
Walmer RNLI crews rescue group from beach
Walmer’s two inshore lifeboats rescue five people in danger of a tidal cut off yesterday, 20 May.
On reaching the scene, crews encountered a 28-knot wind and a 1.5 metre swell. The casualties were clear of the water on the beach. A Coastguard Rescue team were also in attendance and co-ordinating from St Margaret’s Bay and HM Coastguard helicopter had been requested.
A discussion between the two helms saw two crew transfer from the Atlantic to the smaller lifeboat which was nosed into the beach to begin transferring the casualties to the larger boat waiting off-shore as safety cover. The helicopter also lowered a winchman, though the downdraft caused a small amount of debris and loose chalk to fall. During this operation, it was decided that a safer option would be to extract the casualties and the winchman via the lifeboat. Three runs were made ashore to pick up casualties, the winchman and the shore-side lifeboat crew. After transferring crew back to the D Class, the casualties were taken to disembark at Dover lifeboat station.
During the journey back to harbour, safety advice was given of the need to check weather conditions and tide times before embarking on any coastal activities.
In the debrief following the service call, both helms praised the crews for their professional and efficient handling of the rescues.Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
Photo 1 Discussion between helms and crew
Photo 2 Crew transfer between lifeboats
Photo 3 Lifeboats and HM Coastguard helicopter
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 07785 296252, [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [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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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.