Littlehampton RNLI rescue stranded leisure craft.
Following a VHF radio call to the UK Coastguard from the crew of a vessel reporting engine failure, Littlehampton RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Renée Sherman and volunteer crew launched at 9.52am on Wednesday 26 October.
The lifeboat headed out in fine weather conditions towards the reported scene seven miles south east of the harbour entrance.
The casualty with one man onboard had left Brighton earlier in the day, but then suffered a fuel blockage, causing the engine failure. On the journey to the scene, it was reported that the man had managed to restart the engine and would try and return to Brighton.
Littlehampton RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew began escorting the casualty back towards Brighton. After a short period, the engine failed again, so the lifeboat crew rigged a tow line to the casualty in preparation for its recovery.
The casualty was taken under tow and was then handed over to Brighton RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Random Harvest four and a half miles south of Shoreham to complete the journey back to Brighton.
Littlehampton’s lifeboat returned to the station at 11.57am where it was refuelled and made ready for service.
RNLI media contacts
• Ray Pye, Littlehampton RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer / 07854 074688, email [email protected]
• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 email [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 email [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.