Weekend action from Eastbourne Lifeboats
Both Eastbourne lifeboats were launched in difficult conditions over the weekend resulting in three people being rescued
On Friday evening, the same day as three crewmen from the French lifeboat service SNSM (the Societe Nationale de Sauvetage) were lost, Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was launch in stormy conditions to assist a yacht which was close to running aground in heavy surf in Pevensey Bay. The lone yachtsman had sought shelter from the elements in the bay but misjudged the tides and wind and got into difficulties. The volunteer ALB crew managed to attach a towline to the vessel and took it to the safety of Sovereign Harbour.
Late on Saturday evening the inshore lifeboat (ILB) was requested to launch following reports of an incident at Beachy Head. When on scene conditions were too treacherous for the ILB to get close inshore and the service was cancelled. On Sunday both boats were tasked to multiple incidents at Beachy Head. Whilst on scene they were re-tasked to reports of two people being cut off by the tide allegedly East of Birling Gap. Eventually the casualties were spotted by the coastguard rescue helicopter at Seaford Head and the boats were immediately redirected. Two females and a dog were recovered from the beach and taken to Splash Point where they were passed to waiting coastguards.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.