Dover's RNLI Lifeboat 'City Of London II' launched on service just after 8pm yesterday evening (Wednesday 27th February 2012) to assist the tug MTS Taktow, who's towline had become entangled on the South Falls buoy, 10 miles north east of Dover. The 400m barge which the tug had been towing had gone one side of the buoy and the tug had gone the other and there was a danger of the tug capsizing.
Dover Lifeboat commanded by Coxswain Mark Finnis, together with Ramsgate Lifeboat stood by while the tug used the tide to assist in freeing itself from the buoy. During this process the tow parted. The tug Taktow eventually freed itself from the buoy and proceeded to the south to pick up his tow.
Whilst manoeuvring to pick up the tow, the tug fouled his starboard propeller and further tug assistance was requested. MTS Valiant responded and proceeded to help. On arrival of the MTS Valiant at 0142, the tow was transferred and the tug Taktow escorted by the lifeboat headed towards Dover.
Dover lifeboat returned to station at 4.30am after 8 hours at sea. The crew remained on standby until mid-morning in case any further assistance was required.
