Joint launch to rescue stricken yacht from the Goodwin Sands.

Walmer’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Donald McLauchlan had been launched about twenty minutes earlier at 06.45 on 28 October and was already on scene when HM Coastguard requested the additional assistance of Ramsgate's Lifeboat Diamond Jubilee.

The thirty five foot sailing yacht with its three crew onboard was in the Kellets Gut area of the Goodwin Sands. Although the sea state was moderate with the wind blowing at twenty four miles per hour out to sea, the conditions inside the sands was difficult with wind and tide causing a nasty swell over the bank, with the yacht being pushed further onto the sands.

Walmer lifeboat were able to get close to the yacht and in difficult sea conditions managed to take the three crew onboard before bringing them around to the port side of Ramsgate’s Diamond Jubilee in the lee of the wind where the casualties were taken onboard. They were found to be in good spirits, considering their ordeal, were soaking wet but able to warm up inside the wheelhouse. Walmer lifeboat and volunteer crew was then released by the Coastguard and returned to station.

By now all that could be seen of the yacht was its mast, another victim of the treacherous Goodwin Sands, as the Ramsgate all weather lifeboat left the scene to return to station and handed the casualties into the care of Margate Mobile Coastguards.

Coxswain of Ramsgate Ian Cannon said, ‘ The Goodwin Sands are notorious for catching boats unawares, well deserving its nickname, Ship Swallower, with over two thousand ships wrecked on the Sands over the years. We would always recommend that boats carry out a passage plan, carry a means of communication and pay thorough attention to the charts if they are planning on passing close to them.’

Karen Cox Ramsgate RNLI Volunteer Press Officer, Tel. 07779848431 Email. [email protected]

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

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