
Whitstable Lifeboat assists Yacht
The Whitstable Atlantic 85 Lifeboat Lewisco was launched at 2.32pm on Wednesday to assist a yacht aground off Shellness, Isle of Sheppey.
The lifeboat arrived at the scene to find a 23-foot yacht with one person onboard aground on the north side of the Columbine Bank in the entrance to the Swale.
A lifeboat crewmember was put aboard the vessel and a tow line attached. The craft was then towed into deeper water and then to a mooring in Whitstable Harbour.
The vessel had been on passage from Chatham to Southampton when it ran out of fuel.
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.
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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.