Offshore Lifeboat Service Reports 2004

 

Esme Anderson 14-02

 
06/01/04 Fishing Vessel "CORMORANT"
 
Launched at 13:25 hrs and returned from service at 14:38 hrs.
Service Area: SSE of Elbow Buoy, 5.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 5, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The fishing vessel "Cormorant" with two persons called Port Control advising that she had suffered hydraulic pipe failure and was anchored, immobilised, near the Elbow Buoy. After advising HMCG, a lifeboat launch was requested. AWB towed "Cormorant" back in to Ramsgate.
 
22/01/04 Coastal Cargo Vessel "SEA RISS"
 
Launched at 19:18 hrs and returned from service at 00:30 hrs.
Service Area: Between South & Mid Falls Buoys, 14 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind S force 4, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a request for assistance from the coastal cargo vessel "Sea Riss", with 6 persons, having a fire in her engine room. AWB transferred a fire party from the RFA "Sir Percival" to the casualty and then stood by whilst a Kent Fire Brigade team and equipment were put on board by helicopter.
 
The fire was reported extinguished at 23:00 and at 23:25 the vessel had restored power on board. AWB transferred the "Sir Percival" party back to their vessel and was released from scene by HMCG at 2351 hrs.
 
The "Sea Riss" proceeded to anchor in Margate Roads to inspect damage in the daylight prior to continuing passage to Northfleet.
 
23/01/04 Motor Yacht "ALEXA"
 
Launched at 20:24 hrs and returned from service at 21:57 hrs.
Service Area: North Sand Head, 4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind S force 6, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The Princess 21 yacht "Alexa" on passage to Dover with two persons ran aground at full speed on the North Sand Head. HMCG requested launch of both lifeboats following receipt of a PAN-PAN message from the casualty. The "Alexa" was towed off the sands and in to Ramsgate by the AWB.

Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma - 14-01

 
26/03/04 Red Flares
 
Launched at 20:32 hrs and returned from service at 21:52 hrs.
Service Area: Gull Buoy, 3.5 miles from Station.
 
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service.
 
09/04/04 Yacht "GREYHOUND"
 
Launched at 22:09 hrs and returned from service at 23:42 hrs.
Service Area: Near E Goodwin Buoy, 6.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 1, Rippled Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The Yacht "Greyhound", with four persons, called the Port Control reporting an engine failure, and requesting assistance. HMCG were advised and subsequently AWB launch was requested. AWB towed "Greyhound" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
11/04/04 Yacht "YANITA"
 
Launched at 21:44 hrs and returned from service at 21:57 hrs.
Service Area: North Quern, 0.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Wind N force 1, Rippled Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Yanita", with one person, called the port control requesting assistance, following engine failure. AWB Launch was initiated and HMCG advised. AWB towed "Yanita" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
14/04/04 Rigid Inflatable
 
Launched at 10:46 hrs and returned from service at 11:26 hrs.
Service Area: Unknown, 0 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Poor Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service.
 
04/05/04 Catamaran "DOUBLE TWENTY"
 
Launched at 12:55 hrs and returned from service at 15:50 hrs.
Service Area: Drill Stones, 11 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 9, Very Rough Seas, Moderate Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The catamaran "Double Twenty", with four persons called the Ramsgate Port Control requesting weather conditions and saying that she had lost some sail and was running low on fuel. Port Control advised the vessel to liase with HMCG concerning the situation and shortly afterward Dover MRCC requested launch of the AWB. AWB towed "Double Twenty" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
19/05/04 Motor Boat "TSUNAMI"
 
Launched at 16:40 hrs and returned from service at 19:32 hrs.
Service Area: Falls Gap, 21 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the motor boat "Tsunami", with two persons, broken down at the Falls. AWB towed "Tsunami" in to Ramsgate.
 
22/05/04 Yacht "PHOENIX"
 
Launched at 22:44 hrs and returned from service at 00:01 hrs.
Service Area: Goodwin Sands, 4.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NNE force 4, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a request for assistance from the French yacht "Phoenix", with 6 persons, which had reported that she was "bouncing" on the Goodwin Sands. Both lifeboats were launched. On arrival it was found that "Phoenix" was between the sand banks and striking the ground as she tried to extricate herself. One ILB crew member was put on board the yacht, which was then guided clear of the sands and escorted in to Ramsgate.
 
24/05/04 Injured Crew Member
 
Launched at 11:25 hrs and returned from service at 13:11 hrs.
Service Area: 4 miles north of Goodwins, 7 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 2, Rippled Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a short "mayday" message saying that a woman had lost a finger in a winch accident. Call said the 16ft boat was 4 miles north of the Goodwins. AWB launched and, with several other units conducted a search. Nothing was found and the call was logged as a possible malicious hoax.
 
24/05/04 Children In Difficulties
 
Launched at 13:30 hrs and returned from service at 13:46 hrs.
Service Area: Off Broadstairs, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 2, Rippled Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following reports of two inflatables, each with two young persons, drifting off shore at Broadstairs. AWB found the inflatables, with two youths in each, and assisted them to shore.
 
20/06/04 Motor Yacht "PRINCESS TREACLE"
 
Launched at 16:35 hrs and returned from service at 19:12 hrs.
Service Area: Outer Tongue, 13.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 3, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the motor yacht "Princess Treacle", with two persons. "Princess Treacle" had had an engine failure and had asked for assistance. AWB towed "Princess Treacle" in to Ramsgate.
 
04/07/04 Yacht "CRACKER"
 
Launched at 16:41 hrs and returned from service at 17:54 hrs.
Service Area: Off North Foreland, 5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 4, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The single handed yacht "Cracker" called the Port Control saying she was unable to make headway in the current wind and tide conditions, following an engine failure. HMCG was advised, and requested launch of the AWB to assist. AWB towed "Cracker" in to Ramsgate.
 
14/07/04 Catamaran "GALLIVANTER"
 
Launched at 14:03 hrs and returned from service at 17:27 hrs.
Service Area: South Falls, 12 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind WSW force 6, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the catamaran "Gallivanter", with two persons, which was experiencing difficulty in making any way in the current weather conditions. AWB launched and towed "Gallivanter" in to Ramsgate.
 
23/07/04 Motor Boat "PROGRESS"
 
Launched at 02:11 hrs and returned from service at 03:14 hrs.
Service Area: East Brake Buoy, 2.4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a request for assistance from the Motor Vessel "Progress", with two persons on board. "Progress" had suffered steering failure and was having difficulty in maneuvering. AWB towed "Progress" in to Ramsgate.
 
25/07/04 Yachts "BOUNDLESS" and "MY LADY"
 
Launched at 17:00 hrs and returned from service at 17:11 hrs.
Service Area: Broadstairs Knoll, 2.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NNW force 4, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The German Yacht "Boundless", with two persons, called the port control requesting assistance when she was disabled with fouled propeller. HMCG were advised and AWB launch initiated. Meanwhile, the survey vessel "Confidante" proceeded to the casualty, as did the yacht "My Lady". On scene the "My Lady" lost all steering and also needed assistance. "Confidante" stood by the incident and when the AWB arrived, aided the lifeboat in towing "Boundless" and "My Lady" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
Photo from my collection

Esme Anderson 14-02

 
10/08/04 Red Flares
 
Launched at 02:08 hrs and returned from service at 04:28 hrs.
Service Area: Mouth of the River Stour, 2.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind N force 1, Rippled Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following reports of red flares. Search was commenced, but further information narrowed area to mouth of the Stour River. AWB launched XP Boat to search Shellness, but the boat could not get close enough in due lack of water. As the tide rose, ILB launch was initiated (0337 hrs)and in conjunction with advice from HMCG Mobile team, found a 16ft Cabin Cruiser aground on Shellness. The four persons on board were transferred to the AWB and the ILB towed the boat off the ground and in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
12/08/04 Dragon Boat in Difficulties
 
Launched at 22:34 hrs and returned from service at 00:18 hrs.
Service Area: Broadstairs, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG received a report from a MoP of a Dragon Boat leaving Broadstairs Harbour for Ramsgate and appearing to be in trouble. HMCG mobile proceeded, but found nothing and no one at Broadstairs. However, a further report was received later and HMCG requested launch of the AWB. AWB launched and at the request of the Cox'n the Customs Cutter "Sentinel", in the area, joined the search using it's night search equipment. Search was conducted between Broadstairs and Ramsgate but nothing found. With no further information, search was called off.
 
30/08/04 Yacht "OFF BEAT"
 
Launched at 15:14 hrs and returned from service at 17:42 hrs.
Service Area: E of the East Goodwin, 10 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind WNW force 5, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of the AWB following a request for assistance from the yacht "Off Beat", with two persons. A female member of the crew had suffered a dislocated shoulder. One of the lifeboat crew was put on board to assist and make the person comfortable, and AWB escorted "Off Beat" in to Ramsgate harbour, where she was met by an ambulance.
 
06/09/04 Swimmers in Difficulty
 
Launched at 18:34 hrs and returned from service at 18:43 hrs.
Service Area: Seaward of East Pier, 0 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NNE force 7, Moderate Seas, Moderate Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service.
 
12/09/04 Kite Surfer in Difficulty
 
Launched at 10:42 hrs and returned from service at 10:50 hrs.
Service Area: Pegwell Bay, 1.8 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind WSW force 5, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
See ILB account of this service.
 
12/09/04 Yacht "MOHICAN"
 
Launched at 13:49 hrs and returned from service at 16:09 hrs.
Service Area: North Goodwins, 4.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 6, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The yacht "Mohican" with one person, called the Ramsgate Port Control requesting assistance after suffering engine failure. HMCG were advised and AWB launch initiated. AWB towed "Mohican" in to Ramsgate.
 
29/09/04 Yacht "BACCARUDA"
 
Launched at 18:11 hrs and returned from service at 20:37 hrs.
Service Area: Mid Falls Buoy, 13.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB after a request for assistance from the yacht "Baccaruda", with five persons, becalmed and out of fuel at the Mid Falls. AWB towed "Baccaruda" in to Ramsgate.
 
30/09/04 Fishing Vessel "PREDATOR"
 
Launched at 03:11 hrs and returned from service at 04:44 hrs.
Service Area: North of Goodwins, 4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The local fishing vessel "Predator", with two Persons, called the port control requesting assistance after suffering fuel problems north of the Goodwins. AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. AWB towed "Predator" back in to Ramsgate.
 
06/10/04 Yacht "PENDUICK III"
 
Launched at 22:33 hrs and returned from service at 23:37 hrs.
Service Area: Joss Bay, 4.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind WSW force 3, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB to the Yacht "Penduick III", with two persons, aground on the sewage out fall at Joss Bay. AWB towed "Peduick III" off the out fall and escorted her to Ramsgate.
 
14/10/04 Motor Fishing Vessel "CARHELMAR"
 
Launched at12:48 hrs and returned from service at 15:04 hrs.
Service Area: Near Mid Falls Buoy, 13 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind W force 7, Seas, Swell, Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB after a distress message from the Fishing Vessel "Carhelmar", with five persons on fire near the Mid Falls Buoy. AWB found "Carhelmar" with an electrical fire in her wheelhouse, now under control. However, the vessel had lost power and was unable to raise her fishing booms. "Carhelmar" restored power to get under way, and AWB escorted her in to Ramsgate New Port.
 
24/10/04 Sailing Barge "DEVOE WACHTING"
 
Launched at 23:06 hrs and returned from service at 23:54 hrs.
Service Area: Off Ramsgate Approach Channel, 1 miles from Station.
Weather: SSW force 7 Wind, Rough Seas, Moderate Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The Sailing Barge "Devoe Wachting" called the Port Control reporting engine failure and difficulty sailing in the strong wind, and requesting assistance. An AWB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. AWB towed "Devoe Wachting" in to Ramsgate.
 
7/11/04 Motor Boat "SEARCHER"
 
Launched at 13:15 hrs and returned from service at 13:56 hrs.
Service Area: Off North Foreland, 3.3 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind N force 1, Rippled Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the AWB following a request for assistance from the motor boat "Searcher", with one person, broken down off North Foreland
 
15/11/04 Fishing Vessel "ANNA-LOUISE"
 
Launched at 11:05 hrs and returned from service at 12:56 hrs.
Service Area: NE of Elbow Buoy, 9 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind WSW force 1, Calm Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The local fishing vessel "Anna-Louise", with two persons called the port control requesting assistance following engine failure. No other craft were in the vicinity and so an AWB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. AWB towed "Anna Louise" in to Ramsgate.
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