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Margate RNLI investigates sinking dinghy

Lifeboats News Release

Margate RNLI lifeboat has investigated a report of a sinking dinghy in shipping lanes off Margate.

Margate B class RNLI lifeboat 'Colonel Stock'

RNLI Margate

Margate B class RNLI lifeboat 'Colonel Stock'

UK Coastguard was contacted by a windfarm support vessel around 2.30pm today (Wednesday 16 November) reporting a partially submerged dinghy around seven miles north of Margate. Margate's B class RNLI lifeboat was tasked to investigate and after carrying out a search pattern calculated by the coastguard located the vessel which was identified as an inflatable boat. It was estimated to be around 30 feet in length and was 90% submerged with only the inflatable keel visible which was partially detached from the rest of the vessel.

After assessing the situation it was considered impracticable to attempt towing the craft to shore and the lifeboat remained in the vicinity until what was left of the dinghy was seen to sink. The lifeboat returned to station.

Lee Button, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “Two considerations had to be addressed: firstly that it was not a recent casualty with lives at risk, once it was assessed that it had been in the water for some time the second concern was that it did not pose a risk to navigation. Fortunately the craft sank and the situation was resolved.”

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

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

· Peter Barker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07974 064304 or [email protected]

· Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East) on 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 or [email protected]

· RNLI Press Office 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.

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