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Busy Monday for Ramsgate RNLI volunteer crew
Ramsgate RNLI were tasked to separate two launches on Monday as the heat weather drew more people to the coast.
The all weather lifeboat Diamond Jubilee launched at 16.05 in a smooth sea but the off shore breeze was pushing the paddle boarder further out to sea. There was also reports that member of the public had attempted to swim out to assist the paddle boarder so the decision was taken to launch the all weather as it provided a higher vantage point for searching. On arrival at the scene reports were received that the swimmer had safely returned to shore as by then the paddle boarder had been swept a mile out to sea.
As the volunteer crew approached the scene they were able to spot the paddle board from a distance as it was white and reflecting in the sun, also the person was wearing a life jacket with orange stripes which stood out against the sea.
Once the casualty was safely onboard with the paddle board, the all weather returned to Ramsgate Lifeboat station at 16.40.
Coxswain Ian Cannon said, “ It’s very easy to get caught out by off shore breezes even on the calmest of days so it’s best to always be prepared for this situation. We would recommend always taking your mobile phone in a waterproof bag with you so if this situation arises you are able to contact the Coastguard by dialling 999”
The second launch on Monday was to a solo sailor in a twenty eight foot yacht with engine failure and a loss of all electronics enroute to Ramsgate
Ramsgate all weather lifeboat Diamond Jubilee was paged at 21.00 heading out one mile East of the North Foreland point, roughly 4 miles from Ramsgate, where they found the yacht attempting to sail but making no headway in the calm sea. It was now 21.20 and with darkness falling the yacht was becoming a danger to shipping due to a lack of navigation lights. The decision was therefore taken to take the yacht under tow back into Ramsgate.
The volunteer crew with the casualty arrived back into Ramsgate at 22.00.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Karen Cox, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]
Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 488243, [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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.