Littlehampton Lifeboat launched to recover motor launch drifting near Ferring
Littlehampton RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat ‘Renee Sherman’ launched at 12.28pm on 13 November to reports of a stranded 8metre motor launch with engine failure.
After being tasked by HM Coastguard, the Renee Sherman was quickly on the scene and the volunteer crew were ready to assist the three persons aboard the immobilised vessel.
Once the lifeboat crew had ensured there were no injuries on the casualty vessel, a tow line was established. Fortunately the weather was favourable with a steady cross-shore Force 3 wind blowing from the west and there was good visibility.
The lifeboat headed back to Littlehampton Harbour where the motor launch was placed on a mooring at the visitor pontoon by 1.12pm.
Jon Prater, Deputy Launch Authority, said: ‘The casualty vessel was quickly located and brought on tow. The three persons on board the motor launch were familiar with the area they were sailing in and all had life jackets on.'
'Engine failures can happen with little or no warning and the crew were well prepared to deal with the situation by wearing their lifejackets and having a working radio in order to call the Coastguard for assistance.'
'They were also able to give the volunteer lifeboat crew precise instructions on the location of the vessel. Because of this we were able launch and recover the motor launch back to Littlehampton harbour in less than an hour.’
ENDS
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Anthony Fogg, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07823 509032 [email protected]
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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 over 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 142,700 lives.
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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