Gravesend RNLI assist with a drifting jetty and vessel in strong winds.
For the second time today in the freezing cold weather and strong winds the lifeboat launched to assist the PLA (Port of London Authority) with a 20-metre piece of jetty, which had become detached because of the strong winds, that was adrift in Gravesend Reach near to the lifeboat station.
With the piece of jetty now under control and tied alongside the PLA launch, the lifeboat was requested to assist with a Border Force RIB that was close to breaking adrift from the Customs Jetty which was also located close to the lifeboat station, part of the pier had broken away from the main pier.
The lifeboat crew managed to free the RIB, and tow away to safety and onto a mooring in Gravesend Reach.
The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station.
Notes to editors
Gravesend is one of four lifeboat stations on the River Thames that are operated by the RNLI. Gravesend Lifeboat covers an area from Holehaven, at the western end of Canvey Island, to the Thames Flood Barrier at Woolwich, a distance of 26 miles. A patch which covers Kent, Essex, South & East London.
EndsRNLI media contacts
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Alan Carr, Gravesend RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
07775 822584, [email protected] -
Paul Dunt, RNLI Reginal Media Officer (South East)
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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