RNLI Rye Harbour tasked to a sinking boat

At 12.10pm HM Coastguard requested the launch of our Atlantic 85 to assist two young lads who were in a craft that was sinking. Stuart Clark, helm, said, “The two lads swam to shore, and our crew towed their boat into as shallow water as possible so that it was recoverable at low water.”

The crew was able to assemble quickly as many of the shore crew were attending the Cas Care course at the boathouse. Stuart was joined in the boat by Rob, Tia and Ron from Littlestone who was on the course. Shore crew were Chris King (DLA), Gary, Jack, Emma, Mick C, Steve and Neil J.

The boat was back at the station at 1.30 and prepared for further launches.

As always, this was a good professional team effort. For some of the new recruits these real experiences are a valuable enhancement of the scenario training they have been receiving.

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The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

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