First callout for the new Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat DLA
Having been in the role of Deputy Launching Authority for less than two days Clare Streater received her first request to launch one of the Sheerness lifeboats.
Having been in ‘the job’ for just two days our new DLA (Deputy Launching Authority) Clare Streater had to make her first operational decision when a call from the UK Coastguard at 3.02pm on Saturday 9 November reported that four kayakers, having capsized ,were in difficulties in the area of Hoo Island in the River Medway.
The decision was made to task the volunteer crew of the inshore lifeboat ‘Buster’ and with a crew of three the ILB was underway at 3.25pm. The casualties were located at 3.47pm and taken to Gillingham Marina where they were handed into the care of the Medway Coastguard Rescue Team and other than being a bit cold, they reported having no other problems.
The lifeboat was released at 4.14pm and arrived back on station at 4.35pm. After cleaning and re-fuelling the ILB was ready for further service at 4.50pm. Wind F2, calm seas and good visibility at the time.
Well done Clare on your ‘first shout’ and thanks from the crew for calling them out at a reasonable time of day.
Ends
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Vic Booth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (Sheerness) 07926904453 / 01795 880544 [email protected] / [email protected]
Paul Dunt RNLI Press Officer S.E. [email protected] 07785296252
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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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