Offshore Lifeboat Service Reports 2002

 

Edward Duke of Windsor 14-22

 
 05/01/02 Motor Boat "ANY CHANCE"
 
Launched at 16:08 hrs and returned from service at 17:02 hrs.
Service Area: NE of North Foreland, 4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 3, Moderate Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The motor boat "Any Chance", with five persons on board, called the Port Control saying that her engine was broken down and that she was drifting and in need of assistance. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. AWB towed "Any Chance" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 

Esme Anderson 14-02

 
02/03/02 Fishing Boat "LEESON"
 
Launched at 23:14 hrs and returned from service at 23:44 hrs.
Service Area: Near Port Approach Channel, 1.4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind W force 2, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The Fishing Vessel "Leeson" with two persons, suffered a complete electrical failure when approaching the entrance to Ramsgate Harbour. HMCG requested launch of the AWB, which towed "Leeson" in to Ramsgate
 
04/04/02 Motor Boat "SEA SATIN"
 
Launched at 12:07 hrs and returned from service at 13:03 hrs.
Service Area: South of Brake Buoy, 5.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind N force 2, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a request for assistance from the motor boat "Sea Satin", with four persons, broken down south of the Brake buoy. AWB proceeded and towed "Sea Satin" back in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
10/04/02 Semi submerged wreckage
 
Launched at 10:26 hrs and returned from service at 11:05 hrs.
Service Area: North of Broadstairs Knoll, 3.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 7,Rough Seas, Moderate Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a report from a pilot launch of floating wreckage north of the Broadstairs Knoll buoy. HMCG were concerned that there might be a connection to untraced aircraft EPIRB signals received yesterday.
AWB proceeded and located the object, which was a 20 ft long length of oil installation pumping hose. The Hose was retrieved and brought in to Ramsgate.
 
28/04/02 Yacht "GIMMINY KRICKET"
 
Launched at 15:29 hrs and returned from service at 16:16 hrs.
Service Area: Near East Brake, 2.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 8, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The local yacht "Gimminy Kricket", with two persons called HMCG asking for assistance after being dismasted in heavy weather about one mile east of the approach channel. HMCG requested launch of the AWB, but at the same time Thames Coastguard had advised Dover MRCC of a 999 call from a MoP reporting a yacht capsized off Ramsgate with 6 persons in the water. This was passed to the lifeboat and the cox'n ordered the launch of the ILB. Both boats proceeded and shortly afterwards it was confirmed that these were, in fact, the same incident, the 999 report being in error. The AWB took "Giiminy Kricket" in tow in to Ramsgate.
 
17/05/02 Yacht "PINOT"
 
Launched at 15:40 hrs and returned from service at 16:11 hrs.
Service Area: Approach Channel, 1.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 7, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The yacht "Pinot" with two persons called the Port Control requesting assistance after loosing its rudder in the approach channel. In view of the weather and ferry movement in progress, an AWB launch was initiated, with HMCG being informed. AWB towed "Pinot" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
31/05/02 Catamaran "WINDSHADOW"
 
Launched at 23:33 hrs and returned from service at 23:50 hrs.
Service Area: NE of Ramsgate, 1 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the catamaran "Windshadow", with four persons, broken down and becalmed a mile northeast of Ramsgate. AWB towed "Windshadow" in to Ramsgate.
 
12/06/02 Person in water
 
Launched at 09:20 hrs and returned from service at 14:27 hrs.
Service Area: Near Sandettie SW buoy, 16.4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 4, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
At about 0915 hrs the cargo vessels "Risnes" came across a capsized canoe near the Sandettie SW buoy and picked up one person from the sea. This survivor advised that the canoe had been swamped by seas some six hours before, and that there had been another person on board. HMCG requested immediate launch of the AWB, Dover Lifeboat, Calais Lifeboat, and three helicopters also being tasked for the search. Ramsgate Lifeboat was released from service at 1330 hrs and the search called off at 1430, with nothing found.
 
15/06/02 Suspected missing Kite Surfer
 
Launched at 16:30 hrs and returned from service at 18:21 hrs.
Service Area: Sandwich Bay, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 5, Moderate Seas, Swell, Good Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service
 
16/06/02 Motor Boat "REBECCA"
 
Launched at hrs and returned from service at hrs.
Service Area: South Breakwater, 0.4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 5, Rough Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
At 1435 hrs the Port Control received a call on VHF channel 14 from the small motor boat "Rebecca", with two persons. The call was made by an eight year old boy who, with assistance from the Port Control, passed the information that the boat had broken down and was being battered against the south breakwater rocks by the weather and the strong tide. The boy's father was then attempting to hold the boat off the rocks. The AWB was afloat at the time, and responded to the incident, being well to the north of the port. The ILB was paged at the same time, launching at 1448 hrs. In the interim, a local work boat "Bumble", which was near the breakwaters, came to the assistance of "Rebecca". The boatman on "Bumble" reports that when he arrived, the adult from "Rebecca" was in the water, attempting to push the boat off the rocks. Whilst he got back into "Rebecca", the boatman passed a line to the boy in "Rebecca" who took a turn, allowing "Bumble" to control the situation. In the SW wind and the strong current running onto and along the breakwater "Bumble" could not safely tow the "Rebecca" weatherward and decided just to hold her off the breakwater whilst the current to carried her along the rocks to the entrance. The ILB stood by and once it was safe to transfer the tow, the ILB took over and towed "Rebecca" in to the harbour. An ambulance was called as the adult crew member was injured, but fortunately after checking at the hospital, the injuries were no worse than severe cuts and bruises.
 
24/06/02 Upturned boat in water
 
Launched at 13:51 hrs and returned from service at 14:22 hrs.
Service Area: Fayreness Hotel, 4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of both lifeboats after receiving two separate 999 calls reporting the sighting of an upturned boat in the water. Location was confused, and at first there was the possibility of there being two incidents. With Margate ILB, a search was commenced, but investigation by HMCG resolved the confusion, and the incident was classified as a false alarm with good intent.
 
26/06/02 Yacht "GUDGEON"
 
Launched at 16:34 hrs and returned from service at 17:48 hrs.
Service Area: Near N E Goodwin, 4.8 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Gudgeon", with four persons, called the Port Control requesting assistance following an engine failure and being unable to sail against the tide in the light winds. HMCG was consulted and AWB launch initiated. AWB towed "Gudgeon" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
5/07/02 Yacht "AMBERSTAIRE"
 
Launched at 23:40 hrs and returned from service at 01:24 hrs.
Service Area: Near East Goodwin Buoy, 7.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Amberstaire" with three persons had advised HMCG that she had suffered engine and electrical failure. Dover lifeboat, already at sea, commenced escorting "Amberstaire" and when near the East Goodwin buoy, HMCG requested launch of the Ramsgate AWB to take over. AWB took "Amberstaire" in tow in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
7/07/02 Man Overboard
 
Launched at 09:55 hrs and returned from service at 10:11 hrs.
Service Area: Off Broadstairs, 2.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service
 
17/07/02 Angling Boat "OTTO"
 
Launched at 17:07 hrs and returned from service at 18:35 hrs.
Service Area: Off North Foreland, 3.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 3, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The Angling Boat "Otto", with three persons called HMCG by mobile telephone (having no VHF on board), having lost his position and running out of fuel. Launch of the AWB was requested, and, after locating "Otto", AWB towed her in to Ramsgate.
 
20/07/02 A Body
 
Launched at 09:35 hrs and returned from service at 11:41 hrs.
Service Area: Near South Falls Buoy, 13.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 3, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
Following a report from a merchant ship of a body in the water near the South Falls, HMCG requested a lifeboat launch. AWB proceeded and the body of a male person was brought to Ramsgate and landed in care of the Police and Undertaker.
 
21/07/02 Converted Motor Fishing Vessel "CHOICE"
 
Launched at 06:31 hrs and returned from service at 12:42 hrs.
Service Area: Near West Fairy Bank Buoy, 30 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NW force 4, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The converted mfv "Choice", with ten persons called HMCG requesting assistance after commencing to take water. HMCG requested immediate launch of the AWB. Meanwhile, the merchant vessels "European Highway" and "Scott Mariner", diverted to stand by the "Choice", until the lifeboat arrived. On arrival, two lifeboat crew were put aboard "Choice" with a salvage pump, and the inflow of water brought under control. "Choice" was towed in to Ramsgate for investigation of the apparent leak.
 
28/07/02 Yacht "BOLERO"
 
Launched at 15:25 hrs and returned from service at 16:40 hrs.
Service Area: Near NE Goodwin Buoy, 5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind ENE force 2, Slight Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of the AWB to assist the yacht "Bolero", with two persons, which had suffered engine failure and was becalmed, near the NE Goodwin buoy. AWB proceeded and towed "Bolero" in to Ramsgate.
 
31/07/02 Yacht "EMMA"
 
Launched at 12:42 hrs and returned from service at 16:39 hrs.
Service Area: Kentish Knock Buoy, 21 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind S X W force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of the AWB to the yacht "Emma", with three persons, which had suffered engine failure and was becalmed at the Kentish Knock buoy. The yacht was to have returned to Ramsgate, but later asked if it could be taken to Harwich. Arrangements were made to rendezvous with the Harwich Lifeboat, and AWB towed "Emma" to meet the Harwich boat. The tow was transferred at 1510 hrs.
 
7/08/02 Medivac
 
Launched at 11:23 hrs and returned from service at 12:08 hrs.
Service Area: Near Drill Stones, 8 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 3, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the yacht "Blanche", on passage Ramsgate to Harwich. One of the yacht's crew needed rapid transfer ashore, after suffering a severe allergic reaction to salt, and having no medication with him. AWB proceeded and brought the man ashore to be met by an ambulance at Ramsgate.
 
12/8/02 Yacht "DUET"
 
Launched at 08:59 hrs and returned from service at 09:19 hrs.
Service Area: Quern Bank, 0.8 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to yacht "Duet", with one person, which had called for assistance after running aground on the Quern Bank. Cox'n instructed the ILB to launch to assist. Both boats proceeded and help "Duet" to re-float, after which she continued on passage.
 
12/8/02 Yacht "SHULU"
 
Launched at 22:08 hrs and returned from service at 23:30 hrs.
Service Area: Near NE Goodwin Buoy, 5.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind W force 2, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the yacht "Shulu", with two persons, which had suffered engine breakdown whilst on passage Blankenberg to Ramsgate. AWB proceeded, and towed "Shulu" in to Ramsgate.
 
16/8/02 Collision at Sea
 
Launched at 01:57 hrs and returned from service at 02:56 hrs.
Service Area: Near South Falls, 13 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind W X S force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a collision in the Southwest Lane between the merchant vessels "Catharina Oldendorf" and "Slotergracht". AWB proceeded, but whilst on passage was instructed to return to station. The vessels in collision had suffered only minor damages, and no emergency existed.
 
18/8/02 Motor Boat "GRUMPY"
 
Launched at 08:49 hrs and returned from service at 10:13 hrs.
Service Area: North East of NE Goodwin Buoy, 7 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind W X S force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The motor boat "Grumpy" with six persons on board called the Ramsgate Port Control to advise that she had had a fire in her engine room. The fire was out, but "Grumpy" was disabled and required assistance. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. AWB towed "Grumpy" in to Ramsgate.
 
29/8/02 Yacht "REBELLION"
 
Launched at 17:35 hrs and returned from service at 18:32 hrs.
Service Area: Off North Foreland, 3.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind S force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The Yacht "Rebellion", with two persons, called the Port Control requesting assistance having broken down and being unable to sail. A crew were already in the boathouse following previous service and AWB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. AWB towed "Rebellion" in to Ramsgate.
 
30/8/02 Catamaran "VAMP OF SAVANNAH"
 
Launched at 11:56 hrs and returned from service at 14:29 hrs.
Service Area: East of South Falls, 17 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 5, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The catamaran "Vamp of Savannah", with four persons, called HMCG requesting assistance after taking water from unknown cause. On arrival the AWB found that the ingress of water had been contained. Two of the AWB crew were put on board the casualty and AWB escorted "Vamp of Savannah" in to Ramsgate.
 
4/9/02 Yacht "ANTARES"
 
Launched at 16:57 hrs and returned from service at 19:44 hrs.
Service Area: North of South Falls, 14.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 1, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of the AWB to the yacht "Antares", with two persons, which had requested assistance after fouling her propeller with fishing nets. AWB proceeded and towed "Antares" in to Ramsgate.
 
14/9/02 Merchant Vessel "KALIOPE"
 
Launched at 20:47 hrs and returned from service at 00:45 hrs.
Service Area: Near F3 Buoy, 22 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind N force 5, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the merchant vessel "Kaliope", with a cargo of liquid sulphur, which had experienced an engine-room fire. The engine-room had been sealed and it was thought that the fire was extinguished. AWB proceeded and stood by the vessel until the situation had stabilised and the coastguard tug "Anglian Monarch" had arrived. AWB was stood down at 2330 hrs.
 
15/9/02 Yacht "MISTER LIFTER"
 
Launched at 11:34 hrs and returned from service at 13:45 hrs.
Service Area: Off Deal Pier, 9 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NNW force 5, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of the AWB to the yacht "Mister Lifter" with seven persons, which had lost its rudder off Deal Pier. AWB proceeded and towed "Mister Lifter" in to Ramsgate.
 
27/9/02 Fishing Vessel "FAIRWIND"
 
Launched at 11:24 hrs and returned from service at 11:48 hrs.
Service Area: Off Broadstairs, 1.9 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NW force 1, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The fishing vessel "Fairwind", with two persons, called the port control requesting assistance following an engine failure whilst off Broadstairs. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. AWB towed "Fairwind" in to Ramsgate.
 
13/10/02 Yacht "GOOD HOPE"
 
Launched at 21:53 hrs and returned from service at 23:09 hrs.
Service Area: NW of Elbow Buoy, 5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 8, Rough Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Good Hope", with 3 persons called HMCG requesting assistance to get to Ramsgate for shelter. AWB launch was requested, and the AWB towed "Good Hope" in to Ramsgate.
 
25/10/02 Catamaran "PLAYSTATION"
 
Launched at 09:45 hrs and returned from service at 10:20 hrs.
Service Area: End of Approach Channel, 1.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 7, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The large catamaran "Playstation", with 6 persons contacted the Royal Temple Yacht Club saying that she could not manoeuvre against the wind to enter Ramsgate. Port Control were advised and after some discussion with HMCG, AWB launch was requested to assist. AWB reached the catamaran and the Cox'n asked for the ILB to be launched to help by controlling the casualty's stern as the AWB towed her in.
"Playstation" was towed in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
1/12/02 Fishing Vessel "DEFIANT"
 
Launched at 11:14 hrs and returned from service at 12:10 hrs.
Service Area: North of North Foreland, 6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind S force 8, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The fishing vessel "Defiant" with two persons called the Ramsgate Port Control requesting assistance when her wheelhouse windows were stove in by heavy seas. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. The AWB escorted "Defiant" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
4/12/02 Report of Red Flares
 
Launched at13:35 hrs and returned from service at 13:56 hrs.
Service Area: Off Granville Hotel, 0.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind S force 7, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Visibility.
 
Dover MRCC requested the launch of the AWB following the report of a red flare close inshore near the Granville Hotel. AWB searched area but HMCG information soon indicated that the flare had been fired from the beach. AWB returned to station.
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