Offshore Lifeboat Service Reports 1999

 

Esme Anderson 14-02

 
03/01/99 Fishing Vessel "HARVESTER"
 
Launched at 13:35. Returned at 14:30
Response Time 07 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 55 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 005°. Distance 6.0 miles
Weather :- Wind NW force 9. Sea State Very Rough. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The local fishing vessel "HARVESTER", with three persons, acting as dive support vessel for works on a ship in Margate Roads, was heeled over in heavy seas and took a large amount of water. "HARVESTER" sent a Mayday on VHF. Both boats launched upon receiving the Mayday call. Meanwhile, "HARVESTER"s crew got the situation under control and with engine running were able to pump the boat out. The Lifeboats escorted "HARVESTER" in to Ramsgate.
 
02/05/99 Missing Swimmers
 
Launched at 04:21. Returned at 04:28
Response Time 12 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 07 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 140°. Distance 0.5 miles
Weather :- Wind NNE force 2. Sea State Slight. Visibility Moderate.
 
Brief Account
HMCG receives telephone call from MoP reporting two swimmers missing from Ramsgate Main Sands, following a beach party. Both boats launched. ILB proceeded to the sands and found one of the swimmers regaining shore, the other still missing. AWB on passage to area located the missing young lady swimmer, near No.5 channel buoy, in severe distress. The swimmer was landed to ambulance at Ramsgate.
 
11/05/99 Yacht "REFLEX"
 
Launched at 22:07. Returned at 00:37
Response Time 07 Minutes. Time at Sea 02 hrs 30 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 115°. Distance 15.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SW force 5. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the yacht "REFLEX", with four persons, which had had a steering gear failure near the South Falls Buoy. AWB proceeded and towed "REFLEX" in to Ramsgate.
 
15/05/99 Sloop "CABALA BLUE"
 
Launched at 10:25. Returned at 10:51
Response Time 03 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 26 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 105°. Distance 4.0 miles
Weather :- Wind NE force 6. Sea State Rough. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
HMCG requested lifeboat launch when the yacht "CABALA BLUE" with four persons was reported aground on the North Sands. AWB and ILB launched, but on arrival on scene it was found that the yacht had re-floated. Having checked that all was well, both boats returned to station.
 
15/05/99 Yacht "INTENTION"
 
Launched at 14:23. Returned at 17:19
Response Time 06 Minutes. Time at Sea 02 hrs 56 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 075°. Distance 16.0 miles
Weather :- Wind NE force 6. Sea State Rough. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The yacht "INTENTION" with people, had lost it's rudder and was making for Ramsgate using a jury-rig. HMCG assessed the situation and recommended that the yacht have assistance. AWB launch was requested, and the AWB escorted "INTENTION" in to Ramsgate.
 
22/05/99 Yacht "ROTHEA"
 
Launched at 21:49. Returned at 00:52
Response Time 15 Minutes. Time at Sea 03 hrs 03 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 050°. Distance 15.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SW force 4. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The yacht "ROTHEA" with two persons on passage Ipswich to Ramsgate was unable to make headway off the Falls Head. The crew became tired and disoriented, and called HMCG requesting assistance. AWB launched and, after locating "ROTHEA" took the casualty in tow to Ramsgate.
 
26/05/99 Fishing Vessel "BELTANE"
 
Launched at 14:07. Returned at 15:04
Response Time 05 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 57 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 180°. Distance 4.0 miles
Weather :- Wind S force 4. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The local fishing vessel "BELTANE" with two persons, called the Ramsgate Port Control requesting assistance, after being immobilised with fishing nets around her propeller. Immediately afterwards, radio contact with the "BELTANE" was lost. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG informed. AWB proceeded and towed "BELTANE" in to Ramsgate.
 
28/05/99 Yacht "LAURA JANE"
 
Launched at 18:31. Returned at 20:50
Response Time 08 Minutes. Time at Sea 02 hrs 19 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 130°. Distance 13.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SW force 6. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The yacht "LAURA JANE", with persons, called HMCG requesting assistance after running over a submerged rope and fouling her propeller and rudder. AWB launch was requested and the AWB towed "LAURA JANE
 
30/05/99 Four Yachts in Difficulty
 
Launched at 11:09. Returned at 11:28
Response Time 02 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 19 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 240°. Distance 2.0 miles
Weather :- Wind NE force 7. Sea State Rough. Visibility Moderate.
 
Brief Account
AWB launched to assist 4 sailing dinghys in Sandwich Bay. See account of ILB service to this incident.
 
30/05/99 Unnamed Boat on Fire
 
Launched at 11:28. Returned at 11:52
Response Time Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 24 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 260°. Distance 3.0 miles
Weather :- Wind NE force 7. Sea State Slight. Visibility Moderate.
 
Brief Account
AWB was diverted on service to a boat on fire at Richborough Quay. See account of ILB service to this incident.
 
30/05/99 Motor Boat "REGAL SAPPHIRE"
 
Launched at 14:41. Returned at 17:28
Response Time 13 Minutes. Time at Sea 02 hrs 47 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 135°. Distance 8.5 miles
Weather :- Wind NE force 7. Sea State Rough. Visibility Poor.
 
Brief Account
HMCG requested AWB launch following a request for assistance from the fast motor boat "Regal Sapphire", with four persons, which had broken down in bad weather near the East Goodwin. AWB eventually located "Regal Sapphire",which had been taken in tow by the ex RNLI Lifeboat "Onward" - neither craft having advised HMCG of this. The tow was nearing the sands and the AWB took over, with "Onward" continuing on passage. "Regal Sapphire" was towed in to Ramsgate.
 
19/07/99 Yacht " JANTINE"
 
Launched at 19:39. Returned at 21:00
Response Time 05 Minutes. Time at Sea 01 hrs 21 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 045°. Distance 5.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SW force 5. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The yacht "JANTINE", with 5 persons, called Port Control and advised of [problems with an overheated engine, whilst near the Elbow Buoy. Port Control passed message to HMCG, Dover, who made contact with the yacht, and then requested AWB launch. AWB towed "JANTINE" into Ramsgate Harbour.
 
24/07/99 Yacht "SWALLOW"
 
Launched at 11:15. Returned at 12:59
Response Time 06 Minutes. Time at Sea 01 hrs 44 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 030°. Distance 7.5 miles
Weather :- Wind SE force 2. Sea State Slight. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The yacht "SWALLOW" with eight persons called HMCG requesting assistance after having engine failure near the North East Spit buoy. AWB launched and towed the "SWALLOW" in to Ramsgate.
 
25/07/99 Aqua Car
 
Launched at 20:28. Returned at 21:05
Response Time 08 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 37 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 222°. Distance 2.0 miles
Weather :- Wind NE force 6. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
HMCG received a report of an amphibious car being towed by two jet skis in Pegwell Bay, and requested launch of the AWB. After a short search, it was confirmed that the amphibious car had in fact sunk in the river off Shellness and that all persons were accounted for.
 
31/07/99 Fishing Vessel "HARVESTER"
 
Launched at 13:39. Returned at 15:04
Response Time 05 Minutes. Time at Sea 01 hrs 25 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 020°. Distance 6.0 miles
Weather :- Wind VAR force 2. Sea State Slight. Visibility Moderate.
 
Brief Account
Mfv "HARVESTER" with two persons called its owner by mobile telephone requesting assistance after suffering engine failure 3 miles north of North Foreland. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. "HARVESTER" was towed back to Ramsgate.
 
03/08/99 Reported Missing Person
 
Launched at 00:49. Returned at 02:01
Response Time 09 Minutes. Time at Sea 01 hrs 12 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 270°. Distance 0.5 miles
Weather :- Wind W X S force 2. Sea State Slight. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
See ILB account of this service.
 
06/08/99 Yacht "SUNDAY"
 
Launched at 18:28. Returned at 19:27
Response Time 08 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 59 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 120°. Distance 5.0 miles
Weather :- Wind ENE force 6. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The yacht "SUNDAY" with two persons, called Port Control advising she was aground at the North Sands and requesting assistance. Launch of both boats was initiated and HMCG advised. On arrival it was found that "SUNDAY" had refloated and was inside the sands. With ILB sounding the AWB closed the casualty and gave directions, escorting her clear. The "SUNDAY" was then escorted in to Ramsgate.
 
10/08/99 Yacht "WIDGEON"
 
Launched at 16:26. Returned at 17:12
Response Time 04 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 46 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 080°. Distance 5.5 miles
Weather :- Wind force . Sea State . Visibility .
 
Brief Account
The yacht "WIDGEON", with three persons, called Port Control to request assistance after jamming her sails and being unable to start her engine. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. AWB towed "WIDGEON" in to Ramsgate.
 
17/08/99 Yacht "SIDDHARTHA"
 
Launched at 12:17. Returned at 12:56
Response Time 07 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 39 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 105°. Distance 6.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SSW force 4. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The motor yacht "SIDDHARTHA", with three persons, called the Port Control advising that she had dropped her anchor and could not retrieve it, and requesting assistance. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. On arrival, two lifeboat crew members boarded "SIDDHARTHA" and were able to haul in the anchor. AWB returned to station whilst "SIDDHARTHA" proceeded to Ramsgate.
 
Photo from my collection
 
24/08/99 Motor Vessel "EVER DECENT"
 
Launched at 01:12. Returned at 14:09
Response Time 10 Minutes. Time at Sea 29 hrs 23 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 068°. Distance 20.4 miles
Weather :- Wind E force 5. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The container vessel "EVER DECENT" was in collision with the cruise liner "NORWEGIAN DREAM" about four miles SE of the Falls Head Buoy. "Ever Decent" had a crew of 17 and "Norwegian Dream" had about 2800 persons on board. Ramsgate, Margate and Dover AWB's launched, and with "Norwegian Dream" requiring no assistance, stood by "Ever Decent" during subsequent fire-fighting operations by the ship’s crew and salvors. After launching, the AWB was at scene until 2318 hrs, coming into Ramsgate once for 35 minutes for fueling. From 2318 on the 24th, the boat lay in Ramsgate , with the crew on immediate notice, until she left to resume on scene standby at 0625 hrs on the 25th. AWB left the casualty after noon on the 25th to return to Ramsgate, to on station stand by with crew at immediate readiness. Requirement for lifeboat cover was ceased at about 1705 hrs on the 25th, when crew returned to normal readiness. On this service the AWB was at sea for a total of 29 hrs 23 mins.
During her time on scene the AWB spent periods close alongside the casualty on the other side from the fire-fighting tugs, and passed radio information to direct the tugs’ fire monitors in to areas where the fire-fighters could not properly see.
 

Photo from my collection
Norwegian Dream at Stavanger Norway 23 June 1999
Photo Ray Noble
The Ever Decent on fire
 
26/08/99 Motor Yacht "EILEAN A'CHAO"
 
Launched at 14:39. Returned at 15:49
Response Time 08 Minutes. Time at Sea 01 hrs 10 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 075°. Distance 5.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SW force 6. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The motor yacht "Eilean A'Chao", with two person, called HMCG reporting taking water near the North East Goodwin, and requesting assistance. AWB launched and on arrival transferred two crew on to casualty to assist. The boat's own pump was, in fact, coping with the ingress of water. The two lifeboat crew remained on "Eilean A'Chao" whilst the AWB escorted her in to Ramsgate.
 
31/08/99 Fishing Vessel "NEW DAWN"
 
Launched at 12:28. Returned at 13:39
Response Time 08 Minutes. Time at Sea 01 hrs 11 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 106°. Distance 8.9 miles
Weather :- Wind NW force 4. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
Dover Coastguard requested the launch of the AWB following reports of a flare being seen off Ramsgate. The AWB found the local fishing vessel "NEW DAWN", with one person, disabled through engine failure. The AWB towed "NEW DAWN" back in to Ramsgate.
 
09/09/99 Fishing Vessel "FLORENCE DOWN"
 
Launched at 21:04. Returned at 21:52
Response Time 11 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 48 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 130°. Distance 3.0 miles
Weather :- Wind ENE force 4. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The local fishing vessel "FLORENCE DOWN", with two persons, called the Port Control advising that they had broken down near the North Goodwin buoy and requesting assistance. HMCG were advised, and AWB launch initiated. The AWB towed "FLORENCE DOWN" back in to Ramsgate.  
 
16/09/99 Fishing Vessel "SOLAR STAR"
 
Launched at 10:41. Returned at 13:52
Response Time 06 Minutes. Time at Sea 03 hrs 11 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 055°. Distance 11.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SSW force 7. Sea State Rough. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The local fishing vessel "SOLAR STAR" with two persons called the Port Control to advise she had suffered engine failure whilst west of the Drill Stones buoy and requested assistance. HMCG were advised and the AWB launched. The "SOLAR STAR" was towed back in to Ramsgate.
 
17/09/99 Motor Cruiser "SEA SPIRIT"
 
Launched at 18:09. Returned at 19:05
Response Time 07 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 56 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 085°. Distance 18.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SW force 5. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
HMCG advised that the Dutch Motor Cruiser "SEA SPIRIT" with two persons was disabled, apparently with fouled propellers. AWB launched and towed the "SEA SPIRIT" in to Ramsgate.
 
29/09/99 Medivac - Fisheries Patrol Vessel "John V Storey"

Launched at 14:42. Returned at 14:53

Response Time 09 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 11 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 055°. Distance 5.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SW force 8. Sea State Rough. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
A crewman on the fisheries vessel "John V Storey" fell and suffered a back injury. Vessel asked for a medivac and HMCG requested AWB launch, with rescue helicopter also being tasked. On scene, with radio medical advice, it was decided that it was too rough to evacuate by either lifeboat or helicopter, and two lifeboat crew were put on board to assist, whilst vessel was escorted to Ramsgate. Injured man was landed to ambulance, and eventually allowed home. In fact, the injured man was one of the Ramsgate Lifeboat Crew.
 
16/10/99 Search for Manoverboard
 
Launched at 09:15. Returned at 13:34
Response Time 07 Minutes. Time at Sea 04 hrs 19 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 095°. Distance 16.0 miles
Weather :- Wind ESE force 3. Sea State Slight. Visibility Moderate.
 
Brief Account
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a report of a man lost overboard during the night from the vessel "Julia Isobelle" southbound in the traffic lanes. Along with Coastguard and Rescue Helicopters, the Ramsgate, Dover and Dungeness Lifeboats carried out a search between the Mid Falls and the Varne, but nothing found.
 
19/10/99 Yacht "ORCA"
 
Launched at 17:17. Returned at 17:35
Response Time 07 Minutes. Time at Sea 00 hrs 18 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 082°. Distance 1.0 miles
Weather :- Wind E force 8. Sea State Rough. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The yacht "ORCA", with 4 persons called the port control saying she had no engine and with sails damaged in the bad weather was being blown down onto the shore and needed assistance. HMCG were advised, and AWB launched. AWB took "ORCA" in tow into Ramsgate.
 
24/10/99 Yacht "KING'S LEDGEND"
 
Launched at 08:38. Returned at 11:03
Response Time 06 Minutes. Time at Sea 02 hrs 25 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 060°. Distance 14.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SE force 9. Sea State Very Rough. Visibility Moderate.
 
Brief Account
The yacht "KING'S LEDGEND", with eight persons on passage Ymuiden to Falmouth began taking water when near the South Falls Head. Assistance was requested as vessel had no pumps and crew baling were not keeping up with the ingress. AWB launch was requested. On arrival AWB found water ingress was being held and AWB escorted craft under sail inwards, taking her in tow in calmer water. AWB towed "KING'S LEDGEND" in to Ramsgate in 60 knot SW'ly winds.
 
26/10/99 Fishing Vessel "DELTA STAR"
 
Launched at 10:11. Returned at 12:45
Response Time 06 Minutes. Time at Sea 02 hrs 34 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 020°. Distance 9.5 miles
Weather :- Wind W force 4. Sea State Moderate. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
The local fishing vessel "DELTA STAR", with three persons, suffered engine and electrical failure whilst fishing near the North East Spit buoy. The vessel telephoned the RNLI boathouse, requesting assistance and AWB launch was initiated, HMCG being informed. AWB towed "DELTA STAR" back in to Ramsgate.
 
05/11/99 Search for Red Flares
 
Launched at 16:42. Returned at 17:56
Response Time 07 Minutes. Time at Sea 01 hrs 14 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 190°. Distance 4.0 miles
Weather :- Wind SW force 8. Sea State Rough. Visibility Moderate.
 
Brief Account
HMCG requested launch of AWB on search, following a report from a MoP of red flares seen out to sea. AWB, along with Walmer ILB, searched, but nothing was found.
 
09/11/99 Yacht "RASMUS"
 
Launched at 20:25. Returned at 22:39
Response Time 11 Minutes. Time at Sea 02 hrs 14 mins.
Service Position From Station - Bearing 117°. Distance 4.0 miles
Weather :- Wind N force 7. Sea State Rough. Visibility Good.
 
Brief Account
HMCG were advised by Falmouth Coastguard of an Inmarsat alert from a vessel «RASMUS», giving a position on the north of the Goodwin sands. At the same time, reports of red flares were received, and launch of both lifeboats was requested.
On arrival on scene, Lifeboats found the 18.9 metre yacht «RASMUS» aground on the North Sand Head, being driven on by the strong northerly winds. The yacht was pounding on the ground as it was driven over shallow patches, and it’s mast had broken, partially lying across the deck and part in the water, along with all it’s rigging.
The lifeboats approached, with the ILB sounding in, and once alongside an ILB crew member boarded the yacht. It was found that, having fired their flares, the three yacht crew had taken shelter in the cabin and were trapped there when the wreckage of the mast fell across the cabin hatchway, making it impossible for them to open the hatch. A crewman from the AWB was now put on the yacht and the wreckage was shifted from the hatch and the three survivors extricated with some difficulty. At this stage, it was apparent that the three survivors were suffering minor cuts and bruises, aggravated by hypothermia and shock. Furthermore, the lifeboats were still in amongst the sands in the prevailing heavy seas and northerly swell and in danger of grounding or damage. The Cox’n therefore decided to take the survivors off the yacht, and took the AWB stern on to the casualty, clear of overside wreckage, and held her in position whilst the survivors were passed over, and the two lifeboat crew recovered.
The Lifeboats then made full speed for Ramsgate, arriving at 2103 hrs, and landed the three survivors to ambulance at Ramsgate Harbour.
It was then decided that the Lifeboats would return to sea to search for the yacht as, if it were still afloat and adrift, it would constitute a major hazard to navigation. The lifeboats left at 2122 hrs, and after a short search found the yacht adrift in the Gull Stream. The «RASMUS» was towed back in to Ramsgate by the AWB with the ILB in attendance and once in the harbour the lifeboat crew made secure the mast and rigging on deck and moored the yacht in the inner marina.
 
Photo Ray Noble
 
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