Thank you RNLI
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Category: General
Forum Name: Banter
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URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5542
Printed Date: 13 Aug 25 at 9:26pm
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Topic: Thank you RNLI
Posted By: Guests
Subject: Thank you RNLI
Date Posted: 24 May 09 at 9:58pm
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This is a personal thank you that I want to make public.
Today an RNLI rescue boat came out to save me and my friend. Never has there been a moment in my life where I felt so relieved and thankful as when I saw that RIB speeding towards me today. Myself in my boat and a friend singlehanding his lark went out for a play in swanage bay, only to caught out by a rip tide. We were being dragged along the coast and out to sea further and further. It was a horrible feeling being in a situation than I had no control of. For a long, long time my friend and I drifted further and further out to sea. I genuinely cannot explain the overwhelming feeling of relief to see that RNLI rib come speeding towards us. One of the guys on the rib happened to be a good friend of mine and today I gave him the biggest hug! Those guys who are always wearing that beeper on there belt, always on call, are as far as I'm concerned, HERO'S!! You can mock me all you like but this is a way of saying thank you to them. Today could have turned out a lot worse. Doug H |
Replies:
Posted By: bert
Date Posted: 25 May 09 at 2:41am
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Well done It`s easy to say nothing. ------------- Phantom 1181 AC-227 IC 304 blaze / halo 586 |
Posted By: ellistine
Date Posted: 26 May 09 at 9:40am
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How we're they alerted? Did you call them or did someone
spot you? It's something that's always concerned me (even within the relative constraints of Portland Harbour) to the point that we always carry a mobile phone in a waterproof case in the boat and a hand held VHF in the pocket of my BA. I really should do a VHF course but I'm sure they wouldn't mind me using it in an emergency. ------------- |
Posted By: ChrisJ
Date Posted: 26 May 09 at 1:37pm
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I have called out the RNLI twice, both times with the VHF: Once we ran aground. Bilge keels, 95% safe, but reported in just to be sure. The Inshore boat shot over to see us about 15 minutes later, saying they were feeling a bit bored and wanted a quick ride! We spent a happy hour or so locating an anchor so when the tide returned 5 hours later the boat would swing off safely. The second time we were aground again: but this time quite delibarately in order to have a peaceful nights sleep. But the speed boat and water-skier who tried to go around us didn't know! We called the inshore boat out for them, as once they were aground they were stuck until midnight and they were only wearing wet wet-suits.
Both times, the important thing is to be able to give instructions to the RNLI / costaguard to locate where the vessel is. NOT what you can see from the vessel, but how can they see you. |
Posted By: JohnW
Date Posted: 26 May 09 at 2:20pm
There is a look out station at Swanage. This pics shows the look-out post and on the right, you can see the tidal race over the ledges - this is a calm day.  http://www.wordsandpictures.me.uk/westcountry/swanage.html - http://www.wordsandpictures.me.uk/westcountry/swanage.html |
Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 26 May 09 at 9:31pm
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Thank you is a simple phrase that means a lot. If I thought there was a need to call out "an emergency service" I wouldn't give it a second thought. I have called a police and ambulance before to an accident on the M25. Thankfully the Ambulance wasn't needed and was told to stand down, but the Traffic officer said to me its best to be safe than sorry, after all that is their job.  ------------- |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 27 May 09 at 2:55pm
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I had the RNLI come out to me in 1984 when the rescue boat I was in had the engine tear through the wooden transom and sink. (No, I don't know why it wasn't bolted on, either!) One of the dinghies towed us in towards the harbour but wasn't able to bring us in. As this was before easily available VHF and mobile phones, we had to light a flare to get help. As it was a darkening winter afternoon, and the alternative was attempting to paddle in against wind and tide, they were a welcome sight. The guys were great and didn't mind coming out to get us at all. In return we spent some time capsizing dinghies in order to help them learn how to deal with small boats. Even though we now live inland, both our kids are members of Stormforce, and we visit lifeboat stations whenever we are near them. ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |