Walmer RNLI responds to Mayday call

A volunteer crew on board Walmer's Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan was tasked by UK Coastguard yesterday, 27 October, to a forty- two foot catamaran in Sandwich Bay which had issued a Mayday call. The initial alert indicated either engine failure or a fouled propeller.

The lifeboat launched into rough seas and Force 4/5 winds. On reaching the scene the crew discovered a rope wound around the propeller. After checking on the well-being of those on board, including a dog suitably dressed in a life preserver, the boat stood by alongside until the casualty vessel was towed back to harbour by the all-weather lifeboat from Ramsgate.

RNLI media contacts

• Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station 01304 374475, 07906 623037 [email protected]

· Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 620 7426, 07785 296252, [email protected]

· 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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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.