ILB Buster towing a yacht Credit: RNLI/Megan Carr
The brave volunteer crew of Sheerness RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat (ILB), “Buster,” were plunged into a relentless 48-hour period of high-stakes rescues and critical support operations, responding to an astonishing five separate incidents between June 13th and 15th.
Their unwavering dedication saw them battle the elements to assist those in peril on the water and provide vital aid to emergency services ashore.
- The crew launched on Thursday 13 June following a request to assist in a shoreside incident, and were stood down shortly after.
- On Friday 14 June at 12.45pm, the lifeboat was called to assist a yacht aground near Deadman’s Island, north of Flushing Pier, Queenborough. The vessel, which was making contact with the seabed and unable to anchor safely, was towed into deeper water and continued its journey under its own power to Medway Yacht Club.
- Later that evening, the ILB launched again as part of a multi-agency response.
- Then in the early hours of Saturday 15 June at 2.21am, the crew responded to a vessel aground in Milton Creek. Once water levels allowed access, the lifeboat located the casualty vessel and towed it safely back to a pontoon near the Kingsferry Bridge.
- Later that morning, the ILB was placed on standby to support another shoreside incident alongside emergency services.
Alan Carr, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Sheerness RNLI, said:
“This recent run of launches highlights the variety of incidents our volunteer crew respond to, from helping vessels in difficulty to supporting partner agencies when called upon. We’re incredibly proud of the crew’s professionalism and commitment.”