Stranded kayakers plucked from beach by Eastbourne lifeboat
Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat was scrambled yesterday evening (19 May) following reports that three kayakers were washed ashore and had become trapped by the incoming tide.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch at 6.32pm by HM Coastguard following several reports from the public that a group of kayakers had got into difficulties and had been washed ashore.
The group had paddled down the river to Cuckmere haven and decided to continue their adventure out to sea. Lacking suitable equipment and experience they were soon overwhelmed by the choppy sea conditions with one of the party being washed out of his craft and the others making desperate attempts to conduct a rescue.
Fortunately the party managed to scramble ashore only to realise they were trapped by the incoming tide. When on scene the all-weather lifeboat launched its Y class inflatable (a small rib designed to operate in shallow water).
The cold and frightened group were quickly ferried back to the ALB where a medical assessment was made; they were then taken to a place of safety.
Eastbourne has celebrated over 185 years as a lifeboat station and currently operates an all-weather Tamar Class lifeboat ‘Diamond Jubilee’ and an inshore D-Class lifeboat ‘Laurence and Percy Hobbs’.
RNLI media contacts for more information please contact:
- Bob Jeffery, Eastbourne RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07802 878017 LPObob@btinternet.com
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on : 0207 6207426 Mob: 07785 296252
For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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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 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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