
Sheerness RNLI lifeboat crew called out to a drifting houseboat in the River Med
The Sheerness RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched just after midnight to a houseboat with two people onboard that was reported drifting near Rochester
The volunteer crew of the Sheerness inshore lifeboat ‘Buster’ were tasked at 11.56pm on Monday 9 December by the UK Coastguard to reports that a 44-foot houseboat with two people onboard had become detached from its mooring and was drifting in the vicinity of the Medway Towns rowing Club in Rochester.
The lifeboat launched at 12.10am with a crew of three and was on the scene with the casualty at 12.55am. Whilst on route the crew were informed that a line from the houseboat had snagged the seabed and halted its drift. After discussion, the people onboard declined the offer to be taken ashore and confirmed that they had a suitable tender and also lifejackets.
The lifeboat was released at 1.35am and arrived back on station at 2.10am where other crew members were waiting to re-fuel and make it ready for further service.
Ends
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