Inshore Lifeboat Service Reports 2003
 

Bob Turnbull B 765

 
18/01/03 Fishing Boat "APPRENTICE"
 
Launched at 17:16 hrs and returned from service at 17:26 hrs.
Service Area: Outside Harbour, 0.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind S force 6, Rough Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
With crew mustered in the boathouse for the launch of the AWB, information was received that the local small motorboat "Apprentice" with one person had broken down just off the harbour entrance. ILB was launched and proceeded to take "Apprentice" in tow in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
02/02/03 Person cut off by tide
 
Launched at 11:00 hrs and returned from service at 11:16 hrs.
Service Area: Near Dumpton Gap, 1.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind W force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
ILB was on exercise when crew observed one person wading through the water, and two on the beach, cut off by the tide near Dumpton Gap. ILB saw the person in the water safely to Dumpton Gap and recovered the other two from the beach, landing them at Ramsgate Harbour. ILB returned to exercise.
 
22/03/03 Fishing Vessel "APPRENTICE"
 
Launched at 13:22 hrs and returned from service at 13:40 hrs.
Service Area: Near West Quern, 0.8 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The local fishing vessel "Apprentice", with two persons, called the port control to advise that she had broken down near the West Quern with fuel problems, and needed assistance. No other craft were in the area and an ILB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. ILB towed "Apprentice" back in to Ramsgate.
 
03/04/03 Unnamed Catamaran
 
Launched at 08:55 hrs and returned from service at 09:10 hrs.
Service Area: Cross Ledge, 1.33 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NNW force 5, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The small catamaran was sighted by the local angling vessel "Bonaventure", and reported to the Lifeboat Station as being apparently anchored very close to the shallow water of the Cross Ledge, with rough breaking surf close to by. Lifeboat DLA observed the situation from the boathouse and decided to launch the ILB as a precautionary measure, as there was no sign of activity on the craft. ILB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. On arrival ILB found that the catamaran had one person on board, and was anchored awaiting the tide to proceeded upriver to Sandwich. The craft had no communications equipment on board.
 
08/04/03 Children in difficulties
 
Launched at 15:40 hrs and returned from service at 16:09 hrs.
Service Area: Pegwell Bay, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 4, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the ILB following a report from MoP of two children cut off by the tide in a cave at Pegwell Bay. ILB found no sign of any persons, and after further information HMCG logged the call as a false alarm with good intent.
 
11/04/03 Motor Yacht "INCOGNITO"
 
Launched at 18:40 hrs and returned from service at 18:45 hrs.
Service Area: Off Harbour Entrance, 0.1 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The motor yacht "Blue Jersey" reported to the Port Control the sighting of flares outside the harbour entrance, and proceeded to investigate. An ILB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. ILB found the motor yacht "Incognito", with one person, broken down, with "Blue Jersey" in attendance. "Incognito" managed some engine power and was escorted back in to Ramsgate by the ILB.
 
23/04/03 A police incident
 
Launched at 09:37 hrs and returned from service at 10:07 hrs.
Service Area: Viking Bay, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the ILB following a man being pursued by police entering the water at Viking Bay. ILB stood by at the incident and crew spoke with the man to calm the situation and persuade him to return ashore. The man walked round the end of the rocks at Preacher's Knoll towards Louisa Bay and eventually two police officers entered the water, waded out and took the man in to custody.
 
26/04/03 Fishing Vessel "APPRENTICE"
 
Launched at 11:25 hrs and returned from service at 11:34 hrs.
Service Area: South of Harbour, 1 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The fishing vessel "Apprentice" with three persons called the port control requesting assistance after suffering engine failure outside the harbour entrance. HMCG were advised and ILB launch initiated. ILB towed "Apprentice" back in to Ramsgate.
 
26/04/03 Yacht "YASMIN"
 
Launched at 15:40 hrs and returned from service at 16:12 hrs.
Service Area: South of B2 Buoy, 2.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Yasmin", with 4 persons telephoned the port control requesting assistance, her radio being out of order. "Yasmin" had suffered engine failure and was unable to sail to Ramsgate in the light wind. HMCG were advised and ILB launch initiated. ILB towed "Yasmin" in to Ramsgate.
 
18/05/03 Yacht "JALABEANO"
 
Launched at 10:11 hrs and returned from service at 10:24 hrs.
Service Area: Quern Bank, 0.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 6, Moderate Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The Port Control observed the yacht "Jalabeano", with six persons, aground on the Quern Bank. An ILB launch was initiated at the same time as "Jalabeano" commenced a PanPan call on VHF. ILB escorted the "Jalabeano" in to Ramsgate after the yacht had floated in the rising tide.
 
24/05/03 Small Motor Boat "SOROYA"
 
Launched at 12:45 hrs and returned from service at 12:58 hrs.
Service Area: Off Broadstairs, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of both lifeboats following a collision between the small motor boat "Soroya" with three persons, and a fishing vessel. It had been reported that two persons from "Soroya" had gone overboard at the time of the collision. The ILB picked up the two persons from the water and brought them in to Ramsgate, whilst the AWB escorted "Soroya" in to the port.
 
02/06/03 Motor Yacht "KIMA"
 
Launched at 08:06 hrs and returned from service at 08:22 hrs.
Service Area: West side of Quern Bank, 0.7 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind W X N force 3, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The yacht "Kima" with two persons, ran aground on the Quern Bank soon after sailing from Ramsgate. "Kima" called port control for assistance and an ILB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. ILB refloated the "Kima" which then continued on passage to Dover.
 
03/06/03 A Missing Person
 
Launched at 11:13 hrs and returned from service at 11:30 hrs.
Service Area: Western Undercliff, 0.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind Calm, Calm Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the ILB following a report from MoP of a dog barking at the water's edge and refusing to leave. The MoP suspected that the dog was looking for a person in the water. ILB conducted a search but meanwhile the dog owner was located ashore and reunited with the dog. False alarm with good intent.
 
14/06/03 Yacht "PHYDRA"
 
Launched at hrs and returned from service at hrs.
Service Area: , miles from Station.
Weather: Wind , Seas, Swell, Visibility.
 
RNLI DLA observed a yacht aground on the North Sand Head. Although nothing had been heard, in the prevailing weather and falling tide ILB and AWB launches were initiated and HMCG advised. On arrival on scene the lifeboats found the Belgian yacht "Phydra", with eight persons, high and dry on the sands.
 
In view of the then northerly wind and uncertainty as to what the weather would do when the tide made, the Cox'n decided to take six persons off the yacht, leaving two on board to await re-floating. Having seen all secure, the lifeboats returned to Ramsgate to await the yacht's refloating on the tide. The six persons were landed to wait for the yacht to come in to the harbour.
 
14/06/03 Yacht "PHYDRA"
 
Launched at 20:45 hrs and returned from service at 00:20 hrs.
Service Area: North Sand Head, 5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 4, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
Planned Launch to "Phydra" as she refloated on the tide. Two lifeboat crew were put on board "Phydra" as she refloated to assist in making fast the tow. The AWB towed "Phydra" off the sands and then in to Ramsgate.
 
23/06/03 Motor Boat "TERRYBOO"
 
Launched at 12:04 hrs and returned from service at 12:43 hrs.
Service Area: Pegwell Bay, 1.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind W force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the ILB following a request for assistance from the motor boat "Terryboo", with three persons, broken down in Pegwell Bay. ILB towed "Terryboo" in to Ramsgate.
 
13/07/03 Motor Boat "LA MOUETTE"
 
Launched at 11:50 hrs and returned from service at 12:18 hrs.
Service Area: Off Dumpton Gap, 1.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E force 3, Slight Seas Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The ILB was at Broadstairs for "Sea Sunday" and on exercise when the historic vessel "La Mouette", with three persons, called HMCG requesting assistance due to a fire on board. Margate AWB, also at Broadstairs, diverted on service and her crew boarded "La Mouette" and extinguished the fire. Ramsgate ILB also diverted on service to assist and with Margate AWB towing "La Mouette" in to Ramsgate, provided steerage and stern power for the casualty. "La Mouette" was met by the fire brigade upon her arrival at Ramsgate and the fire was fully extinguished.
 
15/07/03 Unnamed R I B
 
Launched at 20:31 hrs and returned from service at 20:51 hrs.
Service Area: Pegwell Bay, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the ILB following a report of a dinghy lost, south of Ramsgate. ILB found a small RIB, with two persons and two dogs, aground at the Stour entrance. The two persons were tired and so, after refloating the RIB, the ILB towed her in to Ramsgate.
 
28/07/03 Yacht "FELICE"
 
Launched at 18:27 hrs and returned from service at 18:33 hrs.
Service Area: Near No 6 buoy, 0.4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 5, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The small yacht "Felice", with one person, called the port control requesting assistance after an engine failure near the harbour entrance. ILB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. ILB towed "Felice" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
02/08/03 Motor Boat "DOLPHIN"
 
Launched at 15:33 hrs and returned from service at 16:32 hrs.
Service Area: Off North Foreland, 3.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 1, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of the ILB following a request for assistance from the motor boat "Dolphin", with two persons, having a fouled propeller. The ILB towed "Dolphin" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
 03/08/03 A man and a dog in the sea
 
Launched at 08:49 hrs and returned from service at 08:52 hrs.
Service Area: East of Dumpton Gap, 1.8 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 1, Rippled Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
HMCG requested the launch of the ILB following a report from a member of the public of a man and a dog in difficulties in the sea off Dumpton Gap. On arrival, ILB found that the man and dog had made their own way ashore unaided.
 
03/08/03 Small Power Boat "SCARAB"
 
Launched at 16:04 hrs and returned from service at 16:38 hrs.
Service Area: Off Broadstairs Harbour, 2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind ENE force 3, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
The small power boat "Scarab", with two persons, called the Ramsgate Port Control requesting assistance after breaking down off Broadstairs Harbour. The "Scarab" was being carried rapidly on shore by the tide and on advice from Broadstairs Harbour Staff an ILB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. The ILB towed "Scarab" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
06/08/03 Person Adrift
 
Launched at 22:36 hrs and returned from service at 00:25 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 06:52 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 Motor Boat "CELTIA"
 
Launched at 12:56 hrs and returned from service at 13:34 hrs.
Service Area: Pegwell Bay, 1.2 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Moderate Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the ILB following a request for assistance from the motor boat "Celtia", with 7 persons, broken down in Pegwell Bay. ILB towed "Celtia" in to Ramsgate Harbour.
 
12/08/03 Small Power Boat "OBSESSION II"
 
Launched at 21:22 hrs and returned from service at 21:33 hrs.
Service Area: South of south breakwater, 0.7 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 3, Rippled Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The small power boat "Obsession II", with three persons, called HMCG requesting assistance after running out of fuel outside Ramsgate harbour. ILB launch was requested and ILB towed "Obsession II" in to Ramsgate harbour.
 
14/08/03 Yacht "GLEEDANCE"
 
Launched at 15:59 hrs and returned from service at 16:19 hrs.
Service Area: Cross Ledge, 1.1 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E force 2, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Gleedance", with 5 persons, called the port control requesting assistance following engine failure and being becalmed, south of the port. ILB launch was initiated and ILB towed "Gleedance" back in to Ramsgate.
 
18/08/03 Yacht "DUVAL"
 
Launched at 11:06 hrs and returned from service at 11:20 hrs.
Service Area: Quern Bank, 0.8 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSE force 3, Rippled Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Duval", with 4 persons, called the port control requesting assistance following grounding on the Quern Bank. ILB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. ILB towed the yacht off the bank and after checking for damage the "Duval" continued on her passage.
 
18/08/03 Kite Surfer
 
Launched at 18:07 hrs and returned from service at 18:17 hrs.
Service Area: Off Ramsgate main beach, 0.4 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SW force 6, Moderate Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
Lifeboat crew member on Ramsgate main beach called the port control advising that a kite surfer off the beach was in difficulties. ILB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised. ILB recovered the surfer and his equipment and landed them on the beach.
 
20/08/03 Yacht "HG III"
 
Launched at 17:44 hrs and returned from service at 18:04 hrs.
Service Area: Ramsgate Approach Channel, 0.9 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SE force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The motor yacht "HG III" with two persons called the port control requesting assistance after having a complete engine failure when in the port approach channel. ILB launch was initiated, HMCG being advised, and ILB towed "HG III" in to Ramsgate.
 
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.
 
30/08/03 Fishing Vessel "DAWN DIVER"
 
Launched at 23:03 hrs and returned from service at 23:58 hrs.
Service Area: Brake Sands, 3 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NW force 3, Moderate Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The fishing vessel "Dawn Diver", with two persons, called the port control asking for assistance, having had a fuel blockage whilst fishing on the brake sands. HMCG were advised, and an ILB launch initiated. The ILB towed "Dawn Diver back in to Ramsgate.
 
 
08/09/03 Small Motor Boat "SEARCHER"
 
Launched at 18:54 hrs and returned from service at 20:00 hrs.
Service Area: South of Deal Pier, 8 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NE force 4, Moderate Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The local motor boat "Searcher", with two persons, called the port control by mobile telephone to say that she was unable to start her engine, and requested assistance. The boat at the time was south of the port and drifting southwards rapidly on the tide. ILB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. ILB towed "Searcher" back in to Ramsgate.
 
13/09/03 Yacht "WESTOR"
 
Launched at 21:41 hrs and returned from service at 00:06 hrs.
Service Area: North Goodwin Sands, 5.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E X S force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Westor", with three persons, called the port control requesting assistance after grounding on the Goodwin Sands. Launch of both lifeboats was initiated, and HMCG advised. The "Westor" could communicate only by a hand held VHF or mobile telephone and her position was uncertain. After locating "Westor", the lifeboats stood by until the yacht lifted over the sands on the tide. She was then escorted in to Ramsgate.
 
24/09/03 Yacht "RISANI"
 
Launched at 16:55 hrs and returned from service at 17:02 hrs.
Service Area: Near South Breakwater, 0.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E force 2, Calm Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
The yacht "Risani", with two persons called the port control requesting immediate assistance, as she was very close to the south breakwater and her engine was overheating and producing a lot of smoke. ILB launch was initiated and HMCG advised. ILB took "Risani" in tow in to Ramsgate harbour.
 
28/09/03 Yacht "WATER BABY"
 
Launched at 21:42 hrs and returned from service at 23:47 hrs.
Service Area: Goodwin Sands, 6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind NW force 3, Slight Seas, Moderate Swell, Good Visibility.
 
See AWB account of this service.
 
29/09/03 Vessel in Distress
 
Launched at 18:11 hrs and returned from service at 18:50 hrs.
Service Area: Off Stone Bay, 2.5 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind SSW force 3, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the ILB upon a report from a MoP of a small vessel in distress off Stone Bay. On arrival ILB found a small angling vessel with no problems, fishing happily. After investigation by HMCG this was classified as a false alarm with good intent.
 
30/09/03 Assistance of Kent Fire Brigade Incident
 
Launched at 20:44 hrs and returned from service at 21:12 hrs.
Service Area: River Stour, 3 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind E force 4, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
Kent Fire Brigade, via HMCG requested assistance with an incident at the Richborough Cut in the river Stour. There was a car in the river and it was uncertain as to whether there was anyone inside it. ILB was launched but it was marginal on the tide whether she could reach Richborough. The X-Boat was taken from the AWB and taken by crew, by road, to the incident scene.
 
On arrival, crew found that it was possible to wade out to the vehicle and they were able to do so and advise the on-scene Fire Brigade that there was no one in the car. ILB and crew returned to station.
 
11/10/03 Capsized Canoe
 
Launched at 15:53 hrs and returned from service at 16:07 hrs.
Service Area: Western Undercliff, 0.6 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind ENE force 1, Slight Seas, No Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested immediate launch of the ILB following the report of a capsized canoe off the Western Undercliff. On arrival, the ILB found the canoe and single person being landed by another leisure craft. ILB returned to station.
 
6/12/03 Missing Windsurfer
 
Launched at 13:34 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.
 
HMCG requested launch of both lifeboats following the report of a windsurfer having been missing for over an hour in Sandwich Bay. Search was commenced but very shortly afterwards was called off as the surfer had made his own way ashore, but had had a long walk back before he could confirm his safety.
 
24/12/03 Power Boat "SCARAB"
 
Launched at 13:46 hrs and returned from service at 14:20 hrs.
Service Area: Off Stone Bay, 2.1 miles from Station.
Weather: Wind WSW force 4, Slight Seas, Low Swell, Good Visibility.
 
HMCG requested launch of the ILB following a call from a MoP of a small motor boat in difficulties and drifting on shore off Stone Bay. On arrival ILB found the small power boat "Scarab" , with one person, broken down. ILB towed "Scarab" back in to Ramsgate harbour.
 
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