Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat rescued two people after their personal watercraft (PWC) experienced machinery failure off the north Kent coast yesterday (August 19).
Margate’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew were paged around 5.30pm following a report to UK Coastguard of two people in the water with their craft off Epple Bay, Birchington. With concern for their safety the inshore lifeboat was tasked to investigate.
When the lifeboat arrived, the craft had drifted down-tide to a position off Westgate with the two occupants still in the water. They were taken on board the lifeboat and it was established their craft had broken down and they were attempting to return it to the shore from in the water itself.
The PWC was taken under tow and together with the two people, who were unharmed after their mishap, returned to its launching site at Beresford Gap.
Paul Hodson, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Margate RNLI said: “If your craft breaks down we urge you to remain on board and attempt to raise the alarm by attracting the attention of people ashore or using the recognised means of indicating you need assistance: flares, marine VHF radio or if close to shore via the 999 system to the coastguard from a mobile phone.”
