Whitstable RNLI launched to capsized catamaran and other calls.
Whitstable’s Atlantic 85 Lifeboat Lewisco was launched at 1.34pm on Friday to a report of a capsized catamaran off Tankerton. The initial report suggested that the occupants were unable to right the craft.
The lifeboat arrived at the scene to find the two-man crew of the craft standing on the hull although they had been in the water for a short time.
The lifeboat crew assisted with the righting of the craft by lifting the mast and sail from the water and one of the sailors who went into the water subsequently was returned to his catamaran by the lifeboat crew.
The lifeboat then escorted the craft ashore at the Tankerton Bay Sailing Club where the Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Team where waiting.
The lifeboat then returned to station.
On Sunday Lewisco was launched at 11.59pm on Sunday following a report of a broken down speedboat off Leysdown, Isle of Sheppey.
The lifeboat crew located the vessel at anchor which was subsequently retrieved by its two occupants at the craft taken under tow for Love Beach, Leysdown where it was met by the Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Team.
Following this the lifeboat was 'tasked' to assist a kayak with one person onboard apparently struggling to regain the shore near Shellness.
The lifeboat arrived at the scene but the occupant reported that he was not in need of assistance and had been fishing and that his wife had been keeping him under observation from the shore.
The lifeboat therefore returned to station.
The lifeboat crew were alerted again on Sunday evening to a small inflatable dinghy reported to be drifting off Herne Bay. Due to concerns for the safety of the male occupant the coastguard helicopter was also tasked.
Whilst the lifeboat was in the process of launching the helicopter reported that the occupant of the dinghy was not in need of assistance and was making his own way ashore. The lifeboat was therefore stood down. The call was logged as a false alarm with good intent.
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.