Dungeness RNLI lifeboat launches to fishing vessel broken down with machine failure

The RNLI lifeboat 'Pride and Spirit' was called to a local fishing boat from Dungeness with machine failure 9 miles east of Dungeness Point on the morning of Sunday 21 September 2008. The stricken vessel was towed to the Dungeness beach and the RNLI lifeboat was given a quick clean and polish before the start of the Annual lifeboat Blessing later in the day.

Over 300 people attended the Blessing conducted by the Reverend Stephen Hardy from Lydd. After the service Robert Bliss, Leader of Shepway District Council presented the awards. Chris Mayes, shorecrew, received a picture from the crew and Malcolm Reynolds received his retirement award for 23 years service to the RNLI.

Presentation of framed letters of thanks from the RNLI was given to Deputy Coxswain Trevor Bunney and his crew Toby Strickett, Richard Fletcher, Paul Stevens, Garry Clark and Mick Pearson for service far beyond their duty when they towed a fishing vessel with machine failure into Dover Harbour in January 2008.

The winds were gusting up to force 8 and 9, their tow roped snapped four times before they could safely take the casualty under a secured tow. They took many hours to manoeuvre the stricken vessel towards Dover Harbour, in fact the seas were so rough that Dover RNLI lifeboat came out to the Dungeness lifeboat just off Dover to assist in guiding the stricken vessel to a safe anchorage.

For more information please telephone Judith Richardson, Dungeness RNLI lifeboat press officer on 01797 320062 or on her mobile 07925 576569 or e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.