Second call in a week to a yacht in difficulty
Walmer RNLI called to assist a yacht experiencing fuel problems.
Crew on Walmer’s inshore Atlantic lifeboat Donald McLauchlan launched at 8.29 pm on Saturday evening, 2 July after HM Coastguard issued a Pan Pan (a situation that is urgent but not an immediate threat to life) for a 10m, 10 tonne yacht with two people on board unable to make headway three miles north-east of the lifeboat station near the Goodwin Fork at the entrance to the Gull Stream. The yacht was on passage from Ramsgate to Eastbourne when it developed fuel issues.
The lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard in order to assess the situation and the helm made the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties.
A crew member was put aboard with a hand-held VHF radio to fix a line and the vessel was towed into Ramsgate Harbour. The lifeboat was recovered ashore back at station at 10.40pm, washed down, refuelled and made ready for further service.
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
Photo 1 Casualty vessel under tow
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 07785 296252, [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.