
Dungeness RNLI tasked to fishing vessel with fouled propellor
On the evening of Sunday 19 January at 6.25pm, the pagers of the Dungeness RNLI’s volunteer crew went off with a request to launch the relief Shannon-class lifeboat Reg.
The volunteer crew assembled and were given their brief that a fishing vessel had something around their propellor, and they were being tasked to go assess and assist the vessel.
The lifeboat launched at 7.05pm and made way to the boat which was approximately 2 miles east of Dungeness point.
Once on scene, it was established that the vessel was unable to make way on their own steam due to the propellor being fouled with something they were unable to remove. The coxswain made the decision to tow the fishing vessel to the nearest safe haven, which was the anchorage of Rye Harbour.
Mark Corbett, Coxswain-afloat-Mechanic, said:
‘Last night’s launch was to assist a local boat into a safe anchorage. The casualty had done everything correctly before calling for assistance and made the evening easy for the crew. We used this tasking as valuable training experience to keep us up to our training requirements, a success all round. We hope the casualty get their propellor issues resolved as soon as possible.’
Due to the level of tide, the lifeboat was unable to tow the fishing vessel to their berth, but arrangements were made with the Harbour Master to tow the fishing vessel when the tide was higher at approximately midnight.
The volunteer crew ensured that the fishing vessel was safely anchored at the mouth of the river and that the crew were in regular communication with UK Coastguard whilst they awaited the harbour boat. The lifeboat then made her way back to station at 10.55pm and was made ready for service by midnight.
If you are interested in volunteering for Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat Station, we have a number or roles available both afloat and shore based. Please contact the station on 01797 320317 or [email protected] if you would like to take on a new challenge and become part of the charity that saves lives at sea.
Notes to Editors
· Dungeness lifeboat station has been running since 1826.
· The station received the first Shannon-class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet – The Morrell
· The station is famous for its Lady Launchers, local women and wives of the crew who helped launch the lifeboat until 1977.
Ends
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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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