Donate now

Eastbourne RNLI tasked to save two kayakers

Lifeboats News Release

Following numerous reports from members of the public via 999 calls to HM Coastguard, Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat (ILB) was requested to launch this morning (30th Aug) to assist two kayakers in severe difficulties off Cooden Beach.

ILB crew return lost kayak to owners on beach

RNLI/Pete Abel

ILB Crew return Kayak to beach
Download image
One of the kayakers was seen to fall from his craft whilst the other was unable to do more than stand by. The volunteer ILB crew left their station at Fisherman’s Green but even at full speed were more than 10 minutes away from the casualties. Fortunately the Bexhill Sailing Club rescue boat was afloat and was made aware of the situation by local coastguards and they too made their way to the scene, arriving shortly before the lifeboat. Both casualties were taken ashore along with one of the kayaks; the other had already been washed out to sea in the offshore wind and was no longer in sight. With both casualties assessed as being well they were left in the care of Bexhill coastguards. The ILB then went in search of the missing kayak which was eventually found drifting two miles offshore, it was collected and returned to its owner ashore on Cooden beach.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

About the author

Bob Jeffery
Lifeboat Press Officer, Eastbourne Lifeboat Station

Categories