Offshore Lifeboat Service Reports 2003

 

Esme Anderson 14-02

 
 18/01/03 Motor Boat "SPIRIT OF JOY"
 
Launched at 17:16 hrs and returned from service at 18:53 hrs.
Service Area: Near NE Goodwin buoy, 7.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind S force 6, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of the AWB to assist the 40ft motor boat "Spirit of Joy". Casualty had requested assistance due to being unsure of his position and unable to navigate in the rough seas. Upon arrival the AWB found that the single crew on "Spirit of Joy" was unable to leave the cabin to take a tow line. Due to the rough weather, and there being no danger to the casualty, it was decided not to attempt to transfer a lifeboat crew member. Over VHF, the casualty crew was encouraged to navigate his vessel and follow the lifeboat in to Ramsgate. "Spirit of Joy" made harbour safely with lifeboat escorting and guiding.
 
24/01/03 Fishing Boat "DAWN DIVER"
 
Launched at 14:46 hrs and returned from service at 15:24 hrs.
Service Area: South of the Harbour, 1.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind WSW force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The fishing vessel "Dawn Diver", with two persons, called the port control requesting assistance following a water cooling failure. HMCG were advised and AWB launch was initiated. AWB towed "Dawn Diver" back in to Ramsgate.
 
13/04/03 Power Boat "HURRICANE GEORGE"
 
Launched at 10:16 hrs and returned from service at 10:36 hrs.
Service Area: Mouth of the River Stour, 2.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E X S force 3, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The power boat "Hurricane George", with one person, called the port control on VHF Ch14 saying that she was aground in the Stour entrance and requested assistance. She had seen the ILB (on exercise) passing up river earlier, but had not been able to contact the lifeboat. After consultation with the Hon Sec and 2nd Cox'n an AWB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. AWB towed "Hurricane George" off the bank and the casualty was able to proceeded up river under her own power.
 
22/04/03 Fishing Vessel "PREDATOR"
 
Launched at 13:47 hrs and returned from service at 18:15 hrs.
Service Area: East of North Falls, 30 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E force 3, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a call for assistance from the fishing vessel "Predator", with two persons. "Predator" had suffered a blown engine whilst fishing off the North falls. AWB towed "Predator" in to Ramsgate.
 
24/5/03 Small Motor Boat "SOROYA"
 
Launched at 12:49 hrs and returned from service at 13:04 hrs.
Service Area: Off Broadstairs, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service
 
01/06/03 Yacht "OXYDO"
 
Launched at 04:48 hrs and returned from service at 05:08 hrs.
Service Area: South of Quern Bank, 1.25 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The yacht "Oxydo" on passage St. Catherines to Zeebrugge with seven persons suffered engine and electrical failure whilst off Ramsgate. "Oxydo" asked for assistance from HMCG and AWB launch was requested. AWB towed "Oxydo" in to Ramsgate and at the request of the skipper arranged for an ambulance to meet the boat to attend to a crew member with a suspected back injury.
 
04/06/03 Fishing Vessel "BOY WILLIAM"
 
Launched at 14:19 hrs and returned from service at 15:31 hrs.
Service Area: North of North Sand Head, 4.76 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NW force 3, Calm Seas, No Swell, Poor Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following the fishing vessel "Boy William", with two persons, running out of fuel off Ramsgate. AWB towed "Boy William" in to Ramsgate.
 
08/06/03 Yacht "SANDHOPPER"
 
Launched at 17:52 hrs and returned from service at 18:48 hrs.
Service Area: Broadstairs Knoll, 2.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 7, Rough Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Sandhopper", with two persons, called the port control reporting engine overheating. In the strong north-going tide, and southerly winds, "Sandhopper" was unable to make headway towards Ramsgate and requested assistance. After consultation with HMCG, AWB launch was initiated. AWB towed "Sandhopper" in to Ramsgate
 
08/06/03 Yacht "G.TONGA II"
 
Launched at 18:58 hrs and returned from service at 20:49 hrs.
Service Area: Off the North East Goodwin, 5.4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 7, Rough Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
As the AWB returned from previous service ("Sandhopper") HMCG requested she launch again to the yacht "G.Tonga II", with one person, which had suffered engine failure off the North East Goodwin. In the strong tide and adverse strong winds, "G.Tonga II" was unable to make headway. AWB towed the yacht in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
14/06/03 Yacht "PHYDRA"
 
Launched at 16:13 hrs and returned from service 18:01 at hrs.
Service Area: North Sand Head, 5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 5, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service
14/06/03 Yacht "PHYDRA"
 
Launched at 21:13 hrs and returned from service at 23:09 hrs.
Service Area: North Sand Head, 5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 4, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
Attending "Phydra" as she refloated. See ILB account of this service.
 
17/06/03 Yacht "SKUA 4"
 
Launched at 13:52 hrs and returned from service at 13:54 hrs.
Service Area: North of Ramsgate Approach Channel, 0.4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 4, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
At 13:10 the yacht "Skua 4" called the port control saying that smoke was coming from his engine. The nearby m/b "Eva J" offered assistance and casualty indicated that this was what was required. However, whilst waiting for the arrival of "Eva J", "Skua 4" said that he was taking in water. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. "Eva J" reached the casualty and took it in tow, with "Skua 4" crew bailing. AWB joined the tow at the breakwater entrance and escorted the two craft in to the harbour.
 
18/06/03 Unnamed Yacht
 
Launched at 16:12 hrs and returned from service at 16:20 hrs.
Service Area: Cross Ledge, 1.97 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 8, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The Ramsgate Port Control had been observing the yacht anchored at the Cross Ledge for some time. No persons had been seen on board, and sails were loose in the increasing weather condition. HMCG were consulted and the AWB, going to sea for an engine trail, was diverted to look at the boat. On arrival they saw no persons and could attract no attention and so a lifeboat crew member was put on board. A man was below in the cabin, who told them that he had just purchased the boat and was trying it out. He was fine and needed no assistance. The boat had no radio and no pyrotechnics on board.
 
19/06/03 Yacht "APOLLONIA"
 
Launched at 16:44 hrs and returned from service at 17:37 hrs.
Service Area: Broadstairs Knoll, 3.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind WSW force 5, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Apollonia", with three persons, called the port control requesting assistance after suffering engine failure and being unable to make away against wind and tide. AWB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. AWB towed "Apollonia" in to Ramsgate.
 
29/06/03 Barge "RO-AN"
 
Launched at 06:21 hrs and returned from service at 07:12 hrs.
Service Area: Stone Bay, 2.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E force 2, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a PAN broadcast from the barge "Ro-An", with 4 persons, broken down close inshore at Stone Bay. AWB towed "Ro-An" in to Ramsgate.
 
09/07/03 Yacht "ZUIDERZEE"
 
Launched at 15:00 hrs and returned from service at 18:34 hrs.
Service Area: East of Falls Head, 24 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Zuiderzee", with two persons, called HMCG for assistance when her engine failed and she was becalmed. AWB launch was requested and the AWB towed the yacht in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
12/07/03 Yacht "YASMIN"
 
Launched at 18:02 hrs and returned from service at 19:21 hrs.
Service Area: Botany Bay, 4.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the yacht "Yasmin" with eight persons, broken down and becalmed off Botany Bay. "Yasmin" was anchored and on arrival AWB found her too close inshore to reach. Margate ILB launched to assist and helped "Yasmin" to raise her anchor and tow her into deeper water. AWB took over and towed "Yasmin" in to Ramsgate.
 
20/07/03 Motor Boat "EXCELL III"
 
Launched at 08:16 hrs and returned from service at 10:15 hrs.
Service Area: Near South Falls, 10.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind W force 3, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The motor boat "Excell III", with 5 persons, called HMCG for assistance after suffering engine failure. AWB launch was requested and the AWB towed "Excell III" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
20/07/03 Yacht "AISHLING"
 
Launched at 13:08 hrs and returned from service at 13:45 hrs.
Service Area: SW of B2 Buoy, 2.3 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind S force 5, Moderate Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Aishling", with two persons called HMCG and requested assistance after suffering a seized engine, near the B2 buoy. AWB launch was requested and the AWB escorted "Aishling" as she came in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
06/08/03 Persons Adrift
 
Launched at 23:03 hrs and returned from service at 00:24 hrs.
Service Area: Off Broadstairs, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the ILB following an earlier report from the police of 5 youths adrift in a rowing boat off Broadstairs. ILB launched and commenced search. It was decided to launch the AWB to provide radar cover and the search proceeded, without result. At the same time HMCG mobile search the coastline for any indication of any boat having landed. At 0015 on the 7th August with nothing found, an inconclusive later report from the police officers, no reports of persons or boats missing, the search was called off.
 
09/08/03 Yacht "CHANDOR III"
 
Launched at 01:58 hrs and returned from service at 06:57 hrs.
Service Area: North Sands, 5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind VAR force 1, Calm Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The Yacht "Chandoah" with 4 persons called the Port Control requesting assistance after grounding on the North Sands. A launch of both lifeboats was initiated, HMCG being advised. On arrival, lifeboats found the casualty hard aground. The persons on board were concerned that the yacht would not rise when the tide made and so the persons on board were taken off by the ILB and transferred to the AWB. The Lifeboats remained with the casualty until daylight when the yacht floated on the rising tide. The yacht was taken in tow to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
10/08/03 Yacht "PILGRIM"
 
Launched at 02:40 hrs and returned from service at 03:46 hrs.
Service Area: Gull Stream, 5.3 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The yacht "Pilgrim", with 2 persons called the port control requesting assistance having suffered engine failure and being becalmed in the Gull Stream. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. AWB towed "Pilgrim" in to Ramsgate.
 
11/08/03 Yacht "UCELLO"
 
Launched at 08:25 hrs and returned from service at 09:22 hrs.
Service Area: North Sand Head, 5.3 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 6, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The local fishing vessel "Dawn Diver" called the port control reporting a yacht in the breaking water at the North Sand Head. After consulting with the launching authority an AWB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. On arrival, AWB found the yacht "Ucello", with two persons, in the broken water on the sands and uncertain of his position. The lifeboat escorted "Ucello" clear of the sands and gave them a course for Dover.
 
28/08/03 Yacht "4 SAIL"
 
Launched at 21:49 hrs and returned from service at 23:41 hrs.
Service Area: Goodwin Knoll, 4.3 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NEXE force 7, Rough Seas, Moderate Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the yacht "4 Sail", with four persons, which had grounded on the North Sands. A local decision was taken to launch the ILB as well, HMCG being advised. On arrival on scene the yacht was found, in rough seas and a steep swell, on the sands, taking the ground with the seas and swell. The ILB could not approach safely in the shallow water and an attempt to fire a rocket line to the casualty failed. At this stage the cox'n requested that the rescue helicopter be tasked as it was considered that the situation could deteriorate quickly.
 
As the tide rose, the casualty was blown across the sands, grounding frequently as she did so. Eventually "4 sails" was pushed into deeper water, and the lifeboats were able to escort her clear of the sands and then in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
02/09/03 Yacht "ZEEVONK"
 
Launched at 17:38 hrs and returned from service at 19:15 hrs.
Service Area: North of the NE Goodwin, 6.8 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Zeevonk", with one person, contacted the port control by mobile telephone. The yacht had had engine failure and was becalmed, and requested assistance. HMCG were advised and AWB was launched. AWB towed "Zeevonk" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
13/09/03 Yacht "TRINGATOO"
 
Launched at 07:49 hrs and returned from service at 10:12 hrs.
Service Area: Near South Falls Buoy, 14 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind ESE force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of the AWB to assist the yacht "Tringatoo", with two persons. "Tringatoo" had suffered a fouled propeller near the South Falls buoy, and had insufficient wind to sail. AWB towed "Tringatoo" in to Ramsgate.
 
13/09/03 Yacht "WESTOR"
 
Launched at 21:41 hrs and returned from service at 00:07 hrs.
Service Area: North Goodwin Sands, 5.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E X S force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service.
 
28/09/03 Yacht "WATER BABY"
 
Launched at 21:42 hrs and returned from service at 00:28 hrs.
Service Area: Goodwin Sands, 6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NW force 3, Slight Seas, Moderate Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch following a request for assistance from the Yacht "Water Baby" with two persons, after the yacht had grounded on the Goodwin Sands. Both Lifeboats were launched, and as one of the yacht crew were reported injured, a helicopter was tasked.
 
There was considerable swell over the sands and after ILB took damage to an engine in approaching the casualty, it was decided to take the injured crewman off by helicopter, and for the lifeboats to stand by the casualty until she refloated over the sands. AWB towed "Water Baby" in to Ramsgate.
 
09/11/03 Yacht "LIVITU"
 
Launched at 12:19 hrs and returned from service at 12:47 hrs.
Service Area: Shellness Point, 2.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 4, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Livitu", with 6 persons called the Port Control requesting assistance after running aground on Shellness Point. AWB launch was initiated, HMCG being informed. AWB assisted "Livitu" to refloat, and escorted her in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
16/11/03 Small Passenger Vessel "SOUTHERN BELLE"
 
Launched at 16:42 hrs and returned from service at 18:09 hrs.
Service Area: North of East Goodwin Light Vessel, 8.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind WNW force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG reported that the Dover Lifeboat was escorting the small passenger vessel "Southern Belle" towards Ramsgate, the casualty making water and experiencing problems with her own pumps. AWB launched to meet the casualty and take over the escort duty. "Southern Belle" was escorted in to Ramsgate and put on the Western Hard for repair.
 
6/12/03 Missing Windsurfer
 
Launched at 13:36 hrs and returned from service at 13:48 hrs.
Service Area: Sandwich Bay, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 7, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service.
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