The first rescue of 2007 for Walmer's new Atlantic 85 lifeboat was to tow a 10-metre commercial fishing vessel that had suffered machinery failure and had anchored north of Deal pier. After a full day's work the lifeboat crew were at their boathouse for a weekly training evening when they received a call from the Coastguards requesting immediate launch to help the fishing vessel. Charts were quickly put aside as the crew (consisting of a workshop controller, nurse and teacher) all prepared to go afloat and take on their roles as Helmsman and crew.

Using its up-to-the-minute navigation equipment, the lifeboat quickly located the fishing vessel. Once alongside, a crew member was put on the vessel to ascertain the problem. The Helmsman and crew decided that the best course of action would be to take the vessel in tow back to its home port of Ramsgate. The fishing vessel was safely moored alongside the harbour pontoon, with grateful thanks from the vessel's crew.

On returning to Walmer the crew still had tasks to complete before they too could go home... including refuelling and washing the boat down, ready for the next call. The crew were delighted with the handling and performance of their new lifeboat and continue to develop and demonstrate their skills with regular training.

There are two rescue vessels housed at Walmer Lifeboat Station on The Strand. The larger one is the new Atlantic 85 and it sits in its carriage ready for any emergency launch. The second lifeboat is smaller and known as an "IB1". This boat sits in a building in the style of one of the fishermen's huts on the beach, in front of the Lifeboat Station.

Why two lifeboats? The answer is that the Atlantic 85 is capable of high speeds and can locate and reach a casualty quickly using radar and VHP direction finding equipment. This boat can work in shallow waters, especially near the Goodwin Sands, that cannot be reached by the larger lifeboats stationed at Dover and Ramsgate. The IB1 is ideal for working along the shore, amongst the rocks at St. Margaret's Bay and under the White Cliffs.

The local lifeboats are launched on service approximately 20 times a year. Rescues include picking up exhausted swimmers, towing boats to safety and rescues on the notorious Goodwin Sands.