First call out for Walmer RNLI’s new Atlantic 85 lifeboat
Walmer RNLI was tasked to a 20ft angling boat with steering problems by HM Coastguard, on Sunday 27 April 2025.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were at sea, training with the lifeboat station’s new Atlantic 85 ‘Hounslow Branch’ when tasked by Dover Coastguard.
The lifeboat made best speed to the reported location of the casualty vessel and arrived within 15 minutes.
Andrew Coe, Helm, said: ‘Once on scene, we transferred a crew member onto the casualty boat to check on the casualties, and assess the situation. It was established that the casualty vessel had no steering, due to the steering joint becoming detached from the system. The steering could not be fixed at sea.
‘The safest course of action for the two people on-board was to tow the casualty vessel to the nearest safe place, Ramsgate Harbour. The casualty vessel was close to the brake sands, therefore without a tow, the boat was at risk of running aground’.
The lifeboat returned to Walmer RNLI at 12:00. Crew washed down, re-fuelled, and were back on call shortly after.
Denis Brophy, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘This rescue was the first shout for our new Atlantic 85 B950 ‘Hounslow Branch’. The crew on this shout were delighted with the way the lifeboat handled and performed when at sea. I’m glad that the outcome of this shout was successful’.
97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers, including 5,700 volunteer lifeboat crew members at stations around the UK and Ireland. Without our incredible volunteer lifesavers, the RNLI could not provide a 24/7 lifesaving service.
Notes to editors
- Walmer has had a lifeboat station since 1856, and have recieved 28 awards for gallantry. Today, the station operates two inshore lifeboats – a B class Atlantic 85 and a smaller D class.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Sam Carragher, Communications Placement – South East on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.