UK Coastguard request immediate launch of Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat.
Following the call from the UK Coastguard, the stations Atlantic 85 lifeboat Renée Sherman and volunteer crew launched at 4.19pm on Monday 4 June to assist a small leisure boat which was reported to have broken down.
The lifeboat headed out to sea in fine weather conditions towards the reported location, one mile south of Goring. The vessel had reportedly left Shoreham Harbour on Sunday evening and anchored out at sea ready for a planned journey to Chichester Harbour.
The casualty was located three miles off shore near the weather station. The Worthing Safety Boat was in attendance and the lifeboat came alongside. The casualty had a flat battery and was unable to proceed on its journey. Following an assessment of the situation the lifeboat crew rigged a tow line to the vessel in preparation for its recovery. The vessel had one male person on board, who was reported to be in a tired and confused state. The casualty was taken under tow and returned safely to the pontoon alongside Town Quay, where the Coastguard Team were waiting to speak with the skipper of the vessel. An ambulance had been requested so that the man could be medically checked over. The lifeboat was recovered to the station at 5.40pm where it was refuelled and made ready for service.
A RNLI spokesman said, “If you are planning a visit to the coast to go sailing, please remember to respect the sea at all times and that you have all the relevant sailing equipment to ensure your own personal safety and that your vessel is in good working order.”
RNLI media contacts
- Ray Pye, Littlehampton RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer / 07854 074688, email [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252, 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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