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Sheerness RNLI lifeboat comes to the aid of a broken down hovercraft

Lifeboats News Release

The Sheerness inshore lifeboat was called to assist a small hovercraft in trouble in the River Medway

The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI inshore lifeboat ‘Buster’ were called by the UK Coastguard on Tuesday 28 March to reports that a small three metre hovercraft with one man on board had broken down in the Medway estuary and required assistance.

The lifeboat launched at 1.18pm and quickly found the small craft in an area between Hoo Fort and Darnettness.

The occupant was taken on board the lifeboat and the hovercraft was then towed back to safety at Gillingham Strand.

The ILB was back on station at 2.25pm

Ends

Media contacts:

• Vic Booth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (Sheerness) 07926904453 / 01795 880544 [email protected] / [email protected]

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

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