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Reports of an upturned kayak sparks inshore lifeboat launch.

Lifeboats News Release

Solent Coastguard issued a tasking request, alongside the volunteers of Swanage coastguard, to investigate a reported upturned kayak in the area of Sheps Hollow in Swanage Bay.

Swanage ILB in Swanage Bay with three crew onboard

RNLI/Tom Greasty

Swanage ILB in Swanage Bay
The capsized and swamped vessel turned out to be a small tender that did not appear to have been recently used.

The boat was pulled ashore and photographs were sent to HM Coastguard in case it was reported missing.

Meanwhile, several reports of a paddleboarder in difficulty at Ballard Point had been received, so HM Coastguard asked the D Class inshore lifeboat to quickly check on the person. It was soon obvious that the paddler was well equipped and very happy in the conditions, so the lifeboat returned to the swamped dinghy.

All parties agreed that there was no concern for missing people associated with this small boat, so it was towed back to Swanage boatpark and secured. The lifeboat was then washed down and prepared for the next incident.

ILB Crew: (Helm) Fergus Holley, Darren Tomes, Felix Williams
Shore Crew: (Winchman) Andy Redout, Richard Lloyd, Neil Brooks

For more information please contact:
Becky Mack, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Charmaine Tideswell, Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, C[email protected]
Regional Media Manager Hatti Mellor, [email protected]
or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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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.

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