Dramatic rescue for Ramsgate and Dover RNLI

The first pager went off at 9.55am on Tuesday 18 February when a Mayday was received by the Coastguard. Both Dover and Ramsgate lifeboats were launched as a precaution with Ramsgate RNLI arriving on scene at 10.30am.

The lifeboats were not involved in the firefighting which was carried out by the crew of the cargo ship using fixed fire equipment, but stood by in readiness in case the boat had to be evacuated. At this point there was a slight sea state with winds of seventeen knots and a gentle swell.

Once the fire had been contained , Ramsgate lifeboat Diamond Jubilee stood by until the French tug arrived, leaving the scene at 12.45pm and arriving into Ramsgate at 1.40pm.

However, the fire had not been fully contained and broke out once again.

The volunteer crew of the all weather Diamond Jubilee were paged again at 9.12pm, arriving on scene at 9.56pm. In the interim the sea state had worsened; the wind had strengthened to twenty three knots and the sea was very rough.

The Master of the casualty vessel, which was under tow by one tug with another standing by, made the decision to abandon ship onto their own lifeboat at 10pm as they were unable to bring the fire under control.

After discussions, it was decided to use the rescue craft from one of the tugs to transfer the crew from their lifeboat to the Diamond Jubilee. However with the weather deteriorating, difficult sea conditions, and only eight crew having been transferred, it was decided that the best option was for the tug to position itself so as to provide wind protection for the RNLI lifeboat whilst they moved closer and took the crew directly onto the Diamond Jubilee.

On the second call out both Ramsgate and Dover lifeboats were in attendance as well as the Coastguard helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, a Belgium Coastguard helicopter and the French tug that was assisting.

After transferring all twenty eight exhausted crew onto the lifeboat in difficult conditions and accounting for everyone, the Diamond Jubilee headed to the safety of Ramsgate Royal Harbour where they were handing into the care of paramedics who checked them for smoke inhalation.

Ian Cannon, Coxswain of the Diamond Jubilee said, ‘This was a challenging multinational rescue however I was impressed by the crew of the stricken cargo vessel, as they remained calm throughout their ordeal.
Also I have huge respect for the Master of the Ship who performed his duties to the utmost, remaining in his lifeboat until all of his crew were safely on the Diamond Jubilee and had been accounted for and he was the last to leave our Lifeboat when we arrived back into Ramsgate.’

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

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

Library photo of Diamond Jubilee from Ramsgate RNLI

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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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