Margate RNLI assists disabled yacht
Margate RNLI’s B class lifeboat has provided assistance to a disabled sailing cruiser following a suspected grounding off the north Kent coast.
The occupants of the 28’ long craft contacted UK Coastguard around 10.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 7 September) reporting they were off Margate and that their vessel had suffered machinery failure and water ingress following a suspected grounding earlier in the day. There were two persons and three dogs on board the craft which was on passage to Ramsgate.
Margate’s B class lifeboat was tasked to assess the situation while the North East Spit pilot cutter which was in the area responded and provided initial assistance. Once on scene the welfare of the occupants was checked and after establishing the mechanical problem could not be rectified it was decided the best means of providing assistance was to tow the craft to Margate harbour the nearest safe haven. The casualty vessel was secured alongside in Margate and the lifeboat returned to station. The occupants of the yacht (two and four-legged) were safe and well following their experience
ENDS
Photo: Margate lifeboat brings the disabled yacht into Margate harbour (RNLI Margate)
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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· Peter Barker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07974 064304 or [email protected]
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· RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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