Volunteers for the lifeboat helped rescue two yachts in difficulty in five days.

The crew for RNLI Walmer launched Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan just before 5pm last Tuesday (June 28) after the Coastguard failed to reach a vessel around 15 nautical miles east of Deal pier on the radio.

On reaching the scene at 5.23pm, the crew discovered a 14m, 15 tonne yacht with one person on board experiencing steering difficulties.

The yacht was on passage to Madeira having left Hamburg four days previously hoping to cover 100 miles a day on its 1400-mile journey.

After ascertaining the well-being of its skipper, the crew fixed a line and began a long tow to Dover Harbour.

On reaching Dover one crew member was put aboard the yacht to fix an alongside tow.

The lifeboat returned to station at 10.25pm where pizzas had been ordered after their five-and-a-half hours at sea.

On Saturday, crew on Donald McLauchlan launched at 8.29pm after HM Coastguard issued a Pan Pan (a situation that is urgent but not an immediate threat to life) for a 10m, 10 tonne yacht with two people on board which was unable to make headway.

The yacht was on passage from Ramsgate to Eastbourne when it developed fuel issues.

A crew member was put aboard to fix a tow line and the vessel was towed into Ramsgate Harbour.

The lifeboat was recovered ashore at 10.40pm.

Walmer lifeboat is holding its first Open Day since 2019 on Sunday, July 17 at the lifeboat station on Walmer Green, between 10am and 2pm.

Visitors will be able to meet the crew, view the boats, take part in children's activities and view a photo exhibition.

The Kellett Gut Shanty Men will be performing and it is hoped to have representation from the ambulance service, Kent Fire and Rescue and the Marine Animal Rescue Service.

The afternoon will culminate, subject to operations, with a display featuring Walmer's inshore lifeboats and Dover's all-weather lifeboat.