About the RNLI
Lifeboats and stations
Lifeguards and beaches
Training
History and heritage
How we use your money
Get involved
Leaving money
Donate now
Other ways to help
Donate or become a member
Print this page PDF this page
Alan Novis Newhaven RNLI Station Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
Lifeboats News Release
Volunteers from Newhaven’s RNLI lifeboat station were launched at 0853hrs after an Emergency Liferaft was sighted by Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) staff adrift 2 miles off Birling Gap.
Newhaven’s Severn Class lifeboat ‘RNLB David and Elizabeth Acland’ made their way at best speed to the raft. This type of raft is used commonly on commercial vessels and provides shelter for multiple casualties who have abandoned their vessel. It was unknown if there was anyone on board the raft or why they were there.Having arrived on scene it was quickly established that no one was in the raft. The top canopy had been cut away from the sides and it was in a poor state of repair. Due to the condition of the raft and that, after making enquiries, there were no missing vessels in the area it was agreed it was a training raft. It was taken aboard the lifeboat so that it didn’t drift into the shipping lanes and brought back to Newhaven RNLI Lifeboat Station.The lifeboat was then ready for service at 0940hrs.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland from 236 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 180 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.
The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0845 122 6999 or by email.
The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland
Our lifeboat crews launch 24 times a day on average. Find out which station has launched near you around the UK and Republic of Ireland. View shouts.
Shouts
