Dungeness RNLI in search for missing plane
The pagers sounded at 2.08am on Saturday 14 March requesting Dungeness lifeboat to perform a search for an aircraft after an emergency squawk was received.
The lifeboat launched at 2.30am and made best speed to the last known location of the aircraft.
Over the course of four hours, 2 search patterns were conducted alongside the coastguard helicopter, but nothing was found.
The lifeboat was then stood down by UK Coastguard just before 7am and returned to station.
If you are interested in volunteering at Dungeness RNLI, we have a number of opportunities available, no maritime experience needed. Contact [email protected] or 01797 320317 for more information.
Notes to Editors
· Dungeness lifeboat station has been running since 1826, celebrating its 200th year in 2026.
· The station received the first Shannon-class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet in 2014 – The Morrell.
· The station is famous for its Lady Launchers, local women and wives of the crew who helped launch the lifeboat until 1977.
Ends
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact:
Sarah Beck, Dungeness Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or 07956 615429
Jess Curtis, Regional Media Officer on 07724 801305 or [email protected]
Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 or [email protected].
RNLI Press Office is available 24/7 365 days a year 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.