
Second Commendation for Walmer RNLI volunteers
An Operational Director’s Commendation has been awarded to crew members Andrew Howland, Luke Curry, Brendon Melles, Victoria Ward, Max Bowyer and Dave Mitchell for a rescue in December 2023.
Walmer’s Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and D Class Duggie Rodbard II lifeboats were tasked after a direct paging from HM Coastguard to a report of a person in the water near Kingsdown. On reaching the scene the crew noticed an object swirling around in the swell and backwash from the sea wall. Due to the shallow water and conditions, Helm Andrew took the decision not to put the boat in danger. Crew member Luke, attached to the lifeboat with a rope swam over to the object. Once alongside it was discovered to be a person face down with clothing keeping them afloat.
The casualty and Luke were recovered to the lifeboat. With the arrival of the D Class two crew were transferred to the larger boat to help with CPR and the administration of oxygen. With all crew involved in first aid, the helm requested the assistance of an ambulance.
It was decided that the best course of action would be to return to Walmer with crew continuing with CPR. Once the lifeboat was recovered to the beach, two further casualty care trained crew took over from a tired crew.
Walmer shore crew and local coastguard teams cordoned off an area on Walmer Green to enable the safe landing of the Coastguard Rescue helicopter and the arrival of an ambulance. Paramedics then took over the monitoring of the casualty who was then transferred to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford via air ambulance.
Speaking of the rescue, Walmer’s Lifeboat Operations Manager Denis Brophy said: ‘I cannot praise these volunteers highly enough. Their decision making, boat handling and communication skills, teamwork and dedication are a credit to them and to the training they undertake on a weekly basis.’
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
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
- Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [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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