
Gravesend RNLI tasked to vessel collision on River Thames
At 8:53am on Wednesday 12 June, London Coastguard requested the immediate launch of Gravesend RNLI to a vessel that had reportedly made contact with a barge in the area of Erith, Kent.
RNLI Thames Commander Stewart Challis said, ‘While making way to the incident it's important that we can obtain as much information about the incident before we arrive so we can create a mental model and have a plan to deal with the casualties as quickly and safely as possible. The support from the London Coastguard was brilliant as they provided us with additional information including, additional assets like London Ambulance Service, Metropolitan Police Marine Unit, and of course the PLA’.
Gravesend RNLI made best speed to Erith and arrived on the scene just east of Erith Pier.
RNLI Thames Commander Liam Sidders added, ‘We quickly identified the vessel wedged up against the barges off Anchor Bay Wharf, there was clear damage to the sailing yacht with parts of the mast scattered across the deck, at this point we could see two casualties who at the time appeared trapped with signs of head and leg injuries’
‘We then managed to get the two casualties safely on board our Atlantic 85 lifeboat whilst the Harbour Vessel’s crew made the casualty vessel safe, we continued to provide casualty care on board the lifeboat whilst we made way to Erith Causeway for evacuation and passed over care.
RNLI volunteer Mike Rountree said, ‘We were met by London Ambulance Service who further aided the two casualties before taking them to hospital’.
Stewart Challis finished with, ‘I would like to thank everyone who added to the search and rescue today as all casualties were quickly located and dealt with in good timing.’
Gravesend RNLI’s lifeboat Olive Laura Deare II then returned to Gravesend Reach, refuelled and was made ready for service again by 10:42am.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Gravesend is one of the RNLI’s newest lifeboat stations and one of four lifeboat stations operating on the River Thames – the first stations to specifically cover a river rather than estuarial waters or the sea.
Our lifeboat is Olive Laura Deare II, an Atlantic 85 B class inshore lifeboat, which is one of the fastest types in the fleet.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Ashley Bard, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Gravesend RNLI email [email protected]
Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager [email protected]
Julie Rainey, Regional Media Manager (South East), on 07827 358 256 or email [email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected]
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Key facts about Gravesend RNLI
Gravesend RNLI is one of the RNLI’s newest lifeboat stations and one of four lifeboat stations operating on the River Thames. The first stations to specifically cover a river rather than estuarial waters or the sea.
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.
Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,200 lives.
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.