Sheerness RNLI marks 85 callouts for 2025 after four launches in a week
Sheerness RNLI’s volunteer crew have been kept busy over the past week, responding to four separate callouts — bringing the station’s total number of launches this year to 85, already surpassing last year’s total of 77.
The Sheerness lifeboat arrived on scene alongside Burnham Lifeboat, and after assessment, it was agreed that Burnham would take the casualty under tow. The Sheerness volunteers were then stood down and returned to station.
The following evening, Thursday 3 October, the crew launched in the thick of Storm Amy, battling Force 9 winds and gusts over 40 knots, after an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) distress signal was detected near Lower Halstow in the River Medway.
Despite the severe weather and poor visibility, the crew carried out an extensive search using direction-finding equipment, radar and searchlights through Stangate and Sharfleet Creeks, as well as Half Acre and Ooze Reach. No signs of distress or an active beacon were found, and the lifeboat was stood down after a thorough search.
The volunteers were next called out again on Monday 6 October but were stood down before further action was required.
The most recent launch came on Thursday 9 October, when the Sheerness crew were tasked to take over a tow from Whitstable Lifeboat after a vessel suffered engine failure while en route to Queenborough. The transfer of the tow was carried out smoothly, and the casualty vessel was brought safely alongside at Queenborough ATL.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Alan Carr said: 'It’s been a particularly active week for our crew, and Storm Amy certainly tested conditions on the water. These shouts really show the range of incidents we’re called to, from assisting other lifeboats and investigating distress signals, to supporting our local maritime community. Our volunteers remain ready 24 hours a day, whatever the weather.'
So far this year, Sheerness RNLI’s volunteers have responded to 85 callouts, already exceeding 2024’s total of 77. The team continues its vital work saving lives at sea and supporting fellow search and rescue teams across the Thames Estuary.
If you get into difficulty at the coast, or spot someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.