Multi-agency night time search off Margate

Margate RNLI’s two lifeboats (Atlantic 85 and D class inshore lifeboat) were tasked to assist in the search around 11pm last night (Thursday 2 September). The coastguard helicopter from Lydd Airport was also called in to assist along with volunteer coastguard rescue teams from Margate and Herne Bay. Kent Police also deployed a drone to assist in the search which covered an area close inshore between Palm Bay and Minnis Bay.

After around an hour of searching the incident was resolved satisfactorily ashore and the search assets were recalled and returned to station.

ENDS

Notes to editors

· Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/margate-lifeboat-station

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· RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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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