First launch for Ramsgate RNLI Tamar class Lifeboat
A call from a concerned member of the public meant that the Diamond Jubilee launched in the middle of storm Isha.
Both lifeboats had been tasked to search but with Storm Isha in full force and a south-westerly wind blowing Force 10 and gusting to Force 11, it was decided that it was too rough to launch the inshore lifeboat as the wind kept pushing the boat back against the pontoon.
The search was co-ordinated by the Coastguard assisted by the Police with a shoreline and water search being carried out. A report was eventually received that the person had been found safe and sound ashore.
The volunteer crew then returned to the warmth of the Lifeboat Station. Although it was the first outing for the Diamond Jubilee, she performed well in the heavy weather and it was the sort of situation that her volunteer crew had trained for.
Karen Cox Lifeboat Press Officer Email:[email protected]
Tel: 07779848431.
Julie Rainey RNLI Regional Media Manager (South East) Email: [email protected] Tel: 07827358256
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.