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Multi agency rescue team called out to an emergency radio beacon.

Lifeboats News Release

Ramsgate RNLI volunteer crew were on a planned exercise when they were diverted by HM Coastguard to search for an activated EPIRB.

On Thursday 2 May Ramsgate volunteer crew were carrying out exercises with both the inshore lifeboat and the all weather lifeboat when a call came through at 17.36 from HM Coastguard to a report of an activated EPIRB -Emergency position indication radio beacon asking for the launch of the all weather lifeboat.

The inshore lifeboat Claire and David Delves was tasked a few minutes later at 17.47 to assist with a search between the Pegwell Bay and the Westgate area. The Coastguard Helicopter from Lydd had joined Margate Coastguard Rescue Team earlier when the EPIRB had been activated at 16.50 to assist in narrowing down the search area.

The volunteer crew on the all weather Diamond Jubilee started picking up the signal on the Directional Finder at Broadstairs. However, after a short while a report came in from the Coastguard that the Helicopter had narrowed the location down to inland and as such there was no further need for the lifeboats to attend.

On the way back to Ramsgate the crew of the Diamond Jubilee took the opportunity to call into Broadstairs Harbour, to speak with the Coastguard and also to check if the Tamar would be able to moor up in Broadstairs for the next Water Gala, which we are pleased to announce that they were able to do safely.

After that both lifeboats returned to Station.

Karen Cox Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer. Email [email protected] Tel. 07779848431.

Hatti Mellor RNLI National Media Officer Email [email protected] Tel 07724801305

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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