
Ramsgate RNLI attend rescheduled Water Gala at Broadstairs
Both the all weather lifeboat Esme Anderson and the Atlantic inshore Claire and David Delves with their volunteer crew attended the Water Gala in the neighbouring town of Broadstairs.
Ramsgate RNLI have been attending since the 1970’s, weather and operational duties permitting, and it’s a popular day in the crews calendar. With both boats moored up at the end of the harbour and a flight of steps leading down for easy access and plenty of willing crew hands to help, it’s a perfect opportunity for members of the public to visit the all weather boat.
No charge is made to visit the boat but most people made donations with over three hundred and fifty people going onboard. Some stayed for a short while, whilst others engaged the crew in conversation, fascinated by what they do and the design of the boats.
The team that stood at the top of the stairs, controlling the amount of people onboard, were overwhelmed with the words of support, and praise from the visitors.
However it wasn’t just the boats that had a presence at the event. Volunteers from the Broadstairs Lifeboat kiosk manned a stall on the promenade and members of the volunteer Water Safety Team were also in attendance handing out flags and stickers to the children and giving water safety advice.
After a stay of three hours both boats returned to station waving to the crowds as they left.
The crew had just enough time to eat when they were paged to an eleven metre yacht with electrical failure just off Ramsgate, concerned about getting into the Harbour. The all weather boat Esme Anderson attended and passed the stricken yacht a line before towing it into the safety of the harbour.
Karen Cox Lifeboat Press Officer Tel 07779848431 Email [email protected]
Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Officer London and South East Tel 07785296252 Email [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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