DOVER COASTGUARD DEALS WITH NUMEROUS INCIDENTS AFTER WINDY WEATHER
MAKES SEA CONDITIONS TREACHEROUS

(Because the BBC does not show synoptic charts or wind speeds any
more)


Dover Coastguard reminded yachtsmen this afternoon to take account of
prevailing weather conditions and to obtain an up to date weather
forecast before going afloat after they dealt with numerous incidents
today caused by the rough weather. These included:

At just before 2.00 p.m. the Ramsgate RNLI all weather Lifeboat
launched to assist yacht reported dismasted North of Ramsgate fairway.
The yacht `Pretty Kitty' with two crew were safely escorted to
Ramsgate by the Lifeboat and were met by the Margate Coastguard Unit.

At 3.30 p.m. the Ramsgate RNLI lifeboat was again launched following
the receipt to the Coastguard of a Mayday call from the yacht
`Gintrap' which in the heavy sea conditions had dismasted off the Mid
Falls buoy. The vessel was towed to Ramsgate by the lifeboat which
were met once again by the Margate Coastguard unit.

Just after 4.00 pm Eastbourne RNLI All Weather Lifeboat was asked to
launch to evacuate a Chief Engineer with a broken arm from the Survey
vessel `Black Watch'. The officer was taken to Eastbourne General
hospital by Sussex Ambulance after he was landed ashore. Eastbourne
Coastguard Rescue Team were also in attendance.

At 5.00 p.m. the Ramsgate RNLI Inshore Lifeboat was asked to launch to
assist a 36 foot yacht `Khamsin' which reported to Dover Coastguard
she was disabled with 3 people onboard in the Ramsgate approaches. The
vessel was taken under tow and brought into Ramsgate by the Inshore
Lifeboat to be met by the Margate Coastguard Unit.

Eastbourne RNLI All Weather lifeboat launched at 5.50 p.m. to assist
the yacht `Mermaid of Zennor' which had four people on board and was
disabled 3 miles south west of Sovereign marina. The vessel was towed
into the marina by the lifeboat and was met by Eastbourne Coastguard.

Senior Coastguard Watch Manager at Dover Pete Legg said after the
incidents that he would like to re-emphasise the importance of
obtaining and understanding weather details by leisure yachtsmen and
he also reiterated the importance of good auxiliary engine maintenance
after the winter break.