Lifeboat launches over concern for kayakers

Dressed in appropriate PPE, crew on board Walmer’s D Class lifeboat Duggie Rodbard II launched at 3.20pm yesterday, 31 July, to a report of a kayak possibly in difficulty about half-a-mile off the beach at Kingsdown. Three young people were located who were slowly making their way back to shore. Assuring themselves of their safety and promising to return, crew further investigated a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (rhib) with three people on board who were anchored and fishing. Again, once assured of their safety they returned to the kayak, now back close to shore. It was noted that it was slowly deflating.

On returning to the station a small rhib containing four fishermen was seen about three hundred metres east of the lifeboat station. struggling to get to shore against the tide. After checking with the Operations Manager, notifying the Coastguard and questioning the occupants whether they were showing any symptoms of Covid, the rhib was held alongside, escorted and safely pushed ashore just north of Deal Castle.

After the recovery of the boat, helm Dan Sinclair said ‘Sea safety advice was given to both vessels especially about the strength of the current. We also couldn’t emphasise enough the need to wear lifejackets and carrying a means of communicating with the shore, either a VHF radio or a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch when going afloat.’

Notes to editors

Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.

It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.

Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

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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