Dungeness lifeboat assists yacht in the shipping lane of the English Channel

Once on scene, Coxswain Stuart Adams, in command of the RNLI Shannon class AWL (all weather lifeboat) 13-02 ‘The Morrell’ transferred one volunteer crewmember aboard the casualty to assess the situation and attempt to re-start the engine. Unfortunately this was not possible so a towline was established and the casualty was safely towed to Dover Harbour, being the nearest safe haven.

The RNLI lifeboat returned to Dungeness, was refuelled and made ready for service by 11.30 pm.

Coxswain Adams said ‘the casualty did everything possible but due to the fact he was in a busy shipping lane, we needed to tow him swiftly out of danger. Our volunteers did a tremendous job once again and the persons on board the casualty were very grateful for our assistance’

RNLI media contacts

• Judith Richardson – Dungeness RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
  Tel: 01797 320062/Mob: 07859264226
• Email: [email protected]
• Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer (South East) 0207 6207416/07786 66882 [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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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.