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Walmer RNLI crew responds to Pan Pan

Lifeboats News Release

Walmer lifeboat diverts from exercise following distress call.

Casualty fishing boat under tow.

RNLI/Christopher Winslade

Casualty fishing boat under tow.

Crew on board Walmer’s Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan were diverted from routine exercise by HM Coastguard at 9.49am yesterday morning, Sunday 28 July, following a Pan Pan call from an eight-metre fishing boat with two people on board experiencing engine difficulties just south-east of The Dolphin near Deal Pier.

Following RNLI protocols regarding the towing of vessels, the lifeboat helm assessed the situation prior to undertaking the tow and made the decision, after consulting with crew, that it was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties.

A crew member was put aboard and requested the skipper pull up his anchor. When it was clear of the water, another crew member noticed a rope wrapped around it which was cut. The other end was seemingly wrapped around the propeller and the prop shaft had uncoupled meaning that the boat was incapable of making its own way under power.

The fishing boat was taken to Ramsgate Harbour, the nearest safe and suitable port.

The lifeboat entered the harbour at 11.45am and returned to station, being recovered at 12.25pm.


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]
  • Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
  • For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

Walmer's Atlantic 85 alongside fishing boat.

RNLI/Christopher Winslade

Walmer's Atlantic 85 alongside fishing boat.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

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