
A ‘big’ job for the Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat
The Sheerness all-weather lifeboat ‘Judith Copping Joyce’ launched to tow a 72 ton charter vessel after it had suffered machinery failure off the Kent Coast.
The vessel had suffered a major machinery failure and was located at anchor near to the East Cant Buoy, which is approximately 6 NM from the lifeboat station.
The ALB arrived on the scene at 2.30pm and a crew member was put onboard the casualty craft to secure a towline resulting in the craft being under tow at 2.40pm.
The casualty was towed to the all-tide landing in Queenborough Harbour where it was secured at 4.20pm.
This was the largest vessel that the Sheerness all-weather lifeboat has towed since coming on station and proved the capabilities of the Shannon Class lifeboats when such a job arises.
The ALB was back on station and ready for further service at 5.00pm
Wind E f2, calm seas with moderate visibility.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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