
Two jet-skiers rescued by Margate’s RNLI lifeboats in blustery conditions
Margate’s two RNLI lifeboats were called out today after a jet-ski encountered difficulties in blustery conditions off the Thanet coast.
UK Coastguard was contacted by RNLI lifeguards around 12.30pm today (Sunday 30 July) after they sighted a jet-ski that appeared to be in difficulties around 800 metres off Botany Bay to the east of Margate. The vessel’s two occupants were observed to be in the sea and separated from their craft at various stages.
With a moderate to fresh westerly wind and choppy seas along with the reliability of the initial report there was concern for the occupants in the water and Margate’s D class inshore lifeboat was tasked immediately, followed by the larger B class lifeboat to provide back-up and additional assistance if required. Margate Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked to oversee the scene from ashore.
The D class lifeboat was conned on to the position by the lifeguards ashore and the disabled jet-ski was quickly located, both occupants now back on their craft. They were taken on board the lifeboat where casualty care was provided with both occupants suffering from the cold but otherwise unharmed and after assessing the situation the disabled jet-ski was taken in tow to Palm Bay. The craft’s occupants remained on board the smaller lifeboat, escorted by Margate’s larger B class lifeboat which had by now arrived on scene.
The craft and its occupants were landed ashore at Palm Bay and handed into the care of coastguard officers, both lifeboats were released and returned to station.
Christian Wright, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “There was concern for the two occupants given the rather unpleasant weather conditions but thanks to the rapid response of the lifeboats both were recovered safely. Some safety points to note here are to never leave the craft you are on if you encounter difficulties and always have means of calling for help, either a marine VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof container in addition to more conventional means such as a pack of distress flares. Seeking local knowledge available at lifeguarded beaches is also advised.”
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.
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.