Lifeboat launched to search for kayaker
The Sheerness RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched to search for a female kayaker reported missing in the River Medway.
The volunteer crew of the Sheerness RNLI Inshore Lifeboat ‘Buster’ was tasked by the UK Coastguard at 2:28pm on Tuesday 21 May in response to reports of a missing female kayaker in the River Medway in the area of Gillingham Reach. Having made best speed, the Lifeboat arrived on scene at 3:05pm and commenced a search of the South side of the river between Gillingham Marina & St Mary’s Island. The workboat from Gillingham Marina was also assisting and at 3.20pm informed the Lifeboat that they had found the casualty and taken her onboard. She was then transferred to the Lifeboat and transported to Gillingham Pier along with her kayak and passed into the care of the waiting Medway Coastguard Rescue Team. The Lifeboat was released at 3:30pm, returned to station at 4:05pm, re-fuelled and made ready for service. Wind F3 North Westerly, visibility good, Sea state slight.
Ends
Media contacts:
Vic Booth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (Sheerness) 07926904453 / 01795 880544 / [email protected]
Paul Dunt RNLI Press Officer S.E. [email protected] 07786668825
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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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.
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