Dungeness RNLI lifeboat launches to 10 metre fishing vessel broken down in gale force winds with four persons aboard.

The RNLI lifeboat was launched last Friday, ten miles south west of Dungeness to the 10m fishing catamaran 'Amadeus' broken down with engine machinery failure in gale force winds. In heavy seas the lifeboat attached a towrope to the casualty and proceeded slowly in the heavy swells towards Dover Harbour. On nearing the port, Dover RNLI lifeboat was launched to assist with the tow as the sea conditions were too rough to enter through the western entrance. Cross channel ferries were held up at the Eastern entrance to allow the two lifeboats to manoeuve the casualty through the entrance. Deputy second coxswain Trevor Bunney in command of the Dungeness RNLI lifeboat said 'the tow rope snapped twice but the lifeboat crew responded with exceptional co-ordinated teamwork to re-attach the towrope in very dangerous sea and weather conditions'

For more information please telephone the Dungeness RNLI lifeboat press officer Judith Richardson on 01797 320062 or on her mobile 0792 5576569