Two RNLI lifeboat stations involved in a cabin cruiser rescue
The Sheerness and Whitstable RNLI lifeboats were both called out after a cabin cruiser got into difficulties off Herne Bay
The volunteer crews of the Sheerness and Whitstable RNLI lifeboats were called out after a call from the UK Coastguard reported that a 30-foot cabin cruiser ‘Bluefin’ was in trouble off Hampton Pier, Herne Bay.
The craft with a 70-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman on board initially got into trouble after fouling its propeller but then ran out of fuel and also lost all electrical power.
After locating the craft, a crewman from the Whitstable lifeboat was put on board and a tow was established.
A rendezvous with the Sheerness all weather lifeboat, which was on route to the scene, was arranged.
The lifeboats met approximately four miles east of the Spile Buoy off the Sheppey coast at 6.55pm and a member of the Sheerness crew was put on board the ‘Bluefin’ replacing the Whitstable crewman.
The Whitstable lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station
Having taken over the tow the Sheerness ALB proceeded to the all tide landing in Queenborough harbour without incident where the casualty craft was safely secured.
The ALB was back on station at 9.00pm
Ends
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