Margate’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat has assisted a motor cruiser after it issued a Mayday call reporting a suspected engine compartment fire while off the north Kent coast
The alarm was raised just after midday today (Monday 7 August) when the 10m motor cruiser with five people on board issued a distress call.
The motor cruiser, on passage from Windsor to Ramsgate, was around two miles north east of Margate and the distress call was picked up by UK Coastguard who immediately tasked Margate’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat. A nearby windfarm support vessel also responded to the call and stood by the disabled craft.
When the lifeboat arrived two crew members with fire extinguishers were put on board and established the five people were safe and uninjured. After isolating the boat’s electrical system, careful examination established that there were no longer any signs of fire.
The vessel was taken in tow by the lifeboat to Ramsgate harbour where it was met by local coastguard officers and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
Ian Lowe, deputy launching authority Margate lifeboat, said: “Fortunately those on board were well prepared for any contingency. They quickly broadcast a Mayday call via marine VHF radio and all on board donned lifejackets. They also avoided opening the engine compartment which could have reignited any fire that may have been present.”