Littlehampton RNLI assists vessel with rigging failure

Littlehampton RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard to assist a vessel in distress approximately one mile south of the entrance to Littlehampton Harbour just after 9pm. The crew launched the lifeboat station’s Ray of Hope lifeboat and were on the scene at 9.24pm. One member of Littlehampton RNLI transferred to the vessel to assess the situation and check on the person aboard – a male casualty who was safe and well, albeit wet and cold.

The boat had suffered from rigging failure, so it was decided that the best possible course of action was to tow the vessel to the safety of Littlehampton Harbour. Because it was low tide, Littlehampton RNLI’s volunteer crew secured the vessel and waited with the boat until there was enough water to enter the harbour safely.

The vessel was towed to the public moorings in the harbour at 12.10am and Ray of Hope returned to the lifeboat station at 12.40am.

Jon Prater, Deputy Launching Authority at Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘This tasking was drawn out because of the tide, but was a good job well done, and we were very happy to assist. Our volunteer crew is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing a search and rescue service in our local waters. Our lifeboat station is run entirely by volunteers, and we receive no government funding. It is only thanks to the kindness and support of the public that we are able to do what we do. Thank you for your support.’

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.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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