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Distress flares alert Eastbourne Lifeboat

Lifeboats News Release

Eastbourne’s inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched on Sunday afternoon following multiple reports from members of the public of red distress flares being fired a mile off Eastbourne pier.

Casualty vessel enters marina

RNLI/Bob Jeffery

Casualty vessel enters marina alongside workboat
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The volunteer ILB crew were paged at 16.37 by HM Coastguard after they had received numerous 999 calls from members of the public who had been enjoying the sunshine on Eastbourne beach. Reports indicated that a cloud of black smoke was seen coming from a small speedboat followed by red flares approximately a mile off the pier. The ILB was quickly launched and sped towards the reported location. When on scene they found the speedboat had suffered engine failure and was drifting helplessly in the tide. The lone occupant with no other means of summoning assistance had fired off his distress flares. The disabled vessel was taken under tow to Sovereign Harbour where it was passed to the marina workboat.

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.

About the author

Bob Jeffery Volunteer Press Officer and Launch Authority Eastbourne Lifeboats

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