Margate RNLI rescues three people from sinking dinghy

UK Coastguard received a 999 call this afternoon (Sunday 3 September) from the occupants of a small dinghy reporting they were taking in water and being blown out to sea off Westgate-on-Sea. The craft had no engine, no oars and no anchor and no means of attracting attention other than a mobile phone.

The inshore lifeboat along with the RNLI lifeguard rescue water craft (RWC) from Margate Main Sands were tasked to assist. The lifeboat arrived on scene, around one mile offshore where the RWC was by now standing by the casualty vessel.

The three male occupants were taken on board the lifeboat and provided with protection from the cold. Their craft was taken in tow and returned to the beach at Epple Bay where they were handed into the care of local coastguard officers. The three occupants were unharmed after their adventure.

Peter Barker, deputy launching authority said: ‘An outboard engine, oars, anchor and means of attracting attention are essential equipment suitable for a small dinghy going to sea. Suitable protective clothing and lifejackets should also be worn. The occupants would soon have been out of the range of their mobile phone and they were lucky to be able to raise the alarm, a marine VHF radio and flares are also investments that could save your life.’

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

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