Two more calls for Margate RNLI ending a busy weekend

Both Margate and Ramsgate’s inshore lifeboats were called out during the afternoon after a small yacht was reported to be in difficulties at the base of the cliffs in Stone Bay Broadstairs, the sole occupant had entered the water attempting to return his vessel to deeper water.

The lifeboat crew found the occupant to be cold and confused and he was taken on board the Margate inshore lifeboat and put in a casualty bag. The yacht was towed into deeper water and handed over to Ramsgate inshore lifeboat who also took the lone sailor on board. The vessel was towed into Ramsgate harbour and the occupant handed into the care of the local ambulance service.

Just a few hours later Margate’s inshore lifeboat was called out again after Kent Police received a call from a person in distress at Margate’s Main Sands. The lifeboat quickly located the person and a member of the lifeboat’s crew entered the water to support him as he seemed to be sinking.

He had to be coaxed into the lifeboat and was landed back ashore into the privacy of the lifeboat station where he was handed into the care of ambulance staff, police and other health professionals. This was the second call for the volunteer lifeboat crew to this type of incident in just two days.

ENDS

RNLI Media contacts

• 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

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.