Dungeness RNLI assist trimaran with lost mast
On Thursday 5 September at 1.01am, Dungeness RNLI were tasked to a trimaran which had lost its mast and was in difficulty less than a mile from Dungeness.
The trimaran and her four crew were travelling to Southampton when, for an unknown reason, their mast broke off leaving them with no navigational lights in the darkness. Dungeness lifeboat and her volunteer crew arrived on scene where a crew member went aboard the casualty vessel to assess the situation and establish a plan.
The trimaran crew still had use of their engine, so it was decided to escort the casualty to a place of safety in Dover.
Once the casualty was in a safe haven, the lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service at 6.55am.
Coxswain, Stuart Adams says: 'The casualty made the correct decision to call the UK Coastguard for help as they had no navigation lights and therefore no means of alerting themselves to passing vessels in the darkness. Our volunteer crew worked very well in bringing the casualty to safety, particularly crewman Anthony Hills who showed great courage and skill in transferring to the casualty with no mast structure to hold on to. He is also assessed the casualty’s situation well and came up with a plan to help'.
Notes to editors
· Dungeness lifeboat station has been operating since 1826. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.dungenesslifeboat.org.uk
· Dungeness’ Shannon-class lifeboat was the first Shannon lifeboat in the fleet and came to station in 2014.
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