email protected]
Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 [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
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