Services 2010

 

Date

31st Dec

Time

2030

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Parry, Ian Smith, Tina Smith

The lifeboat launched following a call from the class V passenger boat
Princess Pocahontas, reporting that they had a passenger who had fallen
down some stairs and was now unconscious as a result.

The lifeboat met the vessel off Tower Wharf, as it steamed back towards
Gravesend, and two crewmembers were put aboard to treat the casualty,
who had now regained consciousness.

An ambulance was waiting as the Princess Pocahontas came alongside at
West Street Pier, and the casualty was landed ashore.

 

Date

31st Dec

Time

0147

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Steve Cardew,  Dave Greenfield, Kev Bulter

The lifeboat launched to a report of a suicidal male threatening to jump
into the river somewhere between Greenhithe and Crayfordness.

The lifeboat proceeded to Greenhithe and commenced a search. After
around half an hour the police reported that the male had been found
safe ashore in Dartford, and the lifeboat returned to station.

 

Date

30th Dec

Time

1604

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Steve Cardew,  Dave Greenfield, Gemma Gill

The lifeboat launched following a report of two people in the water off
Tilbury Landing Stage.

On arrival the two people had already been recovered from the water by
the Gravesend Pilot Cutter, and landed ashore to an ambulance.

 

Date

29th Dec

Time

2043

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jason Carroll, Jordan Hill, Jade Harle

Whilst conducting training with the lifeboat still in its berth, the crew thought they heard cries for help coming from the area of Newbridge Causeway.

The lifeboat left the berth and a search commenced in the foggy conditions, but it soon became apparent that the shouts had come from youths on the shore near the Rowing Club.

 

Date

21st Dec

Time

2245

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Andy Poole, Simon Turvey

Whilst returning from exercise the lifeboat crew spotted a fire on the shore at Riverside Jetty, Barking. The fire brigade was called and the lifeboat remained on scene whilst firefighters tackled the blaze.

 

Date

17th Dec

Time

2327

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Pete Birthright, Alan Carr

The lifeboat launched to a report of a person having fallen into the river near the Thames barrier.

However whilst proceeding to the incident the lifeboat was stood down, as the casualty had been able to recover themselves from the water.

 

Date

10th Dec

Time

0840

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Pete Birthright, Stewart Challis

The lifeboat launched to assist a motor cruiser which had suffered
engine failure off All Hallows.

Once on scene a crewman was put aboard, and the craft taken in tow for
Tilbury Landing Stage, where it was moored alongside.

 

Date

19th Nov

Time

1459

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Steve Cardew, Eamon Fanning

London Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch to a person threatening to jump into the river from Erith Deep Water Jetty. On approaching Erith the lifeboat was advised that landside
police were talking to the casualty and that the lifeboat should approach and standby.

 

After a while the coastguard informed the lifeboat that the casualty had been taken into custody and then handed over to ambulance personnel.

Whilst returning to station, London Coastguard requested the lifeboat to proceed to reports of a kayaker in difficulties in the area of Barking Power Station. The casualty was located near Thamesmead Barge roads, struggling to paddle against the tide. The lifeboat crew brought
the casualty and his kayak aboard the lifeboat and proceeded inbound to Gallions Point. 

 

On arrival the lifeboat put the casualty back in the water up tide of his landing site, and then stood by until the casualty had made it ashore. The coastguard was informed that the casualty was safely ashore and the lifeboat was released to return to station.

 

Date

1st Nov

Time

0832

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Dave Greenfield, Kathy Batts

The lifeboat launched to assist an injured crewman aboard a tanker which
had just left a jetty at the Coryton oil refinery. The man had fallen
down a ladder into the engine room, and sustained a head injury.

Two lifeboat crew members went aboard the ship, assessed the man's
condition, and applied a dressing. He was then taken aboard the
lifeboat, and landed at Holehaven to a waiting ambulance, before being
taken to hospital.

 

Date

16th Oct

Time

1345

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jason Carroll, Dave Greenfield, Keith Phillips

The lifeboat was diverted from exercise to a report of a motor cruiser taking in water off Shellhaven.

 

A lifeboat crewman was placed aboard, and he found that the rate of water ingress was only slow, and the crew of the motor vessel were happy to pump the water out as they continued on passage.

 

Date

11th Oct

Time

1457

Boat

B-803 William Hurst

Crew

Steve Cardew, Paul Frickey, Lee Murray

The lifeboat diverted from exercise to a report of a capsized sailing dinghy off Erith, with two people sitting on the upturned hull.

 

When the lifeboat arrived on scene the dinghy had been righted by its crew, and was now sailing again.

 

Date

10th Oct

Time

1222

Boat

B-803 William Hurst

Crew

Steve Cardew, Paul Frickey, Paul Burton

The lifeboat launched to a report of four people jumping into the river near the Royal Hotel, Purfleet.

 

As the lifeboat was passing Tilbury it was reported that the four were now out of the water and in the custody of Essex Police, so the lifeboat was stood down.

 

Date

6th Oct

Time

1747

Boat

B-803 William Hurst

Crew

Dave Parry, Pete Birthright, Ross Boushear

London CG requested the lifeboat to launch following a report of a fire on barge at Erith.

However as the lifeboat left the berth it was confirmed that no persons were in danger, as someone had been burning rubbish on board the barge.

 

Date

5th Oct

Time

2215

Boat

B-803 William Hurst

Crew

Dave Fry, Ian Smith, Simon Turvey

The lifeboat launched to a report of a person threatening to jump from Gravesend Town Pier.

However nothing untoward was found, the call was deemed a malicious hoax, and the caller was later arrested by the police.

 

Date

4th Oct

Time

0046

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Steve Cardew, Jordan Hill, Andy Poole

Gravesend Lifeboat was launched to a report of a crewman injured after becoming trapped in machinery aboard an aggregate carrier alongside at Red Lion Wharf, Northfleet.

On arrival two lifeboat crew members went aboard. However ambulance personnel already on scene reported that the casualty had suffered fatal injuries, and so no further assistance was necessary.

 

Date

30th Sep

Time

0328

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Pete Birthright, Sue Rountree

The lifeboat was requested to launch by London CG to a report of a female threatening to commit suicide from Erith Pier.

On arrival the female was seen at the edge of the pier being spoken to by police officers. After an hour of negotiations the woman was taken into police care and the lifeboat was stood down to return to station.

 

Date

28th Sep

Time

1133

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Graham Tassell, Ian Smith, Adge Belcher

The lifeboat launched to assist a commercial fishing vessel which had fouled its propeller on its nets.

Once on scene a lifeboat crewmember was able to cut away the netting, and the vessel was able to make its own way back to its mooring at Erith.

 

Date

26th Sep

Time

2106

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Pete Birthright, Sarah Kember

The lifeboat was requested to launch to assist Gravesend Sailing Club, as several people were unable to be recovered from moored yachts due to poor weather conditions.

In total the lifeboat collected five people from four yachts, and landed them ashore at the lifeboat station.

 

Date

26th Sep

Time

1946

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Pete Birthright, Sarah Kember

The lifeboat was requested to launch by London CG to a yacht aground in Gravesend Reach. Once located a towline was passed to the yacht and after a short while the lifeboat pulled her free.

She was then towed to a mooring off Gravesend Promenade.

 

Date

19th Sep

Time

1201

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Pete Birthright, Chay Luchford

The lifeboat launched to assist a yacht in difficulties near the Mucking No.3 buoy.

The yacht had initially suffered torn sails due to the weather conditions, but then when attempting to refuel their outboard motor, a wave had broken over the stern, filling the open fuel filler with seawater. They then also lost their fuel can overboard.

The lifeboat put a crewman aboard and took the yacht under tow. It was subsequently placed on a mooring at Gravesend.

 

Date

8th Sep

Time

1558

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jason Carroll, Paul Frickey, Tim Wyatt, Kevin Butler

The lifeboat diverted from exercise to a report from a person ashore of a possible body in the water off Erith.

A PLA launch arrived on scene first and was able to confirm that the "body" was in fact just flotsam.

 

Date

6th Sep

Time

1507

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jason Carroll, Dave Greenfield, Mike Rountree

The lifeboat launched to a report of a female stuck in the mud at Commercial Wharf, Gravesend.

However, when the lifeboat arrived on scene the woman had already been removed from the mud by other emergency services, who were already on scene, and was in the care of ambulance personnel.

The lifeboat therefore returned to station.

 

Date

3rd Sep

Time

0115

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Parry, Pete Birthright, Paul Burton

The lifeboat launched following a report from the police of a male, known to have mental health problems, threatening to jump into the river from Erith Roro jetty.

The lifeboat arrived on scene and began a search, in case the man had already entered the water. However after a few minutes police confirmed that he had been found safe ashore, and the lifeboat returned to station.

 

Date

2nd Sep

Time

1656

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Ian Smith, Tanya Houston

The lifeboat launched to assist a small tender reported broken down in the shipping channel off Shellhaven, Sea Reach.

On arrival one of the occupants was taken aboard the lifeboat, as the skipper wanted to make his own way into Holehaven, having managed to restart the engine. The lifeboat escorted the craft but, when it eventually broke down for the fourth time, took it under tow.

 

Date

1st Sep

Time

2006

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Jason Carroll, Tim Wyatt, Stuart Downs

The lifeboat launched to a report of a person in the water upstream of West Street Pier, Gravesend.

The casualty was found shouting for help, and holding on to a rope hanging from the river wall. He was recovered aboard the lifeboat, and given oxygen. He was then landed into the care of Ambulance personnel at the Royal Terrace Pier.

 

Date

31st Aug

Time

1051

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Tim Wyatt, John Thornton

As the lifeboat was launching on exercise a member of PLA staff expressed concern for the safety of a yacht anchored south of the shipping channel.

The lifeboat crew spoke to the occupant, who confirmed that all was OK, and he would be weighing anchor shortly to pick up a mooring.

 

Date

29th Aug

Time

1823

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Alan Greenstreet, Craig Stowers

The lifeboat launched to assist a yacht on a mooring at Gravesend. The yacht's tender, with the skipper on board, had broken down and been blown ashore in a squall, leaving two inexperienced crew members stranded on the yacht.

The lifeboat crew collected the skipper and recovered the tender. The two crew were then collected from the yacht, then all three landed ashore at Newbridge Causeway. 

 

Date

29th Aug

Time

1701

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Alan Greenstreet, Craig Stowers

On returning from exercise, the lifeboat crew were flagged down by the crew of a small work boat, who were struggling to secure their craft in the choppy conditions. The lifeboat crew assisted them to moor the craft, before landing them ashore at Newbridge Causeway.

 

Date

29th Aug

Time

1547

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Alan Greenstreet, Craig Stowers

The Whilst launching on exercise, the lifeboat crew were informed by the Pilot Cutter crew of a yacht which had broken adrift from its moorings off Gravesend Promenade. 

The lifeboat stood by and assisted while the Gravesend sailing Club rescue boat took the yacht under tow and secured it to another mooring.

 

Date

28th Aug

Time

1845

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Graham Tassell, Sarah Kember followed by Dafe Fry, Dave Parry, Ian Smith and Sarah Kember

The lifeboat launched to assist two dinghies, with a total of five people on board, which had been blown aground in a squall off Gravesend Sailing Club.

 

A crewman tried to walk ashore to the boats, but the mud was too soft. Therefore an RAF Sea King helicopter, which was returning to its base at Wattisham, winched the five people aboard, before landing them on a nearby school playing field.

 

Click here for picture

 

Date

26th Aug

Time

1148

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Graham Tassell, Mike Rountree, Emma Barton

The lifeboat diverted from exercise to investigate an open carrier being broadcast on Ch 14. However shortly afterwards the lifeboat was stood down, as the ship had been contacted.

 

Before returning to station, the lifeboat was asked to search in Long Reach after a number of life rings in the water had been reported by various ships.

 

However nothing untoward was found.

 

Date

24th Aug

Time

1819

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Steve Cardew, Roy King

The lifeboat launched following a report of people in the water between Gravesend and Thurrock Yacht Club.

 

The lifeboat searched as far as the yacht club, where a crewman was put ashore, and was able to confirm that the people involved were now safely ashore.

 

Date

24th Aug

Time

0812

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Steve Cardew, Roy King

The lifeboat launched to assist a yacht reported to be taking in water near the Lower Hope Buoy.

 

On arrival it was found that the occupants had made a temporary repair to the leak, so a crewman was put aboard, and the yacht taken under tow to a mooring at Gravesend.

 

Date

23rd Aug

Time

0910

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Steve Cardew, Roy King

The lifeboat launched to assist a yacht believed to be in difficulties in Holehaven Creek.

 

On arrival the yacht was seen to be dragging its anchor. As its engine was faulty, it was taken under tow alongside, and placed on a mooring nearby. The owner wished to remain on board, so the lifeboat then returned to station.

 

Date

22nd Aug

Time

1133

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Steve Cardew, Chris Maher

Gravesend Lifeboat was launched to a broken down motor cruiser in the shipping lane near Mucking 3, Lower Hope Reach. Once on scene the motor cruiser was found to be having difficulties with the fuel system, meaning it could go ahead very slowly, but it would cut out when more power was applied.

 

The vessel was taken in tow to Gravesend Sailing Club where the lifeboat stood by while the vessel made its way slowly through the lock back to its berth.

 

Date

19th Aug

Time

2026

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Pete Birthright, Tina Smith

Whilst on exercise the lifeboat was requested to assist a broken down motor cruiser reported at Coldharbour Point.

 

Whilst on route the location was corrected to Greenwich Reach. Gravesend Lifeboat was therefore stood down to return to station.

 

Date

15th Aug

Time

1635

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Sam Houston, Sarah Kember

The lifeboat assisted a broken down yacht at anchor near Thurrock Yacht Club.

 

The yacht was taken in tow and placed on its mooring at Gravesend.

 

Date

14th Aug

Time

1711

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Sam Houston, Alan Carr

The lifeboat launched to assist a cabin cruiser which had broken down in Gravesend Reach, just off the promenade.

 

It was taken under tow and placed on the lifeboat mooring buoy at Gravesend. The occupants were then landed ashore.

 

Date

7th Aug

Time

1129

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jason Carroll, Mike Rountree, Sue Rountree

The lifeboat launched following a 999 call to London Coastguard from a lady repoorting that her dog was in the river half a mile off Rainham marshes, and drowning.

 

The lifeboat crew found the dog, which was in a distressed state. A crewman went into the water to keep the dog afloat, whist the other two crewmembers lifted it aboard. 

The dog and owner were then reunited ashore.

Click here for picture

 

Date

30th July

Time

0642

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Jordan Hill, Chris Maher

The lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard after a passing vessel reported seeing a life ring floating off Imperial Wharf in Gravesend Reach.

 

The lifeboat commenced a search of the area and first found a floating fire extinguisher, but shortly after another passing vessel spotted the life ring and alerted the lifeboat. The lifeboat recovered the life ring, which had no markings on it. After a quick check around the immediate area the lifeboat was released to return to station.

 

Date

28th July

Time

1810

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Steve Cardew, Tim Wyatt, Dave Creek

The lifeboat launched to assist a yacht's tender with three pob that was struggling against the ebb tide off Gravesend Sailing Club.

 

The tender was taken in tow alongside, and landed at Newbridge Causeway.

 

Date

28th July

Time

1759

Boat

Not required

Crew

Steve Cardew, Tim Wyatt, Dave Creek

The lifeboat crew were asked to assist in the evacuation of a sick crewmember from the Sail Training Vessel Lord Nelson.

 

The lifeboat crew went onto the Royal Terrace Pier, and assisted the Lord Nelson to moor alongside.

 

The crew member was then helped ashore to a waiting ambulance.

 

Click here for picture 1

 

Click here for picture 2

 

Click here for picture 3

 

Date

24th July

Time

1253

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Graham Tassell, Sue Rountree

Whilst attending the annual "Big Day Out" at Gravesend Promenade, the lifeboat was requested to proceed to Grays, to search for a missing child.

The lifeboat carried out a search along the shoreline, however after around 15 minutes the police reported that the child had been found safe ashore, so the lifeboat was released to return to the Gravesend Promenade.

 

Date

17th July

Time

1705

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Fry, Pete Birthright, Alan Carr

The lifeboat was attending the Sea Scout Annual Raft Race at Greenhithe as part of a public relations exercise.

 

Whilst at the event a female came ashore with an injury to her knee that had been sustained on one of the rafts. The lifeboat crew administered first aid and dressed the wound. The female was then driven to hospital by one of her friends.

 

Date

16th July

Time

0205

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Steve Cardew, Chris Maher

The lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard who had received a 999 call from a person who reported hearing someone shouting for help in the water near Gravesend Promenade.

 

The informant has mentioned a boat with lights on, so the lifeboat conducted an initial search amongst the moorings, checking on the yacht rescued earlier in the day and a commercial tug. With nothing untoward found the lifeboat searched between Denton Wharf and West St Pier, but still found nothing.

 

The nature of the call, led the coastguard to believe this was a deliberate hoax and so the lifeboat was stood down after completing the search.

 

Date

15th July

Time

1137

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Jason Carroll, Stewart Challis

The lifeboat launched to assist a small yacht, which had been taken in tow by a local workboat after suffering engine failure off Coryton.

 

The lifeboat towed that yacht to Gravesend, where the crew then assisted the skipper to rectify the engine problem.

 

 

Date

14th July

Time

0226

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Mike Rountree, Sam Houston

The lifeboat launched following a report of a small dinghy drifting with the tide off the Wharf public house, Grays.

 

On arrival this was found to be an unoccupied tender to a yacht moored at Thurrock Yacht Club. The yacht was found safe and secure on its mooring.

 

The tender was returned to the yacht club compound. As the lifeboat left, two further tenders were spotted drifting, which were also recovered.

 

It is believed all three tenders had been set adrift in a malicious act.

 

Date

12th July

Time

2257

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Jordan Hill, Steve Cardew, Sue Rountree

Gravesend Lifeboat carried out a search in Sea Reach, off Shell Haven, following reports of red flares.

 

A while later it was confirmed that the flares had been fired from over land, so the lifeboat was released to return to station.

 

Date

10th July

Time

1547

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Graham Tassell, Dave Parry, Chris Maher

The lifeboat launched after the coastguard received a number of 999 calls reporting children being blown offshore in an inflatable toy dinghy near Canvey Island.

 

The lifeboat made best speed to the area while Canvey Island Coastguard team sighted them from ashore. The boys were picked up by a passing fishing boat who had seen they were in danger. The two teenage boys were then transferred to the lifeboat and taken ashore.

 

Once ashore the boys were met by Canvey Island Coastguard team and given safety advice.

 

Date

4th July

Time

1251

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Alan Greenstreet, Harry Durrant, Alan Carr

The lifeboat launched to assist a rowing skiff from Gravesend Rowing Club, which had become swamped after striking a submerged object near Clubb's Jetty, Denton. The two occupants were standing on the shore with the dinghy, trying to bale it out.

 

The craft was taken under tow and landed on Newbridge Causeway, Gravesend.

 

Date

4th July

Time

1124

Boat

B-827 Olive Laura Deare II

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Alan Greenstreet, Harry Durrant, Alan Carr

The lifeboat crew was notified by the crew of the Gravesend pilot cutter of a person stuck in the mud up to their knees off Gravesend Sailing Club.

 

The lifeboat launched but on arrival it was found that the person had managed to get back aboard their dinghy. The lifeboat crew kept them under observation as they made their own way back to Newbridge Causeway.

 

Date

29th June

Time

2044

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Tim Wyatt, Ross Boushear

The lifeboat was on exercise among the moorings off Gravesend Promenade when it was alerted to a person in the water under Newbridge Causeway, Gravesend.

 

The lifeboat was on scene thirty seconds later, and, as the casualty was unresponsive, crew member Tim Wyatt entered the water to recover him onto the causeway, assisted by members of the nearby Gravesend Rowing Club.

 

The casualty was given oxygen and first aid, and shortly afterwards handed over to ambulance personnel.

 

Date

29th June

Time

1747

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Steve Cardew, Roy King

The lifeboat launched to a report of a male in the river at the Woolwich Ferry.

 

However it was stood down shortly after launching as the man had been recovered by ambulance personnel.

 

Date

28th June

Time

0915

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Steve Cardew, Graham Tassell

The lifeboat launched after a passing tug reported seeing a woman standing waist deep in the water at Black Shelf, Thurrock.

 

She was brought aboard the lifeboat, and landed ashore at Thurrock Yacht Club. Police and ambulance were also requested to attend, as she was in a confused state.

 

Date

27th June

Time

2104

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Ian Dunkley, Dave Greenfield, Alan Carr

The lifeboat was requested to launch  by Thames Coastguard to a report of a female in the water off Canvey Island beach to the East of  Thorney Bay. The Lifeboat launched and proceeded at best speed communicating with Canvey CG  who were on scene ashore.

 

When the lifeboat arrived shoreside police had persuaded the person  concerned to leave the water and were attending to her on the shoreline and awaiting the arrival of paramedics.

 

Date

27th June

Time

1711

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Steve Cardew, Sarah Kember

The lifeboat crew was alerted by the crew of the Gravesend Pilot Cutter to two people in the water, being swept away by the tide off Gravesend Promenade.

 

They were brought aboard the lifeboat and landed ashore.

 

Date

26th June

Time

1616

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Alan Greenfield, Simon Turvey

Gravesend Lifeboat diverted from exercise to assist a 19' motor vessel which had suffered gearbox failure near the Lower Hope Buoy.

 

A crewman was put aboard and the craft taken in tow for Holehaven Creek, where it was secured to a mooring.

 

Date

24th June

Time

2356

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Dave Parry, Graham Tassell, Chris Maher

The lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard after a member of the public called 999 and reported sighting a red distress flare. The person had been in East Tilbury and had seen the flare in line with Tilbury power station.

 

The lifeboat therefore commenced a search of Gravesend Reach. With nothing untoward found and local fisherman not having seen anything the lifeboat was stood down to return to station.

 

Date

19th June

Time

1102

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Tim Wyatt, Sue Rountree

The lifeboat was launched to assist a yacht reported aground on the Blyth sands, south of Shellhaven.

 

On arrival the yacht was found to be well aground, with no chance of refloating until the tide had flooded. The lifeboat therefore returned to station, re-launching at 1353 with a fourth crewmember, Mike Rountree, also now aboard.

 

The yacht, which had also suffered engine failure, was towed off the sands, and then escorted by the lifeboat as it sailed to Gravesend. The lifeboat crew then assisted the yachts occupants to pick up a mooring.

 

Date

16th June

Time

1130

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Dave Fry, Graham Tassell, Mike Rountree

The lifeboat launched after a female passenger fell over and suffered cuts to her head and leg aboard the Princess Pocahontas.

 

Two crew members were put aboard to treat the woman, who was then taken aboard the lifeboat, along with her husband, and landed ashore to an ambulance at Erith Causeway.

 

Date

15th June

Time

1947

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Dave Parry, Pete Birthright, Ross Boushear

Gravesend Lifeboat launched following a 999 call from Gravesend Sailing Club reporting an unmanned yacht on their visitors mooring behaving erratically.


On arrival the lifeboat crew discovered that the mooring line had been led through a fairlead, rather then over the stem. Due to the fresh easterly breeze and strong ebb tide, this resulted in the yacht sheering about on the mooring, and sometimes circling the buoy.

A crewman was put aboard, and re-secured the line so that the yacht laid correctly to the buoy.

During this incident the lifeboat crew was diverted to another yacht off Gravesend, believed by crew at the lifeboat station to be in difficulties. On speaking to the two occupants it transpired that they did not need any assistance, but were merely looking for a mooring for the night.

 

Date

8th June

Time

2243

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Graham Tassell, Dave Fry, Chay Luchford

The lifeboat was requested to launch to a report of two people in the water near Grays. The lifeboat made best speed and commenced a search of the area. During the search the lifeboat was informed by Essex Police that the people had left the water. The lifeboat was therefore released to return to station.

 

Date

4th June

Time

1611

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Dave Greenfield, Gemma Gill

The lifeboat was diverted from exercise to a report of a female stuck on wreck at Thurrock YC.

 

Once on scene it was found that there were 5 teenage female on board an old derelict light vessel. They had been forced to seek refuge as male teenagers were throwing stones at them and they were unable to get off.

 

The lifeboat observed the police talking to all parties and then all 5 of the females jumped down onto the shingle beach. The lifeboat was subsequently released to return to station.

 

Date

2nd June

Time

1727

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Ian Dunkley, Mike Lett

The lifeboat launched to a report of a person in the water off Gravesend.

 

The casualty was found ashore, with police on Newbridge Causeway. As she was cold and shocked, she was placed in blankets and given oxygen, before being transferred to an ambulance.

 

Date

2nd June

Time

1408

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Ian Dunkley, Mike Lett

The lifeboat was diverted from exercise to a report of a small rowing dinghy with two people on board struggling against the tide off Gravesend Promenade.

 

When the lifeboat arrived on scene the dinghy and its occupants were safely ashore, having landed at Newbridge Causeway.

 

The lifeboat then continued on exercise.

 

Date

1st June

Time

2101

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Ian Smith, Dave Fry, Adge Belcher

London Coastguard received a Pan Pan message from a vessel suffering steering failure in the vicinity of Crossness. Gravesend Lifeboat was requested and proceeded at best speed, making contact with the casualty on Ch16.

 

The vessel was being escorted by another cruiser and proceeding at slow speed inbound. A crew member was placed aboard the casualty vessel to determine the best course of action. The skipper was able to steer the vessel by operating both engines, and to some degree from the flying bridge position, so the lifeboat escorted the vessel at slow speed, whilst awaiting the attendance of the Harbour Master.

 

The PLA launch Westbourne met up with the lifeboat, and took over escort duties, whereupon the crewmember was recovered and the lifeboat released from the scene.

 

Date

31st May

Time

1750

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Graham Tassell, Pete Birthright, Paul Frickey

The lifeboat launched to assist a yacht which had suffered engine failure and had been trapped by the tide across the stern of a moored barge.

 

The harbour launch "Benfleet" was already on scene, and in the process of rigging a towline. The lifeboat crew assisted the Benfleet in securing the yacht to a mooring off Gravesend, and then used the salvage pump to empty the yacht's tender, which had become flooded.

 

Date

30th May

Time

1416

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Graham Tassell, Pete Birthright, Craig Stowers

As the lifeboat returned from the previous service they were requested to proceeded to Coldharbour Barge Roads, where three people had been reported cut off by the tide.

 

A police launch had also been sent and made the decision to take the the three people off the barges. However, the police launch was unable to land the people ashore due to its draft, therefore the people were transferred to the lifeboat and landed ashore.

 

Date

30th May

Time

1403

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Graham Tassell, Pete Birthright, Craig Stowers

The lifeboat was requested to launch to a broken down yacht in Gravesend Reach. The yacht had dropped anchored off Gravesend Promenade to avoid drifting into other traffic in the reach.

 

The lifeboat put a crew member on board, who was able to assist the crew to re-start the engine. The lifeboat then escorted the yacht to a mooring, where the engine problem could be investigated. The lifeboat was then released to return to station.

Click here for a picture

 

Date

27th May

Time

1647

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Dave Greenfield, Roy King

The lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard to a vessel not sure of its  position.  The call was made by mobile phone and the coastguard managed to narrow it down to  somewhere near Shellhaven in Sea Reach.

 

On entering Sea Reach the lifeboat crew located the vessel at anchor on the south side of the reach.  On speaking  to the occupants of the vessel it was found that they had run out of fuel.  The vessel was  in a very poor condition, the occupants only had one life ring between them and no charts. 

 

A tow  was connected and the vessel was towed to the lifeboat mooring in Gravesend Reach. Two of the  occupants were landed ashore so they could go and purchase fuel and then returned to their vessel. The lifeboat was released and returned to station.

 

Date

27th May

Time

1129

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Dave Greenfield, Roy King

Gravesend Lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard to a vessel adrift in Halfway Reach. On arrival the vessel had been recovered by a tug.

 

The vessel was recognised as the safety boat from Ford’s at Dagenham. The engine was found to be cold and trimmed up, and there were no keys on board. On speaking to the tug crew they reported that vessels proceeding up river had created a large swell which was believed to have washed the boat from its boatlift. The lifeboat then assisted in returning the boat to its correct location.

 

Date

26th May

Time

1849

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Dave Greenfield, Jon Thornton

Gravesend Lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard after a member of the public spotted a small sailing catamaran capsize near Crayfordness.

 

The Lifeboat made best speed, but on arrival the crew of the catamaran had righted the boat and continued sailing. This was put down to a false alarm with good intentions.

 

Date

25th May

Time

0821

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Dave Greenfield, Ross Boushear

Gravesend Lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard to an injured person at Purfleet Deep Upper Berth. The Lifeboat launched and preceded at best speed to the location.

 

On arrival two crew members were put ashore. The ambulance and fire services were already on scene. The two lifeboat crew members helped the other emergency services to evacuate the casualty whilst the lifeboat stood by as safety cover.

 

Once the casualty was the safely in the ambulance the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station after picking up the two crew members.

 

Date

23rd May

Time

2213

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Ian Smith, Dave Parry, Rolf Allison

Whilst on exercise off Cliffe Marshes Gravesend Lifeboat Crew sighted a red parachute flare to the south west.

The bearing of the flare, and the lifeboats current position, were passed to London CG.

The coastguard  requested the lifeboat to search close inshore as far as Denton Wharf. With nothing untoward found, it was believed that the flare had been fired from on shore.

 

Date

22nd May

Time

0934

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Dave Fry, Pete Brithright, Chris Maher

Gravesend Lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard after passing ships spotted a swimmer and canoe in the water near the East Blyth.

 

On arrival the lifeboat found the swimmer was attempting to swim from Essex to Allhallows, across the shipping lanes, with his partner escorting him in a canoe as cover. The crew offered safety advice and pointed out that it would have been wise to speak to the coastguard before setting out. At this stage the swimmer had reached the shallow water over the Blyth Sands.

 

The swimmer insisted on continuing to Allhallows and then intended on returning to Essex in the canoe. The lifeboat stood by in deeper water as the crew were concerned for the safety of the swimmer. After discussion with Thames Coastguard it was decided that it would be more appropriate for Southend Lifeboat to stand by and allow Gravesend Lifeboat to return to station and refuel.

 

Southend Lifeboat arrived on scene and after a brief handover Gravesend Lifeboat left scene and returned to station.

 

Date

19th May

Time

1305

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Tim Wyatt, Gemma Gill, John Newing

The lifeboat was requested to launch, by London Coastguard, to a 30ft cabin cruiser "Sherwood Lady", which was suffering engine problems.

 

On arrival the casualty was found to be aground on the Blyth Sands.  The vessel appeared to have a faulty depth sounder as it was reading 3.2m, but the actual depth of water was about 1m.  A crewmember was transferred to the vessel and the lifeboat stood by whilst the vessel was coaxed off the mud with the aid of the flood tide.

 

The lifeboat escorted the vessel for a couple of miles, during which time the port engine began to lose power intermittently. However, the occupants stated they were happy to continue on to the Medway without further assistance, so the lifeboat was released to return to Gravesend.

 

Date

18th May

Time

2045

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jordan Hill, Dave Greenfield, Sue Rountree

Whilst embarking on a training exercise the lifeboat crew observed a rowing boat alongside Newbridge Causeway, Gravesend, which had become swamped by the wash from a passing ship.

 

The lifeboat was put alongside, and the salvage pump used to empty the water from the craft. The crew the assisted the occupants to recover the dinghy back ashore.

 

Date

18th May

Time

1208

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Steve Cardew, Craig Stowers

Holehaven Coastwatch expressed concern as to the seaworthiness of a small dinghy with two people on board heading out of the creek.

 

The lifeboat proceeded and the crew spoke to the occupants of the dinghy, who were aware of local tidal and weather conditions, were wearing lifejackets, and had means of communication distress, if necessary.

 

The lifeboat therefore returned to station.

 

Date

17th May

Time

1852

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jordan Hill, Steve Cardew, Paul Frickey

Gravesend lifeboat was requested by London coastguard to launch to a report of youths entering the water near Thurrock Yacht Club.

 

The lifeboat arrived on scene and searched from Tilbury grain terminal westwards past Thurrock Yacht Club. A number of people were seen on the shoreline but none fitted the description.

 

The CG contacted the first informant, who confirmed the youths were playing on the old light ship west of the yacht club, but that they had now left the scene. With this information, the lifeboat was released to return to station.

 

Date

16th May

Time

1311

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Ian Smith, Dave Parry, Alan Carr

The lifeboat self-launched to assist a sailing dinghy observed by the crew at the station to be in need of assistance.

A sailing club rescue boat was with the dinghy, which had become totally inverted, but was having difficulty righting it, and both boats were now drifting out into the shipping channel.

The lifeboat initially took the two occupants of the dinghy ashore, as they were cold & wet. The lifeboat then returned and assisted the rescue boat crew to right the dinghy, and two lifeboat crew members went aboard the rescue boat with the lifeboat's salvage pump, to empty the water from the dinghy.
The rescue boat then towed the dinghy back to the sailing club, escorted by the lifeboat.

Click here for picture 1

Click here for picture 2

Click here for picture 3

 

 

Date

12th May

Time

0419

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Jordan Hill, Stuart Downs

The lifeboat was requested to launch to help Kent Police and Medway Coastguard carry out a shoreline search for a missing person.  The lifeboat launched and preceded at best speed to the search area.  On arrival the lifeboat searched from Alpha Jetty, Cliffe, to the East Blyth Buoy off All Hallows.

 

Due to the state of the tide at times the lifeboat was searching approximately 0.75nm from the shoreline.  In discussion with the Coastguard it was decided that the lifeboat could return to station to carry out a crew change and then continue the search when the tide started flooding. However whilst the lifeboat was refuelling the Coastguard reported that the casualty had been found safe and well.

 

Date

3rd May

Time

1554

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Jordan Hill, Roy King

The lifeboat was requested to launch after the Cobelfret ferry "Clementine" reported sighting a lifejacket floating in Long Reach.

 

The lifeboat made best speed to the area, and located and recovered the lifejacket.

 

As it was in a poor condition, and appeared to have been in the water for some time, the lifeboat was stood down to return to station. 

 

Date

2nd May

Time

0132

Boat

Not required

Crew

Jason Carroll, Tim Wyatt, Simon Turvey

The duty crew at the lifeboat station heard cries for help coming from the vicinity of the lifeboat berth.

 

On investigation a man was found in the water, clinging to a mooring chain in the narrow gap between the RNLI pontoon and the Royal Terrace Pier.

 

He was recovered from the water by the lifeboat crew, wrapped in blankets and given oxygen before being handed over to the ambulance service and police.

 

Date

1st May

Time

1629

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Jordan Hill, Alan Carr

Whilst on exercise the lifeboat was called by London VTS concerning a small motor cruiser which appeared to be drifting in Gravesend Reach.

As the lifeboat arrived alongside the craft it managed to restart its engine. It was then escorted to Gravesend Sailing Club by the lifeboat.

 

Date

24th April

Time

1924

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jordan Hill, Steve Cardew, Harry Durrant, Stewart Challis

Gravesend Lifeboat launched to assist a small yacht with two people on board which had gone aground on a mudbank off Gravesend promenade.

 

Although the tide was flooding, the yacht was unable to get free due to the NE wind.

 

The lifeboat towed the craft off the mud, then towed it alongside to Gravesend Sailing Club.

 

Date

23rd April

Time

2039

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jordan Hill, Steve Cardew, Sue Rountree

Gravesend Lifeboat was diverted from exercise following a 999 call from a distressed female threatening to jump into the river at Erith.

 

On arrival the lifeboat searched  in company with the PLA harbour patrol launch, and a Metropolitan Police boat, whilst a Police helicopter also carried out an infrared search.

 

However, nothing was found, and all units were eventually stood down.

 

Date

18th April

Time

1325

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jordan Hill, Tim Wyatt, Chris Maher

Gravesend Lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard to a report of an elderly couple in a small vessel stuck on the mud by Erith.

 The lifeboat attended and commenced a search along with two police launches. Whilst searching the coastguard managed to contact the informant who had seen the couple get to Erith causeway and walk ashore. The lifeboat was therefore stood down to return to station.

 

Date

4th April

Time

2059

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Graham Tassell, Pete Birthright, Steve Hutson

Gravesend Lifeboat diverted from a training exercise to a report of a possible person in the water at Greenwich. One person had already been recovered from the water by police, but it was feared that a second person was missing.

As Gravesend Lifeboat was passing the O2, police confirmed that everyone was accounted for, and the lifeboat was stood down.

Although this call was outside the area normally covered by Gravesend Lifeboat, Tower Lifeboat was already engaged in a search further up river.

 

Date

4th April

Time

0732

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Ian Smith, Dave Parry, Chay Luchford

Gravesend Lifeboat launched to a report of a man threatening to jump from the QE2 Bridge, Dartford. Police were negotiating with the man, and the bridge had been closed to traffic.

Once on scene the lifeboat remained out of sight of the man, just upstream of the bridge. After an hour and a half, he was persuaded to come back inside the railings, and was taken into Police custody.

The lifeboat then returned to station.

 

Date

2nd April

Time

1455

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Dave Greenfield, Mark Jackson

The lifeboat launched to assist a sailing club safety boat reported broken down off Gravesend.

 

However before the lifeboat arrived on scene the safety boat had rectified its engine problem (a disconnected fuel pipe) and returned to the sailing club unassisted.

 

Date

31st Mar

Time

1342

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Rob Brennan, Tanya Houston

Gravesend Lifeboat was diverted from exercise to assist the PLA RIB "Ebbsfleet" which had requested immediate assistance after being in collision with another vessel.

 

The lifeboat proceeded at full speed but before reaching the scene was stood down, as the Ebbsfleet had been assisted by another PLA craft.

 

Date

26th Mar

Time

1727

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Ian Smith, Pete Birthright, Adge Belcher, Michael Lett

Gravesend Lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard after a report of distressed female threatening to jump into the river near the Woolwich Ferry.

 

Whilst passing Margretness the lifeboat was stood down as the female had been taken into Police custody.

 

Date

19th Mar

Time

2030

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Graham Tassell, Ian Smith, Rolf Allison

Whilst on a training exercise Gravesend Lifeboat picked up a distress signal from an EPIRB. London CG was informed, and the lifeboat was requested to commence a search of the area.

 

The signal was found to be coming from the Port Control Centre at Gravesend. The lifeboat was stood down, and the Port of London Authority notified.

 

Date

1st Mar

Time

1338

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Steve Cardew, Tim Wyatt

Whilst out on exercise Gravesend Lifeboat was requested to proceed to Greenhithe, following reports of a dog in difficulties in the water.

On arrival the lifeboat crew spoke to the occupants of several local boats, who confirmed that the "dog" was in fact a seal, which had been in the area for several weeks.

 

Date

23rd Feb

Time

2039

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Graham Tassell, Pete Birthright, Alan Carr

Gravesend Lifeboat launched to assist a 40' motor cruiser which was disabled off the Ford's factory at Dagenham. It had earlier suffered failure of one of its two engines, and the other engine had then ran out of fuel, as there was no means of cross-feeding the engines from either fuel tank.

The lifeboat took the vessel under tow and placed it on a mooring off Margaretness, Woolwich.

Click here for a picture.

 

Date

23rd Feb

Time

1039

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Dave Fry, Dave Parry, Tanya Houston

London CG requested Gravesend Lifeboat to launch to investigate an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) transmitting east of Gravesend.

Using the lifeboat's VHF DF set the EPIRB was now found to be south of the station, on shore and moving westwards.

The lifeboat continued to track the signal as far as Purfleet, at which point it was lost.

The speed at which the EPIRB was moving, and its track, led to the conclusion that it was in a vehicle, and had probably been activated unintentionally.

 

Date

21st Feb

Time

2158

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jason Carroll, Jordan Hill, Tanya Houston

Whilst returning from exercise, Gravesend Lifeboat crew spotted a workboat alongside at Shellhaven, with all its lights on.

As this raised the possibility that someone had fallen overboard whilst mooring the boat, London Coastguard was notified, and a search commenced.

After around an hour the coastguard were able to confirm that no one was missing, and the lights had been left on inadvertently.

The lifeboat therefore returned to station.

 

Date

18th Feb

Time

1623

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Dave Greenfield, Paul Frickey, Stewart Challis

Gravesend Lifeboat was diverted from exercise to search for a missing person in the area of Thorney Bay, Canvey Island.

 

The lifeboat searched along the shoreline as far as Holehaven Creek, whilst the Southend Lifeboat searched eastwards from Thorney Bay as far as the eastern end of Canvey Island.

 

The search was eventually terminated with nothing having been found. However, London Coastguard later informed the station that the person had been found safe and well on shore.

 

Date

15th Feb

Time

1517

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Graham Tassell, Pete Birthright, Eamon Fanning

The lifeboat was requested to launch after a tug reported seeing an unturned dinghy floating off the entrance to Barking Creek.

On arrival the object was found to be a home-made canoe, in a derelict condition. The lifeboat took it under tow and secured it to a mooring buoy off Thamesmead.

 

Date

12th Feb

Time

1245

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Jordan Hill, Jon Thornton, Matt Stickels

The lifeboat was diverted from exercise to investigate a lifebuoy reported floating off Crossness. The lifebuoy was recovered, and a search carried out of the immediate area, with nothing untoward found.

 

Date

12th Feb

Time

1005

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Steve Cardew, Jordan Hill, Jon Thornton, Matt Stickels

Lifeboat was requested to launch by London Coastguard to standby whilst Kent Fire and Rescue Service tackled a fire at Denton Wharf.  The lifeboat remained on scene until the fire was extinguished and all KFRS personnel were clear of the pier.

 

Date

31st Jan

Time

1428

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Graham Tassell, Ian Smith, Paul Burton

The lifeboat was requested to proceed to the derelict former Mersey Ferry "Royal Iris", which was reported sinking alongside at Woolwich.

It was believed that there may have been people inside, so on arrival the lifeboat crew assisted the police with a search of the lower decks, as far as the depth of water within the ship would allow.

No one was found, and the lifeboat was released to return to station, leaving the incident in the hands of the Fire Brigade and police.

Click here for a picture.

 

Date

23rd Jan

Time

0917

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Dave Fry, Graham Tassell, Sarah Kember

The lifeboat was asked to investigate a vessel transmitting an open carrier on VHF channel 16, the distress channel.

Using the lifeboats DF set, the source of the transmission was found to be a yacht under way in Gravesend Reach. The lifeboat crew spoke to the  crew of the yacht, who found that their radio was faulty and, unbeknown to them, had been stuck on transmit.

 

Date

18th Jan

Time

0102

Boat

B-807 Mary Lewis

Crew

Jordan Hill, Paul Frickey, Sue Rountree

London Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch to a male threatening to jump from Woolwich Arsenal Pier.

Whilst en route it was reported that shoreside police now had the man in custody, so the lifeboat was stood down to return to station.