Dungeness RNLI tasked to broken down fishing vessel in the English Channel
On Friday 19 June at 2.37pm, the Dungeness RNLI Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat launched to a fishing vessel in need of assistance due to breaking down whilst approximately 3 miles south east of Dungeness.
The casualty vessel made contact with the lifeboat station to advise they required assistance in getting ashore due to problems with their engine. It was also nearly low tide which meant that there may not have been enough water and so prompt action needed to be taken. Contact was then made with the UK Coastguard who paged the crew to launch the lifeboat.
Once on scene, the crew established a tow line to the vessel and towed them back to Dungeness in gale force 5 winds.
Trevor Bunney, Second Coxswain/Mechanic, says: ‘The casualty took correct action in calling for help when they realised that their engine was in difficulty and the tide was against them. Thankfully, we were able to tow the vessel back to safety. Today has been a good reminder that it is essential to take a means of communication with you when on the water so as to make contact when needing help. If you find yourself in danger or suspect someone else is in danger please call ‘999’ and ask for the ‘Coastguard’.’
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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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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