Gravesend RNLI attend multi-agency tasking of large fire near River Thames
At 11:10pm Tuesday 11 July, HM Coastguard tasked Gravesend RNLI to reports of a large out of control fire at Lower Hope Reach near Cliffe.
Thames Commander Liam Sidders said, ‘The call was made by a cargo ship to London VTS (Vessel Traffic Services), we arrived on scene at Lower Hope Reach on the South Shore of the River Thames five minutes later'.
‘We saw a group of people with a large out of control bonfire, with us being in communication with HM Coastguard it was noted additional assistance was required'.
Further emergency agencies including London Fire Brigade’s ERRINGTON fire boat, Kent Fire & Rescue Services and Medway Coastguard were also tasked.
‘We remained on scene giving vital updates until the other agencies arrived on scene and the fire was under control and eventually extinguished’.
‘The captain of the passing cargo ship did the right thing to notify London VTS. If a member of the public ever spots a danger on or near the River Thames, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard’.
Gravesend RNLI’s Atlantic 85 B-827 Olive Laura Deare II lifeboat was then stood down, fuelled and made ready for service by 00:47am.RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Ashley Bard, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Gravesend RNLI email [email protected]
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (London and South East), on 07785 296 252 or email [email protected]
Julie Rainey, Regional Media Manager (South East), on 07827 358 256 or email [email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.