Sinking boat towed to safety by the Sheerness RNLI lifeboat
The Sheerness inshore lifeboat responded after reports that a small craft was taking on water at Chatham
The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI inshore lifeboat ‘Buster’ launched at 2.55pm on Thursday 26 October after a call from the UK Coastguard reported that a 24-foot riverboat was taking on water and in danger of sinking off Sun Pier, Chatham.
The ILB made best speed and located the craft with one man on board between Sun Pier and Limehouse Wharf.
The man informed the crew that he had now managed to pump most of the water out of the craft but was still worried he may sink.
The ILB crew took the decision to tow the craft to Strood where it could be brought alongside and would dry out at low water.
Having towed the craft upriver the tow was released and the crew stood by whilst the man motored the short distance to the shore where he was met by the Medway Coastguard Rescue Team.
Once the craft was secured and the man was safely ashore the ILB was released and arrived back at the boathouse at 4.50pm and after cleaning and refuelling was ready for service again at 5.20pm
The Sheerness RNLI lifeboat station is now actively recruiting new crew members, especially those working locally and who would be available to provide daytime cover after comprehensive training for both our lifeboats.
For further details contact the boathouse on 01795 664868. Please leave a message if you do not get a reply and we will get back to you as soon as possible
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Media Contacts
RNLI media contacts
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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