Walmer RNLI assist in yacht rescue.
Two yachtsmen reporting their vessel was taking on water were rescued this morning by volunteer RNLI crews from Walmer and Dover.
Volunteer Walmer RNLI crew aboard the Atlantic 85 The Drayton Manor under helm Andrew Coe launched at 7.25am after a call to assist Dover RNLI with a sailing vessel taking on water. The yacht
Tontin with two people on board was sailing from Nieuwpoort in Belgium to the Isle of Wight.
The vessel was under tow south west of the Goodwin Sands when a request for further assistance was made by Dover RNLI to Walmer for an additional salvage pump.
In a one metre swell Walmer RNLI moved alongside the stricken vessel transferring the salvage pump and crew member Luke Curry to assist the Dover lifeboat crew with the pumping operation.
The lifeboat remained alongside until the yacht reached the safety of Dover Harbour in case an emergency transfer of RNLI and yacht crew was necessary.
Helm Andrew Coe said: 'The yacht had developed a three foot crack under its bow and a further crack had appeared along its port side.'
Walmer lifeboat was released at 9.55am and returned to station.
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station (07906) 623037 [email protected]
- Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (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
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.