Four men rescued in the River Medway
Sheerness RNLI lifeboat were called to assist when a dinghy with engine failure was reported in Chatham
The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI inshore lifeboat launched at 10.30pm on Wednesday 14 June after a call from the UK Coastguard reported that a small rubber dinghy with four men on board was stuck on a mud bank close to Turks Boatyard in Chatham Reach after its outboard motor had failed.
The four men on board the craft were reported to be intoxicated.
The lifeboat crew were stood down at 10.50pm when it was confirmed that the four men had been assisted to safety by the Medway Coastguard team and that their dinghy had been secured.
The ILB was back on station and ready for duty at 11.10pm.
Sheerness RNLI Press Officer Vic. Booth said:’ In line with the RNLI national drowning campaign ‘Respect the Water’ we strongly advise against drinking alcohol to excess and then taking to the water in any form of craft.
The water is still very cold and the effects of alcohol greatly increase the risks involved not only for the casualties but for those who have to go out and rescue them. Please enjoy our excellent coastline but be sensible and take all precautions to stay safe.’
Ends
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Vic Booth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (Sheerness) 07926904453 / 01795 880544 [email protected] / [email protected]
Paul Dunt RNLI Press Officer S.E. [email protected] 07786668825
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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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