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No Sunday lie in for Ramsgate RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew of Ramsgate RNLI were kept busy on Sunday 6 June when they launched twice to yachts with engine failure.

A lifeboat next to a yacht

RNLI/Steve Burton

Unmanned yacht being towed into Ramsgate Harbour

The first launch was at 08:28 when the Inshore Lifeboat Claire and David Delves was launched to reports of a seven metre yacht aground in Joss Bay, Broadstairs with no one onboard.

Once on scene the crew noticed a paddle boarder in the Bay, who once approached was more than happy to assist by taking one crew member to the yacht, along with the tow rope.

When the tow rope had been attached to the yacht the crew waited for the tide to rise until the yacht began to re-float and they were able at that point to tow it out into deeper water. The Inshore crewman aboard carried out an inspection to check for any water ingress and once he was satisfied that the yacht was sound they proceeded to tow the yacht into Ramsgate harbour with a crew member still aboard.

It was later found that the yacht had ran aground due to engine failure and the lone sailer had made his way safely ashore.

Margate mobile Coastguard were also on scene.

Shortly after that at 12:22 the same day, the Inshore was once again launched, this time to a nine meter cruiser with eight people and a dog aboard, once again with engine failure in Sandwich Bay.

The inshore transferred a crewmember to the casualty to assist with retrieving the anchor and to attach the tow rope and then towed the yacht into Ramsgate Harbour where they assisted in mooring it up.

Sunday was a glorious day with a calm sea enticing lots of people out onto their boats to enjoy the sun and sea, after such a cold wet start to the year.

Ramsgate Mechanic Phil Mace said, “ Boats, just like cars, need regular maintenance, and engines in particular need a thorough overhaul when they have been standing idle for long periods of time. Always check that lifejackets are in a good state of repair and make sure to always carry a means of communication. No one expects to have a problem, but in the event of an emergency a radio or phone are essential. “

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

Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Officer London and South East Email. [email protected] Tel. 07785296252.

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.

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