Three calls make for a busy weekend for Margate RNLI

The first call came around 2.45pm on Saturday (9 July) when the D class inshore lifeboat, RNLI lifeguards and Margate Coastguard Rescue Team investigated a report of two canoes in difficulties off St Mildred’s Bay, one occupant being unable to reboard their craft. The lifeboat along with the lifeguard on a rescue board checked two kayaks and a canoe in the area, all of whom were safe and well. Once the first informant confirmed the lifeboat and lifeguard had located the suspected casualties all units were recalled and returned to station.

Around 5.30pm on Sunday (10 July) both the B class Atlantic 85 and D class inshore lifeboats along with Coastguard Rescue Teams were tasked to search for a 15-year-old male reported missing in the Minnis Bay area. Soon after launching information was received that the missing person had been located safe ashore and the rescue units were recalled.

As the lifeboats were preparing for recovery, UK Coastguard received a call from the occupant of a small craft around five hundred metres off Reculver Towers reporting a person in the water between themselves and the shore. Both Margate lifeboats were immediately re-tasked to the scene, the coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd Airport and Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Team were also tasked. The inshore lifeboat was quickly on scene and recovered the person from the water whereafter casualty care was immediately commenced. The lifeboat headed back towards Minnis Bay and the casualty was winched on board the helicopter for transfer to William Harvey Hospital at Ashford. Meanwhile the B class lifeboat was tasked to check on the welfare of the person in the reporting craft and together with D class escorted it back to its launch site at Minnis Bay where it was met by Margate coastguard officers.

Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Margate RNLI said: “Today’s calls make eight in total over the last 10 days including two where casualties urgently needed to be winched aboard the coastguard helicopter for rapid transfer to hospital. With the current and forecast hot weather we strongly urge anyone enjoying the fun of the coastline and waters to take a moment to check the wealth of safety advice at www.rnli.org/safety which covers all activities – it could save your life.”

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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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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