Busy weekend for Ramsgate RNLI

On a calm Saturday evening the inshore lifeboat "Claire and David Delves" was launched to a 27 foot motor vessel with engine failure in the entrance to the River Stour. Onboard were two adults and two children who had been out for a cruise in the fine weather.

On arrival at the scene and after a quick assessment, one volunteer crew member was put onto the yacht to secure a line and once secured they towed the boat back to Ramsgate Harbour.

Then Sunday afternoon the inshore was again launched to a 20 foot sloop with engine problems outside the harbour. The tide was very strong across the harbour mouth making it difficult to cross into the safety of the harbour so they towed the sloop in and assisted it in mooring up.

Before they could return to station, port control advised them that a second yacht had received permission to sail into the harbour, as their engine had failed, with the intention of then rowing to their berth. So the lifeboat went to their aid too and assisted them in mooring.

So a busy 24 hours for the volunteer crew of Ramsgate RNLI station. Coxswain Ian Cannon said, “With the warmer months approaching more people are taking to their boats for recreation. We would urge that they complete full safety checks on their equipment before taking to the sea, and always carry a means of communication with them.”

The RNLI is purely funded by voluntary donations and mainly crewed by volunteers. With the Summer approaching and more people staying at home this year we appreciate and need every donation that we receive from the public.

Karen Cox Lifeboat Press Officer Tel. 07779848431 Email [email protected]

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.