Carry flares – they could save your life, says RNLI
17/09/2021
Three people have been rescued from the water by the RNLI off Margate, who warn boaters to carry a means of raising the alarm, including flares.
The three were pulled from the water by the crew of Margate RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat. The propellor on their dinghy outboard motor became fouled and they got into difficulty.
Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, of RNLI Margate,, says, “This incident could have had a very different outcome if it wasn’t for the vigilance of members of the public ashore. We urge everyone who goes to sea in a small craft to carry means of raising the alarm if things go wrong. A marine VHF radio is ideal along with a mobile phone in a waterproof bag. A suitable pack of distress flares is also a worthwhile investment that could save their life.”
The alarm was raised after UK Coastguard received a call from a member of the public. They said a small craft was in difficulties off Westbrook Bay, with three people in the water.
Margate’s D class inshore lifeboat, Alfred Alexander Staden and Margate coastguard rescue team responded. Margate Main Sands RNLI lifeguards also assisted with its Rescue Water Craft (RWC).
The lifeboat quickly located the dinghy and the lifeguards’ RWC rescued one of the occupants and took them ashore. The two remaining casualties were taken on board the lifeboat and taken ashore, along with the dinghy. All three casualties were reported to be unharmed.
The image of Margate inshore lifeboat is credit of Margate RNLI.
