Margate RNLI assists stranded fishing vessel
Margate’s two RNLI lifeboats have been in action today (Saturday 6 April) after a fishing vessel was stranded following engine failure.
The alert was raised around 2pm when a small fishing vessel with two people on board contacted UK Coastguard requesting assistance. The vessel had encountered engine failure while on passage from Ramsgate to the Medway and was subsequently washed ashore close to the swimming pool at Walpole Bay to the east of the lifeboat station.
Due to the size of the vessel and possibly requiring assistance in refloating, Margate’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats were both launched to assist. Margate Coastguard Coast Rescue Team was also tasked to the scene.
Once the lifeboats arrived on scene it was established that the casualty vessel was well aground on a falling tide. The occupants had made their way ashore and were checked out by the coastguard team who found them all to be safe and well.
As the fishing vessel would soon be high and dry and no further assistance could be provided both lifeboats were recalled and returned to station.
Ian Lowe, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “This is a timely reminder of the importance of wearing a lifejacket when going afloat, having a marine VHF radio to contact the coastguard and also ensuring the craft is up to scratch mechanically.”
ENDS
RNLI Media contacts
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Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 peter_barker@rnli.org.uk
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Oliver Wrynne-Simpson, Regional Media Officer (South East), 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 O_Wrynne-Simpson@rnli.org.uk 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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.
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