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Eastbourne RNLI lifeboat launched to a report of a semi-submerged liferaft

Lifeboats News Release

Eastbourne RNLI lifeboat launched at 3:20pm following a report of a semi-submerged liferaft drifting in busy shipping lanes approximately 13 nautical miles south-east of the station.

Calm sea and

RNLI/Fred Laloux

Eastbourne RNLI lifeboat launched to a report of a semi-submerged liferaft
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On arrival on scene, volunteer crew began a search of the area and quickly located the object. What initially appeared to resemble a life raft or person in the water was in fact a cluster of red and black balloons, partially submerged and drifting with the tide.

Given the location and initial report, the crew recovered the balloons from the water and carried out a thorough search to ensure no one was in difficulty. A creeping line ahead search pattern was conducted, covering an area of approximately 23.1 nautical miles.

With nothing further found and no signs of anyone at risk, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station around 8pm

Coxswain Clive Collict said: ‘When we arrived on scene, the object did resemble something that could have been a person in the water or a life raft, particularly at a distance. Given the location in a busy shipping lane, we carried out a full search of the area to ensure no one was in difficulty. Thankfully, on this occasion, it turned out to be debris.’

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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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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