Margate RNLI assists grounded yacht

UK Coastguard received a report from a member of the public around 7am this morning (Tuesday 10 October) of a small boat appearing to be aground, possibly upside down on rocks at Foreness Point around two miles east of Margate.

Margate’s D class inshore lifeboat was tasked to investigate, Margate Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) also responding. Upon arrival the lifeboat located the casualty vessel, a 25’ yacht with two persons on board aground on a rising tide just to the west of the Southern Water outfall pipes at Foreness Point.

The occupants were attempting to refloat their craft themselves but as it was in danger of coming into contact with the pipes the lifeboat crew connected a tow line and assisted it in refloating.

Once in deep water it was established that while the vessel’s structural integrity was intact its engine was inoperative. As the yacht’s mast was stowed and the craft unable to proceed on its own it was agreed that the best way of assisting was for the lifeboat to tow the vessel to Ramsgate harbour, the nearest suitable safe port of refuge.

Upon arrival at Ramsgate the casualty vessel was moored safely alongside where they were met by members of the CRT. The occupants were unharmed after their adventure and the lifeboat returned to station.

Christian Wright, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate Lifeboat said: “The rocks at Foreness have deep gullies and together with the two outfall pipes can entrap small craft if they run aground making refloating problematic, fortunately the lifeboat was able to ensure the yacht refloated safely on the rising tide.”

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

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