A busy start to Spring for the volunteer crew of Ramsgate RNLI

On Saturday 2 April at 13.37 both the inshore lifeboat Claire and David Delves and relief lifeboat Henry Heys Duckworth were launched by HM Coastguard to attend a motor launch that had radioed a Mayday due to fire and smoke in the engine room.

The casualty was about one mile off shore, and the weather conditions were force 3-4, slight seas with good visibility.

The inshore was the first on the scene and put one crew member onboard to assess the situation. By now the smoke had cleared and the fire appeared to be out, and as the casualty was still able to use one engine the decision was made by the Coastguard for the all-weather boat to stand down and for the inshore to accompany the casualty back to the safety of Ramsgate Harbour where they were met by a fire engine.

The following day, Sunday 3 April at 12.39 the inshore lifeboat Claire and David Delves was tasked by the Coastguard to a person cut off by the tide at Stone Bay in Broadstairs.

Again the wind was force 2-3 with slight seas and good visibility.

The volunteer crew were able to locate the man and having taken him onboard landed him at Stone Bay where he was met by members of the Margate Mobile Coastguard.

Whilst returning to Ramsgate station they were again tasked to assist Walmer’s D class Lifeboat, Duggie Rodbard II in the search for a missing person. They were then released by the Coastguard and returned to station.

Three very different launches in a short space of time. With the weather continuing to improve more people will take to our beautiful coast to enjoy nature. However it’s very easy to get caught out by the tide or a change in the weather. On Sunday volunteer members of RNLI Thanet Community Safety Team were also out patrolling the local beaches as part of a proactive approach to remind people of the dangers of being cut off by the tide and also reminding dog walkers if their dogs go into the water to not follow after them. Their advise is, always carry a means of communication with you, tell someone what your plans are, check the tide times, these can be found on our Facebook pages, and keep away from cliff edges.

Ramsgate RNLI Lifeboat Volunteer Press Officer Karen Cox 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 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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