Margate B class RNLI lifeboat ‘Colonel Stock’ Photo: RNLI Margate…
UK Coastguard was contacted by a windfarm support vessel around 2.30pm on Wednesday 16 November, reporting a partially submerged dinghy around seven miles north of Margate.
Margate’s B class RNLI lifeboat was called to investigate and after carrying out a search the vessel was identified as an inflatable boat.
It was estimated to be around 30 feet in length and was 90% submerged with only the inflatable keel visible which was partially detached from the rest of the vessel.
Inflatable sinks
After assessing the situation it was not considered practicable to attempt towing the craft to shore and the lifeboat remained in the vicinity until what was left of the dinghy was seen to sink.
The lifeboat returned to station.
Lee Button, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “Two considerations had to be addressed: firstly that it was not a recent casualty with lives at risk, once it was assessed that it had been in the water for some time the second concern was that it did not pose a risk to navigation. Fortunately the craft sank and the situation was resolved.”