
Wimbledon Final interrupted by two shouts at Littlestone RNLI
Just as the men’s Wimbledon Final had started yesterday afternoon (Sunday 14 July), Littlestone RNLI responded to reports of a group of stand-up paddleboarders in trouble off Sunny Sands near Folkestone Harbour.
When the pager went off some volunteer crew members at Littlestone RNLI were already on the beach having a BBQ and therefore their response time was very quick. The coastguard reported that three of the paddleboarders were in the water and requested that the charity lifeboat Jean McIvor be launched to assist. While Carlos Alcaraz was powering his way through the first set at Wimbledon, the volunteer RNLI crew from Littlestone was powering its way across the bay towards Folkestone. On reaching Sunny Sands, the casualties had already made it to shore although three paddleboarders had ingested water and may have required casualty care from the lifeboat crew. RNLI volunteers could see an ambulance and Coastguard vehicle arriving on scene and their ground team requested that our charity lifeboat should stand ready to help if needed.
At 1435, while still sitting off Folkestone, Littlestone RNLI was again contacted by HM Coastguard with a new tasking to respond to a Mayday call off Samphire Hoe to an 11 metre motorboat with two casualties onboard drifting without power in choppy seas. The pleasure craft had left Brighton earlier in the day and had suffered engine failure several miles from Dover. The lifeboat made best speed to the casualty vessel and quickly located it. After assessing the situation, Dean Miller, the volunteer Helm of the lifeboat, decided that the safest course of action was to tow the boat to the nearest suitable berth at Dover Harbour. Ryan Wicken, also a qualified Helm and casualty care trained volunteer, was transferred to the stricken vessel to check on the casualties and attach lines to effect the tow. Unfortunately, one of the casualties had underlying medical issues and was suffering from seasickness. Ryan checked the casualty and gave first aid to try and alleviate the seasickness.
An astern tow was established by volunteer crew members Ron Thrall and Dave Kimber and the boat was towed just over two miles to the safety of Dover Western harbour. Shortly after passing the outer harbour off Dover, the tow was changed to an alongside tow to enable the lifeboat to manoeuvre the casualty vessel alongside a berth in the marina.
With the vessel safely in the harbour, the casualties were met by the crew from HM Coastguard maritime rescue co-ordination centre at Langdon. The lifeboat was the stood down and returned to Littlestone just as Carlos Alcaraz was stamping his authority on Wimbledon with a comprehensive straight sets demolition of Novak Djokovic. The volunteer shore crew had watched some of the tennis in the crew room and then recovered the lifeboat back to the boathouse where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready for the next service.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager for Littlestone RNLI, Matt Crittenden said: ‘It’s been a busy start to the Summer, with the pager going off three times in the last week. Our volunteer crews remain ready to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This call out shows that no matter how well prepared you are, things can and do go wrong at sea.’
‘ Whether you are paddle boarding or motorboating please remember to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Every year, up to 200 people die on or around the coast of the UK and Ireland. These tragedies happen to people taking part in a wide range of water-based and waterside activities. Research has proven that wearing a lifejacket can increase your chances of survival by up to four times if you’re immersed in cold water. Whatever your activity, wearing a well-fitted, well-maintained and suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid could save your life.’
Notes to Editors
Pictures captions and credits:
Littlestone RNLI Lifeboat the Jean McIvor tows the stricken vessel towards Dover. Credit RNLI.
RNLI volunteer Ryan Wicken onboard the stricken vessel with the Littlestone lifeboat alongside in the safety of Dover Harbour. RNLI.
Head launcher Rob Saunders BBQ'ing on the beach before the lifeboat returned to station. Credit RNLI/John Kenny
Shore Crew members taking a well earned break while watching the Wimbledon Final. Credit RNLI/John Kenny.
The charity lifeboat Jean McIvor being recovered off Littlestone by the station tractor. Credit RNLI/John Kenny.
Media Contacts:
For more details contact Littlestone Lifeboat Press Officer John Kenny [email protected] or press office [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
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