Ramsey RNLI responds to false alarm with good intent
Ramsey RNLI launched its Mersey class lifeboat around Saturday lunchtime (3 March) to conduct a search after a member of the public reported seeing people in the sea in the vicinity of the Queen's Pier, Ramsey.
After a swift but difficult launch in strong to gale force onshore easterly winds and rough sea conditions the lifeboat made haste towards the pier. Following a thorough search of the area nothing was found. The lifeboat was stood down and took shelter in Ramsey Harbour to await suitable tidal and weather conditions for the safe recovery of the lifeboat onto its carriage.
The lifeboat was safely re-carriaged and returned to the boathouse by mid-afternoon.
Speaking after the call out, Coxswain Mark Kenyon said: ‘The strong to gale force onshore easterly winds and heavy seas coincided with high water and this made for a challenging launch. Our volunteer crew train extensively for such eventualities and did a sterling job.
‘Fortunately the call out turned out to be a false alarm with good intent. We would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm when they thought someone was in difficulty. It was absolutely the right thing to do. We advise anyone who has concerns about people in the sea to act promptly and call 999 to alert the Coastguard.'
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.