
Dungeness RNLI launch to yacht taking on water
On Thursday 25 May at 7.30am, the volunteers of Dungeness RNLI lifeboat, The Morrell, were paged to launch their all-weather lifeboat to two people on a yacht that was taking on water.
The yacht was 14 metres in length and was approximately 7 miles east of Dungeness, the wind was moderate from the east.
At 7.50am, the lifeboat was launched where they were informed by the UK Coastguard that the incident had been escalated to a Mayday. A local boat and the Coastguard helicopter were on scene.
Once the lifeboat arrived on scene, the situation was assessed, and it was established that the water leak on the vessel was from a freshwater system on board.
The lifeboat stood by the casualty vessel and after liaising with the two people on board, it was decided that the leak was under control and the lifeboat’s assistance was no longer required.
The lifeboat headed back to station and was ready for service again by 9.50am.
Dungeness RNLI Coxswain, Stuart Adams, says:
‘The people onboard the yacht did the right thing in calling for help as soon as they saw the water leak. They had VHF radio to call the UK coastguard and also a mobile phone as a backup. This was particularly helpful on this occasion because the radio communications were poor, and we were able to contact the casualty by phone instead. This is why we always advise to take multiple means of communication as when going on the water.’
If you are interested in volunteering for Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat Station, we have a number or roles available both afloat and shore based. Please contact the station on 01797 320317 or [email protected] if you would like to take on a new challenge and become part of the charity that saves lives at sea.
Notes to Editors
· Dungeness lifeboat station has been running since 1826.
· The station received the first Shannon-class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet – The Morrell
· The station is famous for its Lady Launchers, local women and wives of the crew who helped launch the lifeboat in the 1950s.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Sarah Beck, Dungeness Lifeboat Press Officer on
[email protected] or 07956 615429, Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 or
[email protected] or alternatively, Regional Media Manager Julie Rainey on 07827 358256 or
[email protected]. RNLI Press Office is available 24/7 365 days a year 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.