Two assisted by Margate RNLI after speedboat hits seawall
Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat has assisted the two occupants of a speedboat after they fell into the sea and their boat crashed into a sea wall.
The speedboat had set out from Herne Bay but run over rocks close inshore at Minnis Bay. While inspecting their outboard engine the two occupants were washed overboard while their boat continued under its own power until it ran into the seawall.
The lifeguards locates the two occupants wading ashore and appearing to be uninjured and together with two of the lifeboat crew checked on their welfare. They were handed into the care of the coastguard and police officers and with the speedboat safely aground on a falling tide the lifeboat returned to station.
Ian Lowe, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate Lifeboat said: “They done the right thing by wearing lifejackets but should have had their engine ‘kill cord’ connected as well. An out of control unoccupied speedboat could cause havoc for swimmers and kayakers.”
now safely aground on a falling tide the life boa
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