Sheerness RNLI lifeboat crew on standby as protesters board giant car carrier
The inshore lifeboat was put on standby as protesters boarded a 29,000 tonne bulk car carrier and the dock where it was due to berth.
The volunteer crew of the Sheerness inshore lifeboat were called by the UK Coastguard at 9.55am on Thursday 21 September to make ready for launching after Greenpeace protesters boarded a large bulk car carrier shortly before it was due to berth at Sheerness Docks.
More protesters had also clambered on to the actual dock where the vessel was due to berth.
The ILB remained on standby and ready to launch if requested but was eventually stood down and returned to the boathouse.
In a further unrelated incident the same day the ILB was launched at 1.25pm after a call from the UK Coastguard reported a 25 foot cruiser with one man on board was in trouble in East Swale close to Fowley Island.
The ILB crew located the craft, which had suffered engine failure, at 2.10pm.
A tow line was attached and with the wind blowing South Westerly force 5 slow progress was made to a safe mooring in Queenborough Harbour where the craft was secured at 4.00pm
The ILB was back on station at 4.15pm
Ends
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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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