
Ramsgate RNLI launches both boats in race against the tide.
Sunday 4 December, Ramsgate Lifeboat volunteer crew launched both boats to the assistance of a small motor yacht.
At 14.45 the call came through from HM Coastguard for the relief all-weather boat
Henry Heys Duckworth to launch to a Pan-Pan from a motor yacht travelling from Chatham to Ramsgate. At the time of launch the boat had suffered engine failure whilst crossing Louisa Bay in Broadstairs. The reason for the Pan-Pan rather than a Mayday was that there was no danger to life at the time.
The boat launched in good visibility and with a moderate sea state, however on arrival at the scene it was found that the motor yacht had been swept closer to shore with the incoming waves breaking over its bow and it was in danger of sinking.
The inshore lifeboat, Claire and David Delves, was launched as that was able to get into shallower water, and under difficult circumstances managed to safely take both casualties off the motorboat and transfer them to the all-weather, where they were taken into the wheelhouse to warm up.
Unable to do anything for the motor yacht which had been swept inshore and now lay aground, and could not be towed, both boats returned to station.
Coxswain Ian Cannon said, ‘Although this took place in shallow water and close to the shore, it was a very difficult situation that the two casualties found themselves in. We are glad that we were able to get to them in time.’
Karen Cox Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Tel 07779848431 Email [email protected]
Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Officer London and South East. Tel 07785296252 Email [email protected].
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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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