Margate RNLI investigates report of drifting dinghy

Around 7pm last night (Sunday 25 August) UK Coastguard received reports of an inflatable dinghy with several people on board making little progress and possibly in difficulties off the Captain Digby public house at Kingsgate. Margate's RNLI inshore lifeboat along with Margate Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked to investigate.

The search units found a confusing situation, the beaches and waters close inshore still very busy after a hot bank holiday Sunday. In failing light an inshore waters search pattern including the use of illuminating parachute flares was carried out. After the area had been thoroughly checked out, and with no further reports the search was terminated and all units returned to station, the call considered to be a false alarm with good intent.

ENDS

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· Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 [email protected]

· Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (SouthEast), 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 [email protected]

· For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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