Margate RNLI investigates report of yacht aground off North Kent coast

HM Coastguard received two independent calls from members of the public around 1.30pm today (Friday 2 January) reporting a yacht possibly aground around a mile northwest of St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate-on-sea.

Margate RNLI’s B class lifeboat was launched to investigate in blustery conditions with Margate Coastguard Rescue Team providing shoreside assistance both visually and through contact with the first informants.

The lifeboat was quickly on scene and an initial search of the area including using electronic aids failed to confirm the initial reports. The search area was widened and a 10-metre-long yacht was located off Reculver Towers, around five miles west of the original position.

The lifeboat established contact with the yacht which was under motor power, and it was confirmed that all was well on board and that they had not encountered any difficulties. With the absence of any other craft in the area the coastguard considered this was the vessel originally reported and the rescue units were stood down, the call considered a false alarm with good intent.

Lee Button, Launch Authority, Margate RNLI said: “Given the blustery wind and moderate sea conditions it is understandable that the yacht may have appeared to possibly be in difficulties.

“We are grateful that those ashore contacted the coastguard, such calls are never a waste of time, and we urge people to dial 999 and ask for coastguard in coastal emergencies.”

Notes to editors

· Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/margate-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

· Peter Barker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07974 064304 or [email protected]

· Jessica Curtis, Regional Communications Manager on 07483 488243 or [email protected]

· RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.