Eastbourne RNLI joined by Coastguard helicopter Rescue 163 on training exercise
Eastbourne RNLI's volunteer crew launched at 10am on Sunday 3 October on a routine training exercise. As they returned to the harbour, HM Coastguard helicopter Rescue 163 who were also out on a training exercise, made radio contact and requested to conduct a winching exercise.
'It was unexpected but as we work closely with the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter we were happy to adjust our training plans and join them for a winching exercise.' Coxswain Mark Sawyer said afterwards.
'We regularly work closely with HM Coastguard to transfer casualties from the lifeboat to the helicopter, or take crew from the helicopter on board the lifeboard, so the more practice we have at this the more prepared we are to save lives at sea during a real emergency',
Media Contacts:
Daniel Baldock, Eastbourne RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (07895) 369688 [email protected]
Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer London London and South East (07785) 296252 [email protected]
RNLI online: For more information on the RNLI please visit http://www.rnli.org/. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre.
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.
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.