An early start to the day for Ramsgate RNLI as yacht suffers engine failure
On Monday 11 June at 05.33am the all-weather lifeboat 'Esme Anderson' was launched to the assistance of a 31ft yacht with engine failure near the North East Goodwin buoy off Ramsgate.
Once on the scene the crew of the yacht were requested to pull their anchor up, but they were unable to do so as it was stuck too firmly. The all-weather boat crew then asked the crew to loop the tow rope around their anchor chain, which enabled the lifeboat to pull the anchor free from the sea bed, which allowed the casualty to retrieve their anchor.
Once this was completed the Esme Anderson was then able to tow the yacht safely into harbour.
What appears to be a simple thing shows the expertise and experience of the crew of the RNLI in handling these situations.
In 2015 there were 818 RNLI lifeboat launches nationally to yachts alone and that number increases as yachting becomes more popular. If you are taking to the seas always carry a means of calling for help and ensure everyone onboard knows how to use it.
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RNLI Media Contacts
Karen Cox Local Press Officer coxinthebox63@gmail.com tel 07779 848431
Paul Dunt Regional Media Officer London and South East email paul_dunt@rnli.org.uk tel 0778520296252.
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 over 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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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