Dungeness RNLI lifeboat answers mayday call

The casualty was experiencing engine problems in moderate seas, 4 miles south west of Dungeness Point on passage to Brighton.

Once on scene, Coxswain Stuart Adams in command of the RNLI lifeboat 13-02 ‘The Morrell’ assessed the situation and the condition of the two persons on board, one being very alarmed at their problem. It was established that the anchor chain was wrapped round one of the twinned engine propellers. Coxswain Adams asked the person in charge of the vessel to follow the lifeboat around the point using the one working engine, to see what help the RNLI could give the stricken vessel in the calmer conditions and to make sure everyone was feeling safer.

Once this was achieved, Coxswain Adams put two volunteer crew members from the RNLI lifeboat aboard the casualty and they managed, between the lifeboat and the casualty to recover the anchor and secure a tow and made good for Dover Harbour to safely secure the casualty on the visitors berth.

The lifeboat returned to Dungeness at 7.30pm refuelled and was made ready for service.

Coxswain Adams said ‘ Our volunteers did a very professional job and the female casualty was elated to see our crew aboard their boat to get their situation under control’

RNLI media contacts

· Judith Richardson, Dungeness RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on

07859264226 Email: [email protected]

· Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207416, 07786 668825, [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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