Ramsgate RNLIs volunteer crew kept busy last weekend.

The weekend started off on Friday evening 13 August at 18.23 when the inshore lifeboat, Claire and David Delves, launched to a forty foot yacht with engine failure approximately two miles east North East of Ramsgate with four people on board.

On scene the crew found the yacht to be sailing well although they were unable to turn their engine on and decided to escort it into the turning circle. During this time it was discovered that the yacht was actually taking in water, so a crew member was put on board to investigate. He found that water was coming in from around prop shaft but once the stern tube gland was tightened the problem was solved but in the interest of safety the decision was taken to tow the yacht the rest of the way into Ramsgate Harbour.

On Saturday 14 August 14.56 the inshore was launched again to a report of a kayak in difficulty with two persons on board at Stone Bay.

Having launched and once on scene the volunteer crew were informed by H.M.Coastguard that another local rib had seen the situation and collected the two casualties with the kayak and they had brought them closer inshore where they were able to paddle back to the beach. The inshore stayed near the kayaks and gave them some safety advise as no life jackets were being worn and then returned to station.

Later Saturday evening at 18.32 the inshore launched to a report of a person in the water in the inner harbour. Unfortunately due to the low tide the lock gates were closed, so the boat was unable to get on scene. The crew dressed in drysuits and lifejackets made their way to the scene by cars.

Once on scene it was found that the person had been recovered from the water by harbour staff in their harbour launch, so the crew then returned to station.

On Sunday 15 August at 17.06 the inshore crew launched to a report of two swimmers caught in a strong tide sweeping them out to sea off the Ramsgate main sands.

The inshore carried out a search from the main sands to Dumpton Gap and spotted two people walking up the slope at Dumpton Gap that matched the description given by the Coastguard. The crew were advised to stand down at 18.10 and returned to station.

These are busy times for the RNLI with more people holidaying at the seaside than ever and our volunteer crew and our Lifeguards are working harder than ever to keep the beaches safe. None of this can be done without the public's support as we are entirely funded by public donations.

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

Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Officer London and South East. Tel. 07785296252 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 142,700 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.