Working Conditions Aboard the Pauline

On the evening of April 3, 2024, at 6:33 p.m., the Gravesend Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) was called into action to assist a crew member aboard the fishing vessel 'Pauline'. The incident occurred while the ship was navigating its route from Zeebrugge, particularly near Grays on the River Thames, when the crew member sustained a serious injury involving a heavy winch system used for rope retrieval at the Purfleet Deep Water Terminal. Once the RNLI crew arrived, two members efficiently climbed a fixed ladder to reach the vessel and provide urgent care to the injured individual. Preliminary assessments revealed the presence of a fracture in the lower right leg. Following thorough assessments of the casualty's condition, the RNLI team ensured there were no other hidden injuries, administering treatment to the affected area while also planning for a safe and prompt transfer to awaiting ambulance services. During this critical operation, the RNLI crew maintained continuous monitoring and care for the casualty, while coordinating with ambulance service personnel through a multi-agency briefing. The lifeboat concluded its mission at 7:45 p.m., returning to Gravesend Lifeboat Station for necessary equipment checks and refueling.