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Newhaven Tow The Line

Lifeboats News Release

Newhaven Lifeboat and her volunteer crew were requested by HM Coastguard to assist a 30ft yacht that had suffered complete mechanical and engine failure off the coast of Seaford on Wednesday 25 March 2020.

The Severn Class lifeboat ‘David and Elizabeth Acland’ tows alongside casualty vessel into Newhaven Marina.

RNLI/Esther Thorpe

Loan yachtsman with mechanical failure towed to safety.

The Severn Class lifeboat David and Elizabeth Acland was launched at 10.20am into a slight sea state running force 4-5 east / south east and good visibility. Her volunteer crew arrived quickly on the scene 2.5NM south east of Newhaven harbour.

The lone sailor on board was passed a tow line, which was soon made fast and a tow set successfully for Newhaven.

Once within the confines of the harbour, the tow was moved alongside and the casualty vessel delivered to the visitors berth at Newhaven Marina.

The lifeboat and her volunteer crew were available again for service at 12.15pm.

Media Contacts:

Rosalind Ashton, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Newhaven Lifeboat Station (07900) 887423 [email protected]

Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer, London and South East (07785) 296252 [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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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.

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