RNLI LIFEBOAT 16-23

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RNLI boat rescued crew of Grande Brasile under difficult conditions

The Ramsgate and Dover RNLI volunteer crews, an HM Coastguard helicopter, and a Coastguard fixed wing aircraft assisted in an international operation on Feb 18, 2025, after the vehicles carrier 'Grande Brasile' had reported a fire onboard, and a complete loss of power and steerage. The first pager went off at 9.55 a.m., when a Mayday was received by the Coastguard. Both Dover and Ramsgate lifeboats were launched as a precaution with Ramsgate RNLI arriving on scene at 10.30 a.m. The lifeboats were not involved in the firefighting which was carried out by the crew of the Grimaldi ship, using fixed fire equipment, but stood by in readiness in case the boat had to be evacuated. At this point there was a slight sea state with winds of seventeen knots and a gentle swell. Once the fire had been contained , the Ramsgate lifeboat 'Diamond Jubilee-RNLI 16-23' stood by until the French tug 'Abeille Normandie' had arrived, leaving the scene at 12.45 p.m. and arriving at Ramsgate at 1.40 p,m. However, the fire had not been fully contained and broke out once again. The volunteer crew of the all weather boat were paged again at 9.12 p.m., arriving on scene at 9.56 p.m.. In the interim the sea state had worsened; the wind had strengthened to twenty three knots and the sea was very rough. The Master of the 'Grande Brasile', which was under tow at that time, made the decision to abandon ship onto their own lifeboat at 10 p.m. as they were unable to bring the fire under control. After discussions, it was decided to use the rescue craft from one of the tugs to transfer the crew from their lifeboat to the 'Diamond Jubilee'. However with the weather deteriorating, difficult sea conditions, and only eight crew having been transferred, it was decided that the best option was for the tug to position itself so as to provide wind protection for the RNLI lifeboat whilst they moved closer and took the crew directly onto the 'Diamond Jubilee'. On the second call out both Ramsgate and Dover lifeboats were in attendance as well as the Coastguard helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, a Belgium Coastguard helicopter and the French tug. After transferring all 28 exhausted crew membes onto the lifeboat amid difficult conditions and accounting for everyone, the 'Diamond Jubilee' headed to the safety of Ramsgate Royal Harbour where they were handing into the care of paramedics who checked them for smoke inhalation.