Sheerness RNLI lifeboat crew called out in blizzard conditions
Two men were rescued by the Sheerness RNLI inshore lifeboat after getting in to difficulties in the River Medway.
The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI inshore lifeboat Buster launched at 4.02pm on Sunday 11 February after a call from the UK Coastguard reported that two men in a small dinghy were in trouble close to Hoo Marina.
The men had been returning to the marina from a yacht which was moored in the river when the outboard motor on their dinghy failed.
With no other means of propulsion and with their dinghy drifting in the poor conditions they put out a call for help.
Making best speed in the worsening weather, with constant driving sleet and snow, the lifeboat crew located the men approximately a quarter of a mile south of Hoo Marina.
The men were taken on board the lifeboat and with their dinghy in tow were landed safely at the marina.
Both men were unharmed and wearing suitable clothing for being out on the water.
The ILB returned to station at 5.14pm.
Ends
Media contacts:
Vic Booth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (Sheerness) 07926904453 / 01795 880544 [email protected]
Paul Dunt RNLI Press Officer S.E. [email protected] 07785296252
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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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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