Lone sailor towed to safety by the Sheerness RNLI inshore lifeboat
A man was towed to safety after suffering damage to his 12-foot sailing dinghy whilst on route from Gravesend to Chatham.
The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI Inshore Lifeboat ‘Buster’ were tasked at 1.31pm on Friday 16 August by the UK Coastguard to assist a 12’ sailing dinghy with one person onboard that was in difficulty off the Isle of Grain. The dinghy, on passage from Gravesend to Chatham, had suffered damage to its mast/sail and was unable to make progress against the prevailing winds.
Having launched at 1.45pm with 3 crew on board the ILB soon was on scene with the casualty vessel in the vicinity of Garrison Point, a short distance from the Lifeboat Station. A line was quickly secured and the dinghy was in tow at 1:55pm and taken to the safety of Queenborough All Tide Landing.
With the casualty secured at 2:20pm the ILB returned to Station at 2:40pm and was refuelled and ready for service at 2:55pm. Weather cloudy/ overcast, Wind SW F4/5, Sea state slight, visibility fair.
Ends
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Vic Booth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (Sheerness) 07926904453 / 01795 880544 [email protected] / [email protected]
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