Three rescued from the sea by Margate RNLI lifeboat and lifeguards
Three people have been rescued from the sea off Margate after they experienced difficulties in their small outboard-powered dinghy.
UK Coastguard received a call from a member of the public around 5.30pm today (Sunday 17 September) reporting a small craft appearing to be in difficulties around 250m off Westbrook Bay, around a mile west of Margate harbour, three people were reported to be in the water.
Margate’s D class inshore lifeboat was tasked to assist along with Margate coastguard rescue team, Margate Main Sands RNLI lifeguards also responded with their Rescue Water Craft (RWC). The lifeboat quickly located the casualty vessel, a small dinghy which had suffered a fouled propeller. The lifeguards’ RWC had by this time recovered one of the occupants from the water and was landed back ashore before returning to the scene. The two remaining casualties were taken on board the lifeboat and after checking on their welfare it was decided to recover their dinghy back to shore at the same time. It was taken in tow and landed at the launch site at Barnes Car Park where all three casualties were reunited and handed into the care of coastguard officers. All three casualties were unharmed after their experience.
Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Margate RNLI said: ‘This incident could have had a very different outcome if it wasn’t for the vigilance of members of the public ashore. We urge everyone who goes to sea in a small craft to carry means of raising the alarm if things go wrong. A marine VHF radio is ideal along with a mobile phone in a waterproof bag. A suitable pack of distress flares is also a worthwhile investment that could save their life.’
ENDS
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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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