Lifesaving Equipment Destroyed By Vandals At Ramsgate - National Coastwatch Appeals For Help

Vandalism at the newly opened National Coastwatch station at Ramsgate could cost lives as vital equipment used by the charities volunteer watchkeepers, to help keep people safe along the coast, has been destroyed.

Vandals have targeted the station on the Eastcliff Promenade at Winterstoke Gardens for the sixth time since it opened in May 2024.

Vital VHF radio communications equipment used to alert HM Coastguard when people are in difficulty has been stolen. The property has been repeatedly damaged and the charities volunteers are appealing to the community for help.

“We are all volunteers sharing the same mission, which is to keep a daily watch for people in danger around our coast and we alert HM Coastguard so the emergency services can be sent to save lives. Without our equipment, we cannot do this vital public safety work and so we are appealing to everyone to pass on any information about the vandalism to the Police,” said Paul Waterman, Station Manager, NCI Ramsgate.

Please contact Kent Police either online: www.crimestoppers-uk.org by phone on 0800 555 111 or through 101.

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is an entirely voluntary charity, and Ramsgate is one of 60 stations sited around the coast.

“We are now in the expensive process of repairing and replacing the lost and vandalised equipment so that we can continue our work and we’d very much welcome any support,” added Paul Waterman.

If anyone can offer support to the volunteers at NCI Ramsgate, please contact Paul Waterman at paul.waterman@nci.org.uk.

Written by:
Paul Waterman,
Station Manager at Ramsgate NCI