Littlehampton RNLI join other agencies to search for missing person
The lifeboat was involved in the search along with a UK Coastguard Rescue Team, local police and a police helicopter.
The initial call was made by the police to the UK Coastguard who in turn requested the assistance of Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat.
Initially the station's Atlantic 85 lifeboat Renée Sherman was launched, but due to the rising tide and the possibility of the lifeboat being unable to get under the river bridges on a return journey, it was decided to send the smaller D Class lifeboat Ray of Hope instead.
The lifeboat and its volunteer crew launched at 1.37pm on Monday 27 February and headed up the River Arun to Arundel where the person had been reported missing.
On arrival at the scene the lifeboat conducted a search below the bridge over the A27 and along both river banks. During the search the lifeboat crew requested assistance from a UK Coastguard Rescue Team.
At 2.40pm the lifeboat crew were advised that the person had been found safely ashore in Arundel and was in the care of the Coastguard Rescue Team and the Police.
The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station, where it was 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.