We don't just rescue boats!

Ralph Kitts one of RCR's southern engineers was patrolling his local area in Watford and decided to pop down the towpath to check on a few of the local boaters and see how things were going. On arrival at the moorings at Coxley Common Moor on the GU he stopped to chat to some of the boaters and have a cup of tea. At some point during the conversation he heard a large splash, and thinking it was possibly a fish or bird, he popped his head round the boat and noticed a large red jacket floating in the canal on the opposite side.

He quickly realised that the jacket contained someone and that as they were unmoving were probably unconscious. The route around to the opposite side was a long trek and it would take too long to get around to the man in time..... So without hesitation he leapt in to the water and waded across to the body. Having reached the victim he managed to turn them around and in doing so realised that the elderly gentleman had a heavy rucksack on his back which was hampering the rescue. Luckily a number of workmen noticed him struggling and came over to lend a hand pulling the unconscious man out of the water and onto the towpath.

As the gentleman was revived an ambulance was called and the gentleman, who was approximate 70yrs old, was taken to Watford General hospital.

Ralph although very wet and cold headed back to his van to head home for a change of cloths and a warm drink. 

Well done Ralph!

From River Canal Rescue

Continued growth and expansion for River Canal Rescue.

River Canal Rescue, the organisation which provides National Breakdown and Recovery for boat owners on the UK inland waterways, has recently moved offices. The move wasn’t too arduous as the Staffordshire based company has only moved next door. But, as RCR’s MD, Stephanie Horton said, “the address is the same as we have moved next door to bigger offices to accommodate staff increases and business development, but have taken our address with us.” However not all of the new staff members will need the extra space.

Two of the newest members of the RCR team are Sean West and Ralph Kitts who will spend all of their time attending calls in their respective areas. Sean, who is based in Stourport is ideally placed to cover his Midlands and River Severn patch. A former welder, fisherman and fully qualified boat builder, he loves the fact that his new job gets him out and about and dealing directly with customers. As he puts it, “not only are the customers really grateful when you sort out the problems, but our bosses at RCR also take the time to thank us for the work we do.” He went on to say, “It’s not many bosses would do that.”

Another new face is that of Ralph Kitts who covers around London up to the Northampton area. Ralph has been involved in all aspects of boats since he was 10 years old, and over the last 20 years has been a marine engineer running his own business. With a background like that it’s not surprising that RCR were more than keen to take him on. Since joining the national rescue team Ralph has found the work enjoyable, as he describes it, “doing what I know.” So with Ralph and Sean joining it would seem that RCR have added two more highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals to the team.

If you want to find out more about River Canal Rescue go to www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk or contact RCR’s head office on 0870 2078021.

End.

Editors notes:

Images of the new office can be found at,

http://picasaweb.google.com/RivercanalRescue/RCRNewOffice?feat=directlink

Imsges of the new engineers can be found at,

http://picasaweb.google.com/RivercanalRescue/NewEngineers?feat=directlink