
Previous training pays dividends
Walmer RNLI crew able to use previous training with local sailing club to assist capsized catamaran.
Crew on the station’s Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan launched at 12.08pm on Tuesday, 11 April, after a tasking request from HM Coastguard to a capsized five metre catamaran with two people on board about two-thirds of a mile off the Downs Sailing Club in Walmer.
The alarm had been raised by a couple walking along the promenade who saw the vessel go over. Their trapeze had broken sending one person into the water. With an offshore wind and strong tide, the capsize happened on an attempted recovery.
On reaching the scene it was found that the two crew had been in the water for around twenty minutes. Lifeboat crew, having unhooked the sail from the top of the mast, encouraged the sailors to pull down and retract the sail. Previous training with The Downs Sailing Club in May last year, when key points to be considered when rescuing a capsized vessel were discussed and practiced, proved invaluable, enabling the crew to right the catamaran by pushing up the mast, with the two casualties still aboard.
The lifeboat offered a tow, but the crew remained aboard the catamaran as it was escorted back to shore where it was met by other lifeboat crew and members of the Deal Coastguard Rescue Team.
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
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
Photo 1 Crew use the mast of the capsized catamaran to right the vessel.
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 or [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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