Two RNLI lifeboats and an RAF helicopter search at night for two missing teenagers overdue in a small inflatable dinghy

At approximately 22.00 hrs on Wednesday 28 July, two teenagers were reported overdue in a three metre inflatable dinghy off Dymchurch beach. They had reportedly left the Dymchurch slipway at 19.00 hours in the rubber dinghy with a two h.p. outboard engine on the back of the small craft, not wearing life jackets, not carrying any flares or taken a radio with them. While Dungeness and Littlestone RNLI lifeboats and an RAF helicopter from Wattisham searched the inshore waters adjacent to Dymchurch, the local coastguards searched along the shoreline.

At 23.00 hrs the two teenagers were found at home. Stuart Adams, Coxswain of Dungeness RNLI lifeboat said 'all the rescue services were relieved to hear the two teenagers were not in any danger and were safe and well'.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Judith Richardson, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07925 576569 or 01797 320062 - email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales No: 209603

Websites:

www.dungenesslifeboat.org.uk
www.rnli.org.uk