LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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The Folkestone Gateway Lightship

NOV. 26TH. - WALMER, KENT. At A.M. a message was received from the senior naval officer at Dover that the Folkestone Gateway Lightship had broken away from her moorings and was driving towards minefields. A whole S.S.W. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea. At 9.25 A.M. the motor life-boat Charles Dibdin Civil Service No. 2) was launched and saw lightship, which was flying distress signals about three miles from land. A Dover tug was the first to reach her and took in tow. As the lightship was sinking the life-boat escorted her into the Downs. She returned to her station at 11.50 A.M. - Rewards. £14 12s. 6d..