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Video: Mike Judge talks
about a busy year for Whitstable lifeboat.

by Gerry Warren

Whitstable lifeboat station has
recorded its second busiest year since it was founded in 1963.

The inshore craft was launched 76
times and rescued 55 people during 2009.

The crew went out in darkness on 16
occasions, once in a gale force wind, and of those saved, 17 were
under the age of 18.

Whitstable lifeboat operations
manager Mike Judge said: “As always, the people requiring
assistance have ranged from the foolhardy to the unfortunate, some
in a flat calm and others in a near gale.

“While the lifeboat has dealt with
the usual variety of craft and people, the occasional rarity has
cropped up.

“One of the most noteworthy
services of the year was carried out in September to the sailing
cruiser Espirit when the skipper was washed overboard in rough
weather in the Swale estuary.

“He remained tethered to the yacht
by lifelines but was unable to get back aboard and was being
dragged through worsening sea conditions as the yacht continued to
drift downwind.

“The lifeboat launched and, with
very skilful handling, managed to get alongside and recover the man
without further injuring him.

“He was in a poor state, having
been submerged frequently and exposed to the cold water so the
lifeboat brought him quickly back to the station for attendance by
ambulance crews.

“The yacht was towed in by the
Sheerness lifeboat and Whitstable went out again to bring off the
partner of the man as she was now feeling the effects of sea
sickness and delayed shock. “Happily, neither required any
sustained treatment and the man was out of hospital later that
night.”

Mr Judge added: “There are still
people taking to the sea who are not adequately prepared if
something goes wrong, like they run out of petrol of their paddle
breaks.

“They should be thinking 'what if’
and that is the message we want to put out as the warmer months
approach.

“But all the volunteer crews and
launchers remain ready to assist when needed and with the support
of the branch fundraisers and the continued backing from the
public, we look forward to a safe 2010.”