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Newhaven RNLI launched after motor cruiser suffers engine fire

Lifeboats News Release

Newhaven Lifeboat and her volunteer crew launched at 7.02pm on Monday 7 August to assist a 41ft motor cruiser with two people and a dog on board. The vessel had suffered an engine fire.

RNLI/James Johnson

Newhaven RNLI launched after 41ft motor cruiser suffers engine fire
When HM Coastguard requested the launch of Newhaven RNLI, the casualties believed the fire to be extinguished, however, possibility of reignition was not ruled out.

Conditions were good, clear sunny evening sky, with calm sea and a small on shore breeze.

When Newhaven’s Severn class lifeboat David and Elizabeth Acland arrived on scene the casualty vessel confirmed there had been no more signs of fire or smoke.

A Newhaven Lifeboat crew member was transferred across to the casualty vessel and a tow was established.

Lewis Arnold, Coxswain says: ‘Fortunately the vessel’s owner was able to put out the fire with on board extinguishers. It is a good reminder to all sailors -’

‘Please ensure you have a suitable fire extinguisher on board that is regularly serviced, as well as a means of calling for assistance. Fires on board can escalate rapidly, you must have a plan should urgent evacuation ever be necessary.’

The 41ft motor cruiser, which was located just west of the meridian line, was towed to Newhaven Marina due to there being no available berth in Brighton. Coastguard Rescue Team and East Sussex Fire and Rescue were waiting Newhaven to ensure all was safe.

'If you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble on the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.'

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Roz Ashton, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07900 887423 or [email protected] or Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI Newhaven social media
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Facebook: @newhaven.lifeboat

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.

RNLI/James Johnson

Newhaven RNLI crew transfers to the vessel and establishes a tow

RNLI/James Johnson

The 41ft motor cruiser is towed to Newhaven Marina and met by CRT and Fire Service

RNLI/James Johnson

"Fires onboard can escalate rapidly, you should have a plan should urgent evacuation be necessary."

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.

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