Newhaven RNLI launch to reports of multiple inflatables adrift
Newhaven RNLI launch to reports of multiple inflatables adrift
Lifeboats News Release
The volunteer crew of Newhaven Lifeboat were paged at 6pm on Wednesday 14 June, following multiple and conflicting reports from members of the public of an inflatable drifting out to sea in Seaford bay. Newhaven RNLI's Severn class lifeboat launched to make a search of the area.
Jon Lavis
Newhaven RNLI locate & recover two drifting inflatables
Jane Masey, Newhaven RNLI's volunteer Water Safety Officer, says: 'Shortly before launch, we received a phone call at the station from people in Seaford bay whose inflatable had drifted off the beach. They advised us they had successfully recovered the inflatable back to shore.'
However, due to the conflicting descriptions of inflatable craft reported to HM Coastguard via 999, the lifeboat proceeded to launch nonetheless and make a search of the area. Coastguard helicopter and shore crews were also in attendance.
Newhaven RNLI located and recovered two separate inflatables; a light-weight dingy and a doughnut.
'We thank members of the public for doing the right thing and raising the alarm. We would always rather launch in case of incident, than arrive when it is too late to help.'
The doughnut had blown off the beach and CRT on the shore were able to confirm the owners of this were all safe.
The two people who had been on board the inflatable dingy had both managed to swim back to Seaford beach, leaving the dingy drifting further out to sea, later to be recovered by Newhaven Lifeboat.
'During this spell of warm weather, we remind people to put their safety first when they visit the beach. Up-to-date wind and tide information can be found via the Met Office. Keep an eye on your loved ones and wear a lifejacket if you're on a paddle board or other sea-appropriate craft.'
Notes for the Editor
CRT - Coastguard Rescue Team
#FloatToLive – For further information please see
www.rnli.org/safety/float
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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.