Rnli

[Rich2484]

This one if of an underpass near the town centre. It goes under the a20 on the docks route.

[Rich2484]

Well it happened again.

 

Another Xmas eve callout. A life raft in the water reported by a ferry and the ferry stood by it until we arrived.

 

It was empty, so not sure if that was a good thing or not, either there was someone in it at some point or it was empty to start with.

 

Sadly no markings on it so unknown what vessel it was from. Now in the coastguards hands.

 

I'm hoping that's it for Xmas.

 

Have a safe Xmas everyone.

[Rich2484]

Quick message form the rnli lads.

 

Please don't drink and drown. It's one thing I could personally not have to deal with this year please.

 

But on that note please enjoy and have fun.

[Rich2484]

I do like an early morning call....

 

06.50am, page call to a fishing vessel taking on water, between Folkestone and Dover.

 

When on scene the skipper had managed to sort of plug the hole with wood, but water was still getting in. No tow asked for but crew put on board with the salvage pump while the lifeboat escorted them back to Dover.

 

Once at Dover the vessel was lifted out the water and put on dry dock.

 

Lifeboat alongside and ready for service at 08.30am.

[Rich2484]

With the storms coming in thick and fast I really can't push to people how important it is that they ensure there family and friends know when to keep a safe distance from the waters edge.

 

A tide will turn on you very fast.

 

The waves and break waters may look good when they wash in and great big white horses, but remember that water that has just washed up the wall and piers also has to go back again. And it will take anything that it can get hold of.

 

The chances of getting back to shore again and slim to none. Yet alone getting seen. A person in a life jacket is one of the hardest things to see in calm waters let alone rough seas. All you see from the bridge of a boat is the head and shoulders.

 

Two lives have been lost already due to people getting too close to the waters edge. A waste of lives, but also remember you are not just putting your loves in danger but also the 6-7 lives of the crews of the lifeboats at risk to come and search for you.

 

Please use common sense and if it look too rough, then stay away.

 

Keep safe people.

[Rich2484]

Counting down the days.

 

From the 26th I will be on a week course in Poole on sea survival course. A nice week away, all inclusive, nice rooms and rest.

 

Oh but there will be some work in a pool with waves, hurricane winds, lightning, down pours. And capsizing ribs, lift rafts, and plenty of being out on a lifeboat for the days.

 

Oh and I'm sure there will be plenty of puke aswell.......

 

So a nice busmans holiday.

 

Video below..

 

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[Dan Earp]

Just get out beyond the harbour lol plenty of waves theres 😜 shame in m not visiting family then as id meet up for a pint on the key lol

[Rich2484]

Just get out beyond the harbour lol plenty of waves theres 😜 shame in m not visiting family then as id meet up for a pint on the key lol

 

Shame. Would ben nice dan. If I'm not too knackered. :lol: or feel too rough.

 

I've heard plenty of horror story's. Like before the life raft assessment they give you the biggest best slap up meal you can have.....:puke:

[GardenKit]

Be the first in the water, swim to the liferaft and be the first there. Stay outside and help everyone else in, then get in last.

That way you will be by the entrance flap and can stick your head out for fresh air on the pretext of being lookout.

Otherwise it gets pretty hot and smelly in there quite quickly. If one pukes, then most will follow.

I was lucky, I managed not too, but it was close!

 

Have a great time.

[Rich2484]

dover lifeboats first call of the year.

 

at 3am this morning a collision happened in the channel near dungeness power station. our sister station was called first to attend.

 

the collision was a tug towing a barge, when a commercial vessel crossed over the tow, the tow was some 400m long, the commercial vessel then got snagged on the tow wire, this then started to pull the barge and the tug behind it. the tug crew cut the tow as the commercial vessel didnt respond to radio calls and signals from the tug.

the commercial vessel is at anchor and awaiting divers to asses the damage.

 

the tug has had some considerable damage, it has lost its rudder and lost a prop, it is now getting ready to be pulled back to dover by another tug, the barge is being pulled in by a seperate tug.

 

lifeboat is standing by all vessels as there is a serious risk at this time.

 

dover lifeboat was launched at 09.45am, after dungeness lifeboat was stood down.