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First service call for new lifeboat

Lifeboats News Release

Walmer RNLI's new lifeboat responds to first call since its arrival at the end of March.

B950 Hounslow Branch afloat

RNLI/Steve Duncombe

B950 Hounslow Branch afloat
Whilst on regular Sunday morning exercise, Walmer's new Atlantic 85, B950 Hounslow Branch was diverted by HM Coastguard in response to a Pan Pan message from a 20-foot fishing boat experiencing steering problems.

Arriving on scene, a crew member was put on board to assess the situation. For the safety of the two people on board, and with the boat being located close to the Brake Sands, the decision was taken to take the vessel under tow to Ramsgate Harbour.

Once reaching the harbour, the crew were met by the local Coastguard team who assisted with mooring the vessel.

Notes to editors

Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.

It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Hounslow Branch and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.

Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

  • Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
  • Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
  • For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Christopher Winslade
Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station

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