Eastbourne RNLI Volunteer Inshore Lifeboat launches to assist injured walker

The inshore lifeboat arrived shortly after and the crew administered first aid and assessed the situation. They were joined by local coastguards and the decision was made that an airlift by the HM Coastguard helicopter was the safest way to rescue the casualty, who was unable to walk.

The Coastguard helicopter airlifted the casualty to Eastbourne Hospital. The inshore lifeboat crew then returned to the station shortly before 10pm and prepared the boat in case it was needed again.

'When we arrived the casualty was quite far up the beach with the tide still going out. As the casualty was unable to walk and the light was fading we felt the quickest and safest way to rescue the casualty was to call in the coastguard helicopter.' said Alex Emberley, who was on helm for the call.

The volunteer crew were; Alex Emberley, Clive Collict, Aaron Stevenson and Michael Wishman

Media Contacts:

Daniel Baldock, Eastbourne RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (07895) 369688 [email protected] [email protected]

Craig Robinson, Eastbourne RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer (07956) 638924 [email protected]

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