Services 2010

 

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 24rd 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 24rd 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.