Newhaven RNLI and Lydd-based R163 Bristow/Coastguard rescue helicopter team received this year’s International Ocean Safety Award. They earned the award for a joint operation rescuing a sailor whose yacht broke up against the Newhaven harbour arm on June 4, 2024.
The International Association of Cape Horners presented the award, sponsored by Ocean Safety Ltd, at their annual lunch at the Royal Marine Hotel in Portsmouth on Saturday 22 November.
Alistair Hackett, Managing Director of Southampton-based Ocean Safety Ltd, said at the Awards ceremony: ‘This was one of the most remarkable rescues I’ve ever witnessed, testing the co-ordination and professionalism between the NCI volunteer watchkeepers who first spotted the distressed yacht, the RNLI Newhaven lifeboat crew led by Coxswain Lewis Arnold and the Lydd-based R163 Bristow/Coastguard helicopter rescue team piloted by Chris Trubshaw.’
Matt Leat, Assistant Chief Coastguard, who represented the helicopter crew at the awards, added: ‘This rescue emphasises the teamwork between three organisations working hand in hand to save someone’s life that they had never met before. This is what is so great about the maritime community. When someone is in difficulties, they do everything they can to rescue them.’
Lewis Arnold, Coxswain of the Newhaven lifeboat, emphasized that the combined efforts of NCI volunteers, shoreside rescue teams, ambulance crew, the helicopter, and the lifeboat saved the man's life while ensuring crew safety.
Arnold recounted the dramatic shift from a routine call to a life-threatening situation: ‘When his anchor line snapped and the yacht was being swept towards the rocks, we had no more than 1 metre under our boat. If the helicopter had not joined the rescue at that time, it would have been game over for the chap.’
Coxswain Lewis Arnold expected a routine call, but conditions rapidly deteriorated. A powerful wave knocked the lifeboat over at the breakwater's edge, immediately revealing the emergency's severity. Arnold focused on crew safety and rescue. Initially, the live-aboard sailor resisted evacuation, staying below deck to gather personal effects from his home. Luckily, the rescue helicopter out on training nearby had sufficient fuel to assist immediately.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, President of the Cape Horners Association, applauded the professionalism shown: ‘For the solo sailor concerned, this was a miraculous rescue operation.’
‘This safety award is now part of a fresh initiative that we Cape Horners are taking to instigate research and promotion of all aspects of safety at sea, and I applaud the level of coordination and professionalism shown by the Coastguard and RNLI crews.’
The R163 Bristow/Coastguard team members honoured were Chris Trubshaw, Mark Wielopolski, Andrew Catterall, Chris Purkiss, and Adam Cooperall. The Newhaven RNLI crew awarded were Coxswain Lewis Arnold, Danny Woodford, Jo Goode, Daniel Wittenberg, Samuel Smith, and Richard White.
Ends
Notes for the Editor
Newhaven Lifeboat Station was first established in 1803. Newhaven Lifeboat Station has been RNLI operated since 1854. Newhaven Volunteer Crew have operated their current all-weather lifeboat (ALB), the Severn class ‘David and Elizabeth Acland’ for 26 years. Newhaven RNLI also operates a D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) that began its service in August 2024.
About the International Ocean Safety Award
The International Ocean Safety Award is presented annually for a supreme rescue or significant advancement in rescue technology, recognizing daring rescues, innovation in safety, dedication to promotion of safety at sea, or contributions to safety legislation.
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