Walmer RNLI responds to Mayday call to a tug with engine failure

Walmer’s relief Atlantic lifeboat Howard Bell launched at 11.55am yesterday morning, 15 July following the call from an 11 metre, 16 tonne tug with two people on board about one mile off Kingsdown near Dover.

Walmer helm Dan Sinclair said:’ After a discussion with the crew, and, having followed protocols on the RNLI’s towing check cards, we put crew member Max Bowyer on board to affix a tow line. I then asked HM Coastguard for permission to take the vessel into Dover Harbour. Due to the sea conditions and the strain on the tow rope, I also requested Dover lifeboat be tasked to assist.’

Just as the Dover lifeboat arrived, the rope parted so the tow, with the Walmer crew member still on board, was handed over. Dover’s crew fitted for an alongside tow and the vessel was taken into and moored up in Dover Harbour.

Max was subsequently picked up from Dover lifeboat station by one of Walmer’s launch authorities.

The Atlantic was recovered at station at 1.40pm and made ready for service.

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Christopher Winslade, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [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]

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