Newhaven Lifeboat assist crew of capsized catamaran
Newhaven’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat, ‘David and Elizabeth Acland’ and her volunteer crew, were launched on service to a PAN-PAN from an 18ft sailing catamaran, whose two crew were in the water and unable to right the capsized vessel.
RNLI Newhaven launched at 4.04pm on Saturday 4 September and proceeded to the location 2NM south of Seaford Sailing Club.
The visibility was good, with a slight sea state and force 3 wind from the north east.
Sussex Boat Trips and yacht Vagrant, who were in the vicinity, proceeded to the casualty vessel and stood-by until the Lifeboat was on scene.
The Lifeboat arrived on scene. They found the two casualties, by then, standing on the upturned hull of the catamaran.
Coxswain, Lewis Arnold, says ‘Our priority when we arrived on scene was to make sure the sailors were both fit and well.’
Once Newhaven Lifeboat crew had assessed the casualties and situation of the casualty vessel, they passed them a line.
Coxswain, Lewis Arnold, says ‘We assisted them in righting the sailing boat and then escorted them back to shore.’
HM Coastguard Newhaven assisted the catamaran once back on shore.
Lewis Arnold, says ‘If you see anyone in difficulty in the water, call 999 immediately and ask for the coastguard.’
Notes for the Editor:
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