Margate RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew had a busy bank holiday weekend responding to five diverse calls for their services.
The weekend involved taskings for both the B class and D class lifeboats and started late Saturday evening when, together with Ramsgate RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, they attended a yacht aground on a sandbank 15 miles off Margate. The call involved two separate launches for the Margate crew over an 11 hour period.
On Sunday evening the smaller D class lifeboat assisted shoreside agencies following concern for the safety of a person on Margate harbour arm which was resolved satisfactorily.
Monday brought three further calls, firstly where a disabled cabin cruiser was towed to Ramsgate harbour by the B class lifeboat. Later in the day, assistance was provided on two separate callouts to jet-skis in difficulties off Botany Bay, both incidents also involving support from RNLI lifeguards in the area. Margate Coastguard Rescue Team provided shoreside support as the lifeboat crews carried out their work.
Between their essential lifesaving duties the crew found time for their annual Family Day and barbecue on Saturday afternoon.
Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, RNLI Margate said: “Our team is always on alert during bank holiday weekends, especially where the weather is reasonable enough to tempt people to get out and about. This weekend was particularly busy and we thank not only the volunteer crews but their families whom will also have had their weekend disrupted.”
