Dinghy capsized A SMALL SAILING DINGHY capsized by the Mulberry harbour, Littlestone, was reported to Dover Coastguard at 1103 on Saturday September 6, 1980. Her crew, two young boys, were signalling for help and it was later learned that the capsize had been caused by a rigging failure. It was a fine morning with a slight sea, but a moderate breeze, force 4, was blowing from the south west.

The tide was in the first hour of ebb.

Littlestone-on-Sea lifeboat station honorary secretary, who was at the boathouse, was informed at 1108, and told that the report was being investigated.

It was confirmed that help was needed and the Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat was launched at 1115 manned by Helmsman Gerald Ellse and Crew Members Charles P. Reed and John Snoad.

The lifeboat reached the casualty within minutes and found the two boys, aged 10 and 14, sitting on the capsized hull. They were taken on board the Atlantic, their dinghy was righted and the mast and rigging unshipped and secured. The lifeboat then returned to station with the dinghy in tow, arriving at 1148. The boys, both very cold, were dried and given warm clothing and hot drinks. The Atlantic 21 was rehoused and again ready for service at 1215..