Brighton RNLI responds to busy period of shouts along the city’s coastline

On Tuesday 4 February, at 12.47pm, Brighton RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard to Brighton Palace Pier following concerns for a person. The lifeboat crew assembled immediately and launched, approaching the pier at a controlled pace to support emergency services already on scene. The lifeboat crew were able to recover the casualty promptly and safely and due to sea conditions close to the beach, the decision was taken to return to Brighton Lifeboat Station. The casualty was assessed at the station before being transferred into the care of the ambulance service, supported by police. The lifeboat was stood down at 1.52pm.

Last week, on Tuesday 28 January at 12.13pm, Brighton RNLI launched to assist a reported motor vessel adrift approximately one nautical mile southeast of Brighton Marina, with four people on board. Assistance had reportedly been attempted for some time prior to the lifeboat being tasked. On arrival, the casualty vessel was no longer in the reported location. The lifeboat conducted searches while HM Coastguard made further enquiries and attempted to contact the vessel by phone. It was later confirmed that the vessel had entered Brighton Marina safely, and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to the station at 12.56pm. No assistance was required.

Later the same day, at 2.49pm, the lifeboat was diverted from exercise to assist HM Coastguard following reports of a possible person in the water between Roedean Cliffs and Ovingdean. The concern was raised after a distressed dog was found alone on the beach by a member of the public, with no owner located. Brighton RNLI was tasked to assist but, on arrival, the lifeboat was stood down shortly afterwards as the search was scaled back. Coastguard Rescue Teams were deployed on shore, while Sussex Police carried out further enquiries. No casualty was located and the lifeboat was released to return to the station at 3.44pm. The crew refuelled, debriefed and remained available before being fully stood down at 4.52pm.

More recently, on Wednesday 5 February at 10.56pm, Brighton RNLI launched following multiple reports of a red flare sighted off the seafront near the i360. The lifeboat searched the area for over an hour, conducting several search patterns. A flare casing was later found on the beach by Coastguard Rescue Teams. No person or vessel in difficulty was located and the lifeboat was stood down.

Brighton RNLI is reminding the public that flares should only ever be used in a genuine emergency when there is an immediate danger to life. Misuse of flares can lead to lifeboats and emergency services being launched unnecessarily and may divert vital resources from real emergencies.

Lifeboat operations manager Charlie Dannreuther said: 'Our volunteer crews are ready to respond at any time of day or night, and every launch is treated as a genuine emergency until we’re told otherwise. Whether it’s supporting other emergency services, carrying out searches, or responding to reports of distress, the crew’s focus is always on acting quickly, calmly and professionally to keep people safe.'

If you see someone in trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.