
Walmer RNLI volunteers recognised for challenging rescue
Eight Walmer volunteers have been recognised with a Chief Executive’s Commendation for their involvement in a difficult rescue.
Crew members Dan Sinclair, Neil Franks, Ben Winslade, Lewis Monks, Lee Waddon, James Foster, Luke Curry and Victoria Ward’s recognition is related to an incident in May 2023.
Walmer’s Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan was on its way to take part in a Marina Day in Dover Harbour when it was diverted to investigate five people cut off by the tide and on an outcrop near St Margaret’s Bay. Arriving on scene, the lifeboat was met with winds of 28 knots, rolling one-and-a-half metre swells and large rocks.
Atlantic helm Dan Sinclair took the decision to wait for the arrival of the station’s D Class lifeboat Duggie Rodbard II which had also been paged with helm Lee Waddon. HM Coastguard helicopter had also been tasked. It was decided to transfer two crew to the D Class and approach the beach.
Downdraft from the helicopter was causing rocks to fall from the cliff so it was decided, after discussion between the pilot and helms, that the safest option would be to extract the casualties to Duggie Rodbard II. Leaving his winchman on the outcrop with the casualties, the helicopter moved away allowing the D Class to approach to land the two crew from the Atlantic, Lewis and Ben, and two crew from the smaller lifeboat, James and Luke ashore. After landing the crew, the lifeboat relaunched and stood by ready to begin extracting the casualties.
Once a health check was completed, Luke was able to direct the D Class back to shore to pick up the first three casualties. Atlantic helm Dan lay the boat beam on to sea to offer some protection for the smaller lifeboat from the heavy swell.
These casualties were successfully transferred to the larger lifeboat with help from Vicky and Lee. Throughout the operation, Neil on the Atlantic 85 maintained strong radio communication between both boats and the Coastguard.
The operation was repeated to transfer the remaining two casualties to the Atlantic. The D Class then formatted onto the helicopter so that the winchman could be reunited with his crew, a manoeuvre which received praise from the pilot.
The D Class then returned to the outcrop for the final time to recover the four lifeboat crew members.
A dynamic debrief decided that given the wind direction, the safest option would be to take the casualties to Dover Harbour and hand them over to local Coastguard Rescue teams.
Walmer’s Operations Manager Denis Brophy said: ‘Throughout the challenging extraction, all eight crew members displayed the highest standard of team-work and played a vital role in the safe rescue of the five casualties. D Class helm Lee demonstrated exceptional boat handling and leadership skills, being constantly mindful of the safety of the crew.'
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]
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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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