Ramsgate RNLI launch due to concerns for a yacht in dense fog
On Thursday 18 June, at the request of HM Coastguard, Ramsgate RNLI launched Tamar Class
Diamond Jubilee, to the assistance of a yacht with two people onboard, due to concerns about the safety of the vessel in dense fog, near the Traffic Separation Zone with no radar.
The yacht was reported to be at the bottom of the shipping lane by the Sunk Traffic Separation Scheme, approximately twenty six miles from Ramsgate.
The Diamond Jubilee launched at 12:17pm in sunny clear weather from Ramsgate but upon passing by Thanet Windfarm the weather started to deteriorate and the fog set in. As they approached the reported position of the yacht the fog was down to fifty metres visibility and very dense. The volunteer crew used direction finder and radar to locate the yacht.
The Sunk Traffic Separation Scheme is an internationally regulated maritime routing system in the northern approaches of the Thames Estuary. For a boat to lose its radar in this area of busy shipping would put it at great risk.
Upon arrival at 1:48pm the crew passed a line to the yacht and towed them away from the area. The yacht was planning to continue to Ostend so the Coxswain contacted the Vessel Traffic Service based in Dover, who act like air traffic control for the sea, and asked for an update on where the fog had lifted.
It was decided to tow the yacht which was a navigational hazard to other vessels in the main shipping lane approximately ten miles to a position approximately five miles north of the F3 Light Vessel where the fog had lifted and which provided a clear passage to Ostend without having to cross the Traffic Separation Scheme.
The all weather lifeboat departed the yacht at 3:15pm and was back on station in Ramsgate Harbour at 4:40pm.
Coxswain Ian Cannon said; 'To break down or lose radar in dense fog in one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes can pose an immediate danger to the vessel and other shipping. The system relies on the predictability of the vessels as they travel at high speeds through narrow predetermined lanes. We are glad that we were able to reposition the vessel and keep all using the shipping lane safe.'
Notes to Editor
Library photo of Diamond Jubilee from Ramsgate RNLI.
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