Littlehampton RNLI rescues stranded yacht

Littlehampton RNLI’s Atlantic 85 and D-class lifeboats - Renee Sherman and Ray of Hope - were both called out to the scene at 3.30pm. They rescued the couple and their dog from the vessel, before returning to the scene to remove the yacht from the rocks and tow it back to Littlehampton just after 7pm.

Nick White, Littlehampton RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: 'We were pleased to be able to assist and make sure that everyone and their vessel returned to the safety of Littlehampton Harbour. Our volunteer crew is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help with instances just like this. We are always ready to respond when the pager goes off.'

ENDS

RNLI media contacts:

• Beth Brooks, Voluntary Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07544 209256 [email protected]

• Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, London and South East 07785 296252 [email protected]

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on (01202) 336789

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.