The Front Page - Copy 82 (RNLI Stories)
5 April 2010
Two Further Stories from the Adventurous Annals
Picture Martin Collins.
Story One: Channel search by two RNLI Lifeboats
and a RAF Helicopter.
The volunteer crew of the Dover lifeboat were called out at 1720hrs on the evening of March 23 to undertake a search approximately 15 miles east of Dover in an area known as the Falls.
The alarm was first raised earlier that afternoon when merchant vessels passing through the area noticed debris in the water and alerted Dover Coastguard. They requested the launch of the Ramsgate Lifeboat and a RAF Search and rescue helicopter, then as concerns grew when fish boxes, netting and a fishing buoy were picked up, the decision was made to expand the search area and call out the Dover lifeboat.
Conditions in the Channel were not ideal for searching as although the winds were light there were patches of mist and fog. Eventually liaison between the UK and French Coastguards identified that the vessels from which the debris had come from were either in dry dock or safe some distance away. With no other information indicating anyone was missing or overdue the decision was made by Dover Coastguard that the search would continue until nightfall and then be called off.
Coxswain Stuart Richardson said: “This type of search is always very taxing in terms of planning and resources let alone on the lifeboat crews who need to keep alert and ensure the vessel is navigated safely something that is essential when working in the busy shipping lanes. Fortunately in this case nothing untoward was found but as it was our normal training evening and a bit further from Dover than we normally exercise, I chose to stay out for while after dark to maximise the benefit to the crew.”
Story Two: Evacuation of injured Polish seaman from container ship.
The volunteers of the Dover lifeboat were called out the afternoon of March 13 to go to the aid of an injured crew member aboard a container ship.
After going alongside the 139m, 8000 tonne, German registered vessel, two lifeboat crew members went aboard to assess the casualty’s injuries. He described to them how he had fallen and his leg had gone between two hatch covers. This had caused some injuries to his leg and resulted in the ship’s captain contacting Dover Coastguard for advice.
The first aid trained lifeboat crew dressed the wound and prepared the man for the transfer to the lifeboat. Once they were ready, Coxswain Stuart Richardson took ‘City of London II’ alongside the ship once more and the casualty was able to carefully step aboard. Once aboard he was made comfortable in the lifeboat’s wheelhouse for the short trip into harbour.
Coxswain Stuart Richardson said: “Fortunately the weather and sea conditions were good and this made the transfer of personnel between the two vessels much easier and safer. The casualty’s injuries did not appear life threatening and he was able to walk from the lifeboat to the ambulance.”
The man was taken by ambulance to William Harvey Hospital where he received treatment and was discharged to make his way to Dublin to rejoin the ship at its next port of call.
....And so the work of the RNLI goes on...
Two Further Stories from the Adventurous Annals
of the Dover Lifeboat Crew.
Picture Martin Collins.
Story One: Channel search by two RNLI Lifeboats
and a RAF Helicopter.
The volunteer crew of the Dover lifeboat were called out at 1720hrs on the evening of March 23 to undertake a search approximately 15 miles east of Dover in an area known as the Falls.
The alarm was first raised earlier that afternoon when merchant vessels passing through the area noticed debris in the water and alerted Dover Coastguard. They requested the launch of the Ramsgate Lifeboat and a RAF Search and rescue helicopter, then as concerns grew when fish boxes, netting and a fishing buoy were picked up, the decision was made to expand the search area and call out the Dover lifeboat.
Conditions in the Channel were not ideal for searching as although the winds were light there were patches of mist and fog. Eventually liaison between the UK and French Coastguards identified that the vessels from which the debris had come from were either in dry dock or safe some distance away.
Coxswain Stuart Richardson said: “This type of search is always very taxing in terms of planning and resources let alone on the lifeboat crews who need to keep alert and ensure the vessel is navigated safely something that is essential when working in the busy shipping lanes. Fortunately in this case nothing untoward was found but as it was our normal training evening and a bit further from Dover than we normally exercise, I chose to stay out for while after dark to maximise the benefit to the crew.”
Story Two: Evacuation of injured Polish seaman from container ship.
The volunteers of the Dover lifeboat were called out the afternoon of March 13 to go to the aid of an injured crew member aboard a container ship.
After going alongside the 139m, 8000 tonne, German registered vessel, two lifeboat crew members went aboard to assess the casualty’s injuries. He described to them how he had fallen and his leg had gone between two hatch covers. This had caused some injuries to his leg and resulted in the ship’s captain contacting Dover Coastguard for advice.
The first aid trained lifeboat crew dressed the wound and prepared the man for the transfer to the lifeboat. Once they were ready, Coxswain Stuart Richardson took ‘City of London II’ alongside the ship once more and the casualty was able to carefully step aboard. Once aboard he was made comfortable in the lifeboat’s wheelhouse for the short trip into harbour.
Coxswain Stuart Richardson said: “Fortunately the weather and sea conditions were good and this made the transfer of personnel between the two vessels much easier and safer. The casualty’s injuries did not appear life threatening and he was able to walk from the lifeboat to the ambulance.”
The man was taken by ambulance to William Harvey Hospital where he received treatment and was discharged to make his way to Dublin to rejoin the ship at its next port of call.
....And so the work of the RNLI goes on...