Callouts from: 2006 2007 2008 2009

Eastbourne Lifeboats Callouts 2010

ILB Launch Number 61

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched to assist an open angling boat with one person on board with engine failure and was drifting with the tide. It was possible to restart the outboard engine and so the lifeboat escorted the vessel safely back to its home beach.

ALB Launch Number 36

The All Weather lifeboat launched in response to calls for help from a disabled motor cruiser with two persons on board which had suffered mechanical failure three miles offshore from Sovereign Harbour. On scene at 6.12pm a towline was soon attached. The 50 foot vessel weighing 31 tons was then slowly taken to Harbour arriving at 7.10pm. Due to the size of the vessel the lifeboat escorted it through the locks and delivered it safely to the waiting pontoon.

ALB Launch Number 35

ILB Launch Number 60

The Eastbourne RNLI regatta was well under way on its final day when an emergency call was received from a vessel in distress four miles offshore from Sovereign Harbour. Volunteer Lifeboat crewmembers were first alerted to a potential problem when a ‘pan-pan’ (an emergency call similar to a Mayday) was received on

Eastbourne’s All-Weather lifeboat whilst they were entertaining visitors during their annual open day. Having confirmed the severity of the situation with Dover Coastguard, visitors aboard the all-weather lifeboat were quickly ushered ashore whilst remaining crew were scrambled from various parts of the regatta arena as part of a

pre- rehearsed plan.

Within 12 minutes the fully manned lifeboat had cleared the locks and was steaming toward the casualty,

an 8 metre three hulled sailing vessel known as a trimaran. The vessel had suffered damage to one of the outer hulls and was rapidly taking on water; it was listing severely and in danger of capsizing. Due to the life threatening nature of the service the inshore lifeboat was also tasked to attend. When on scene Coxswain Mark Sawyer transferred two of his crew, along with a powerful salvage pump, to the stricken vessel. At the same time a grateful crewmember (along with the family dog) was taken aboard the all-weather lifeboat. It soon became apparent that pumping out the flooded hull was untenable in the prevailing sea conditions so the very slow and careful tow back to harbour was commenced with the inshore lifeboat in close attendance in a combined operation. Additional lifeboat crewmembers were transferred to the casualty vessel to endeavour to ‘trim’ the badly listing vessel during the slow and precarious journey back to safety.

                 Photo taken by Robert Jeffery Lifeboat Press Officer

                                                Photo taken by Robert Jeffery Lifeboat Press Officer

                                      Photo's by Mr Derek Morgan and the crew of Yacht Cloud Nine. 

In the calmer sea conditions of the outer harbour it was possible to pump out the flooded hull which then revealed the full extent of the damage sustained. Being close to high tide it was decided that the safest option was to deliver the casualty to a sheltered beach rather than risk the potential danger of transiting the Sovereign Harbour locks.

ALB Launch Number 34

The All Weather Lifeboat launched at the request of Dover Coastguard to assist a stranded yacht on the approaches to Sovereign Harbour. The 33ft yacht had suffered mechanical failure and was unable to make way. The lifeboat was quickly on scene where two crew members were transferred to the casualty vessel and a towline attached. The yacht was then delivered safely to the harbour locks.

ALB Launch Number 33

The All Weather lifeboat was again paged, this time to assist a 20ft fishing boat with two people on board with engine failure 2k offshore from Fisherman’s Green. The volunteer crew, who had been afloat most of the day at ‘Airborne’, attached a tow and returned the vessel to Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 32

ILB Launch Number 59

Whilst afloat on standby at the Eastbourne Airborne flying display, Eastbourne RNLI’s All Weather lifeboat was tasked to help a 22ft cruiser with two adults and a young child on board when they were unable to start their engine after watching the display.

The skipper had contacted HM Coastguard by mobile phone but was unable to accurately describe his position. Deputy coxswain Dan Guy called upon the inshore lifeboat, which was also on standby at the event, to join the search. The casualty was located by the inshore lifeboat volunteer crew close inshore off Holywell. The original intention, in liaison with Dover and Solent Coastguards, was to tow the vessel to Birling Gap and then transfer the tow to Newhaven RNLI’s Lifeboat which would take the casualty back to its home port of Newhaven. For operational reasons Solent Coastguard were unable to launch Newhaven so instead the casualty was returned to the safety of Sovereign Harbour.

Inshore Lifeboat with casualty at Hollywell photo taken by Mark Chessell

                                                        Inshore Lifeboat tows casualty from Hollywell photo taken by Mark Chessell

ALB Launch Number 31

Dover Coastguard paged the volunteer crew of Eastbourne RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat at 7.38pm on Sunday evening in response to a call for assistance from a 22ft rib with 8 divers aboard which had suffered engine failure approximately six miles offshore from Sovereign Harbour. Reporting smoke coming from the outboard, they were advised to shut the engine down, deploy an anchor and await rescue.

When on scene, six of the divers were transferred to the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat and a tow rigged for the return to harbour. Deputy 2nd coxswain Dan Guy delivered the rib to the safety of the harbour locks where it was passed to the harbour workboat.

ALB Launch Number 30

Dover Coastguard was first alerted to a yacht in difficulties by the crew of a passing yacht who had spotted the frantic signals of a lone yachtsman aboard his 28ft vessel on the approach to Sovereign Harbour. The All Weather Lifeboat crew were quickly on scene to find the Norwegian yacht had suffered a complete electrical failure and its skipper was unable to start the engine or use his electrical equipment, including his VHF radio.

To avoid being carried by the flooding tide he had deployed his anchor and was attempting to solve his electrical problems. Two RNLI crew members were transferred to the casualty vessel and a towline was rigged. The anchor was raised and the yacht towed to the safety of the harbour locks.

ALB Launch Number 29

ILB Launch Number 58

Minutes later, both RNLI lifeboats were re-tasked to assist a yacht which had reportedly picked up an obstruction round its propeller and was unable to make way on its final approach to Sovereign Harbour and as a consequence was in danger of being swept against the harbour arm by the flooding tide. When on scene it was quickly established that the yacht was in no immediate danger. The inshore lifeboat returned to station and the all-weather lifeboat stood by whilst the casualty vessel was taken under tow by the Sovereign Harbour workboat which returned it, under escort, to its berth. By 3.20pm both lifeboats were ready for service, having jointly responded and successfully dealt with five calls for help in under an hour.

ALB Launch Number 28

ILB Launch Number 57

At 2.34pm, shortly after standing down, the volunteer crew received another report from HM Coastguard that a yacht had capsized with persons in the water 1 mile offshore from Eastbourne pier. In addition to the inshore lifeboat being reassigned, the all-weather lifeboat was scrambled to assist in this new incident. When on scene, confirmed by the first informant on the beach, the capsized vessel was identified by the ILB crew as a sports/fishing boat innocently engaged in fishing for mackerel. By this time the all-weather lifeboat was under way and steaming toward the 'casualty'. After a brief search both lifeboats were stood down with thanks from Dover Coastguard and began their return to station. The incidents were logged as false alarms with good intent.

ILB Launch Number 56 Standby)

The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch to deal with a reported incident involving youngsters adrift in an inflatable craft 200 yards off the beach near Sovereign Sailing Club. Whilst the volunteer crew were on the verge of launching their inshore lifeboat, the youngsters were seen to come safely ashore close to the inshore lifeboat launching beach.

Minutes later, both RNLI lifeboats were re-tasked to assist a yacht which had reportedly picked up an obstruction round its propeller and was unable to make way on its final approach to Sovereign Harbour and as a consequence was in danger of being swept against the harbour arm by the flooding tide. When on scene it was quickly established that the yacht was in no immediate danger. The inshore lifeboat returned to station and the all-weather lifeboat stood by whilst the casualty vessel was taken under tow by the Sovereign Harbour workboat which returned it, under escort, to its berth. By 3.20pm both lifeboats were ready for service, having jointly responded and successfully dealt with five calls for help in under an hour.

ALB Launch Number 27

At the request of Dover Coastguard the ALB was requested to launch to the 10.3 metre Belgian yacht that had reported its position earlier as being closer to the Sovereign Harbour entrance with engine failure than it actually was.. Once on scene to the east of Bexhill two ALB crew members were put aboard to assist the three persons on the yacht who had become exhausted with their efforts to sail towards Eastbourne against the prevailing wind. A towline was passed and the yacht was towed into Sovereign Harbour lock. The lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service.

ALB Launch Number 26

The ALB was requested to launch to a 10.3 metre sailing yacht that had reported engine failure and requiring assistance to enter Sovereign Harbour. The yacht had spoken with Dover Coastguard initilialy giving a position closer to Sovereign Harbour entrance than it actually was. Once an accurate position had been given it was realised that the yacht was some distance from the entrance and not in any immediate danger. The ALB was released from the service and returned to station to made ready for service.

ILB Launch Number 55

Whilst being made ready for service from the previous callout the ILB was requested to launch to a 10.3 metre sailing yacht that had reported engine failure and requiring assistance to enter Sovereign Harbour. The yacht had spoken with Dover Coastguard initilialy giving a position closer to Sovereign Harbour entrance than it actually was. Once an accurate position had been given it was realised that the yacht was some distance from the entrance and not in any immediate danger. The ILB was released from the service and returned to station to made ready for service.

ILB Launch Number 54

Dover Coastguard paged for the launch of the ILB following a request from Hastings ILB to assist in the service to a person in the water who had fallen from his Personal Watercraft (Jetski) off Cooden Beach Hotel. Once on scene both ILBs found the person had been recovered from the water by another craft and was safely ashore. Both ILBs searched the area to see if there appeared to be any further signs of distress and then were stood down and returned to their respective Lifeboat stations.

ILB Launch Number 53 (Standby)

Dover Coastguard requested the launch of the ILB to a 28ft Sports Cruiser unable to release its’ anchor from the seabed and requiring assistance. Within minutes of the request the vessel had managed to free its anchor with help from another craft. Launch of the ILB was immediately cancelled and the crew stood down.

ILB Launch Number 52

ALB Launch Number 25

Dover Coastguard requested the launch of the Inshore Lifeboat this morning following reports from local Police officers of a male person who had apparently walked into the sea fully clothed close to Eastbourne pier. With no moonlight the volunteer crew were unable to locate the person and requested the assistance of the all-weather lifeboat with their recently donated thermal imaging camera to join the search. Within minutes of the request to launch the All Weather lifeboat was leaving Sovereign Harbour and was quickly on scene.

Whilst the search was under way, reports were being received that a male person matching the description of the casualty, was seen leaving the beach. CCTV footage from the promenade cameras confirmed the person who was being sought was the same person. In standing down the two volunteer lifeboat crews Dover Coastguard congratulated the crews speed of response, particularly that of the all-weather crew who had assembled and launched within just 6 minutes of the original request

ILB Launch Number 51

The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch by Dover Coastguard following a report from local officers of a small dinghy adrift 100 metres off the Sovereign Centre in Eastbourne Bay.

Senior helmsman Dave Needham and his crew were afloat at 01.34am and began their search of the area. In a gentle breeze with slight sea conditions the partially submerged dinghy was quickly located tethered to a marker buoy.

A thorough search of the area found nothing else untoward. Further investigation revealed the dinghy had been reported much earlier and was assumed to have been left by children. The lifeboat returned the craft to the beach and were released by HM Coastguard with their thanks and returned to station at 02.10am.

ILB Launch Number 50

At 2.27pm, whilst the first incident was under way, Dover Coastguard requested an emergency launch of the Inshore Lifeboat. Anxious bystanders on the beach at Holywell had observed three young people in an inflatable dinghy being quickly carried before the strong winds and had contacted the emergency services on their mobile phones. Initial reports had indicated that at least one of the occupants of the craft ‘was very young’.

When on scene, the lifeboat crew found the occupants of the dinghy unable to cope with the prevailing weather conditions. They were transferred to the lifeboat and taken ashore to a waiting Coastguard Officer at the Wishtower.

Despite being local, they were apparently unaware of just how far they had been carried from their original launch point. Helmsman Andy Chatton whilst offering safety advice emphasised the perils of putting to sea in an unsuitable craft and without the appropriate safety equipment.

ALB Launch Number 24

Eastbourne all-weather lifeboat was launched in response to a call for help received by Dover Coastguard from the two occupants of a 40ft. yacht whose engine had failed whilst leaving Sovereign Harbour on passage to Brighton.

Their engine had failed just 200 metres offshore in a fresh westerly wind gusting to 20 knots and it was considered prudent to call for help rather than risk their onward passage with faulty equipment. Given the close proximity of the casualty vessel the volunteer lifeboat crew were able to be quickly on scene and attach a tow. The yacht was then returned to the outer harbour where it was passed to a waiting harbour workboat.

ILB Launch Number 49

Dover Coastguard requested the assistance of the Inshore Lifeboat after they received a distress call from a 22 ft. sports/fishing vessel adrift 800 metres off Norman’s Bay with two persons on board. The skipper was unable to start his engine after drift fishing and was being blown away from his home port in the freshening westerly wind. Once on scene the volunteer lifeboat crew rigged a tow and returned the vessel to the safety of Sovereign Harbour.

ILB Launch Number 48

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched at the request of Dover Coastguard to assist Coastguard and Police officers in the recovery of a casualty, presumed deceased, from rocks at the foot of Beachy Head cliffs. Police helicopter H.900 was unable to attend for operational reasons and the volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to take photographs of the scene on the lifeboat’s camera for police records.

The lifeboat crew then collected the casualty with the assistance of local Coastguard Officers and, having returned the officers to their vehicles at Birling Gap, returned to station. The casualty, a male thought to be in his mid twenties, was then handed over to the waiting Police Coroner. The lifeboat was made ready for service and the crew stood down at 10.00am.

ILB Launch Number 47

Dover Coastguard requested an immediate launch of Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat this afternoon following reports of a young male swimmer in serious difficulty in the flooding tide off the town’s main pleasure beach. Concerned onlookers had alerted the authorities when they heard the swimmer’s cries for help.

Due to the urgency of the service the lifeboat was launched with just two volunteer crewmembers aboard and was quickly on scene. Another swimmer had come to the aid of the frightened casualty and following calming words from helmsman Andy Chatton both were escorted ashore.

ILB Launch Number 46

Whilst on search and rescue standby at the local ‘maritime swim’ event, Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was tasked to investigate a reported sighting of an inflatable toy dinghy adrift off Norman’s Bay in brisk WSW winds.

Being already afloat the volunteer crew were on scene within 6 minutes of the request to launch from Dover Coastguard. Coordinating with the Coastguard Officer who was in telephone communication with the first informant, the lifeboat was guided to the approximate location of the initial sighting.

The object in question transpired to be a racing mark laid by the local sailing club. A search of the area also revealed a partially deflated toy which might have been visible from the beach. A further search revealed nothing else untoward. The inflatable toy was returned to the beach and the lifeboat was stood down with thanks.

The service was logged as a false alarm with good intent.

ALB Launch Number 23

The All Weather lifeboat was launched in gale force winds to assist Coastguard and Police Officers in their search for a missing 19 year old male. It was thought he may have entered the sea after becoming separated from his companions near Holywell at the Western end of Eastbourne promenade.

Police helicopter H900 had swept the area but found no trace and it was feared he may have been swept out to sea. With no moon on a black night the lifeboat’s volunteer crew took their new thermal imaging camera kindly donated by Sussex Freemasons on service for the first time. Simultaneously with the lifeboat arriving on scene the person was located by Police Officers on the beach and taken into custody. Dover Coastguard in standing the lifeboat down thanked the crew for their swift response in adverse weather conditions. The lifeboat returned to station and was ready for service at 02.15am.

ILB Launch Number 45

Dover Coastguard requested the assistance of the Inshore Lifeboat after they had received a VHF radio call from the occupant of a 6 metre sportsboat adrift in Pevensey Bay. The angler had been drifting with the tide for some while and found he was unable to start his engine. When on scene the volunteer lifeboat crew attached a towline and returned the vessel to the safety of Sovereign Harbour.

ILB Launch Number 44

Dover Coastguard requested the Inshore Lifeboat to launch in response to several 999 calls from members of the public who had seen a kite surfer crash in Normans Bay. Using the specialist RNLI flood rescue Land Rover the lifeboat was launched from the 999 arena on Western Lawns. The casualty was located 400 metres offshore unharmed from his ordeal. He was taken ashore and passed into the care of a waiting Coastguard Officer.

ALB Launch Number 22

On Sunday morning, having successfully completed their first demonstration of the day at the 999 weekend, the All Weather lifeboat were tasked to assist a dive rib with 5 persons aboard which had suffered engine failure approximately 1.5 miles SE of Sovereign Harbour. The rib was taken under tow and safely deposited in the harbour lock.

ALB Launch Number 21 Standby

ILB Launch Number 43

Having taken part in simulated rescues at sea with Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 104 alongside the All Weather lifeboat,

Photo by Mark Chessell

the Inshore Lifeboat was returning to station when they were called into service once more. A sea mist had formed and a holidaymaker on the beach had lost sight of her two young children adrift in an inflatable toy dinghy. The volunteer crew quickly located the youngsters and returned them to a relieved parent. The crew returned to station and the lifeboat was made ready for service at 6.45pm, over 12 hours after the first page of the day.

ALB Launch Number 20 Standby

The weekend got off to an early start when at 06.04 on Saturday morning Solent Coastguard paged Eastbourne RNLI's All Weather lifeboat requesting they launch to assist a vessel potentially 14 miles offshore. The vessel was unable to give their exact position and using direction finding equipment Coastguard Officers had estimated that the position off Eastbourne was a real possibility. Whilst the All Weather Lifeboat crew were assembling, Coastguard Officers armed with additional information, were able to refine their search position and pinpointed the casualty vessel as being off Selsey Bill. As a consequence Eastbourne RNLI was stood down.

ILB Launch Number 42

A little over two hours later the inshore lifeboat was called into service again. This time a visiting yacht approaching the entrance to Sovereign Harbour encountered a small fishing boat which had broken down. The yacht was unable to accommodate the fishing boat’s request for a tow and instead contacted HM Coastguard on their VHF radio. The ILB took the vessel in tow and returned it and the two occupants to the beach from where they had launched earlier. Senior helmsman Dave Needham offered safety advice including suggestions on the minimum level of equipment recommended to be carried.

The lifeboat returned to station and the volunteer team continued their preparation for the forthcoming ‘999 weekend’ where the combined emergency services, including both of Eastbourne RNLI’s lifeboats, will be demonstrating their techniques and equipment to the general public over the two day period.

ILB Launch Number 41

Dover Coastguard requested the launch of Inshore Lifeboat on Friday afternoon following a 999 call from a member of the public concerned about the activities of a jet skier off the beach West of Cooden Beach hotel. When on scene the volunteer crew were able to establish that the skier was in no trouble, had all the recommended safety equipment and was simply learning how to operate his new craft, falling off a number of times in the process. The service was noted as a false alarm with good intent.

ILB Launch Number 40

The Inshore Lifeboat were called into service by Dover Coastguard when a sailing dinghy was reported adrift in Eastbourne Bay. The partially submerged craft, which was considered a hazard to navigation, was seen drifting just 200 metres offshore from the lifeboat station. The lifeboat was launched at 09.25, was on scene at 09.26 and had returned to station with the vessel in tow by 09.35. A visual search of the shoreline was conducted by local Coastguard officers and RNLI volunteers to ensure there were no missing sailors.

The dingy had no mast, rudder or dagger board so it was assumed to have been cast adrift deliberately.

ILB Launch Number 39

Two anglers aboard a small fishing boat were in danger of being swept out to sea off Eastbourne when their engine failed.
The anglers had earlier launched their craft from the beach in company with another small boat and had got into difficulties when they were unable to start their outboard engine after a wave had broken over the transom of the vessel. Their companions in the other boat tried to offer assistance but were in danger of getting into trouble themselves in the brisk offshore wind. Fortunately their plight was observed by Eastbourne RNLI crew members on the beach who alerted Dover Coastguard to the developing situation. An immediate launch of Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was requested and the volunteer crew were able to escort the vessel ashore.

Volunteer helmsman Andy Chatton went ashore with the casualty vessel and offered safety advice to the occupants.

ALB Launch Number 19

Eastbourne RNLI’s All-weather lifeboat was called upon to assist visiting yacht with engine failure into Harbour

Dover Coastguard was alerted last evening to a visiting yacht with engine failure attempting to sail into the entrance channel of Sovereign Harbour. It was soon realised that this manoeuvre would be too dangerous in the prevailing conditions and Eastbourne RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was tasked to assist. The yacht was requested to stand off and await the arrival of the lifeboat. When the lifeboat arrived on scene they found that the crew of the yacht had managed to restart their engine and were able to motor into harbour under their own power. The volunteer lifeboat crew escorted the vessel through the entrance channel and into the locks as a precautionary measure in case their engine failed again.

ILB Launch Number 38

Whilst the Lifeboat was being made ready for service, an inflatable dinghy with one person on board was observed in difficulty off the beach near Eastbourne Pier. As soon as possible the Lifeboat was relaunched. The occupant of the inflatable was being blown out to sea and had decided to ‘abandon ship’ and swim to shore whilst still trying to tow his craft. Fortunately on this occasion he succeeded in returning to the beach before the Lifeboat crew arrived. Once ashore he was met with Coastguard officials who took the opportunity of offering sea safety advice.

ILB Launch Number 37

Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched at the request of Dover Coastguard to assist in the recovery of a casualty, apparently deceased, from the beach at the foot of Beachy Head cliffs. The volunteer Lifeboat crew liaised with local Coastguard officers and recovered the casualty to the Lifeboat from whence it was transferred to the Lifeboat station and subsequently handed over to officials from Sussex Police Coroner’s office.

ILB Launch Number 36 Standby

The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch to a possible casualty at Beachy Head. The launch was cancelled within minutes of the page.

ALB Launch Number 18

Dover Coastguard called for the All Weather Lifeboat to launch to recover a lone yachtsman whose vessel had suffered a complete electrical failure 3 miles off Sovereign Harbour.

With no navigation lights and being unable to start his engine he was reliant on the failing battery of his mobile phone for communications.

The 26 foot vessel was located using the All Weather Lifeboat’s radar and towed back to Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 17

Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat to launch to assist a beam trawler with 2 persons on board which had fouled it’s propeller 6 miles due south of Sovereign Harbour.

When on scene a line was attached and the tow began back to Sovereign Harbour. The vessel weighed in the region of 40 tonnes which made the tow very slow and the recovery to the locks difficult.

In the approaches to harbour the tow was shorted and the Harbour work boat commandeered to be used as a safety break.

Once safe in harbour the underwater obstruction was removed by divers and the trawler returned to work.

ILB Launch Number 35

Concerned members of the public had alerted Dover Coastguard to three youths adrift in the disused hull of an abandoned fishing boat off the beach near Fort Fun.

The youths had discovered the hull on the beach and had decided to go for a ‘cruise’ Trying to paddle against the brisk SW wind with lengths of drain pipe proved to be untenable and they soon found themselves in trouble 500 metres off shore and being blown toward Pevensey Bay.

The ILB was quickly on scene and transferred the occupants to the lifeboat and returned them to shore where they were met and interviewed by local Coastguard Officers. The hull was then towed back to the inshore lifeboat station and beached.

ALB Launch Number 16 standby

On Monday this week HM Coastguard requested Eastbourne RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat to stand by when they were informed that a diver had not returned to his support vessel with his companions. As a precautionary measure the volunteer lifeboat crew were scrambled. The diver finally surfaced 400 metres off station; he had been caught in an underwater obstruction and was unable to communicate with the support vessel. He had managed to free himself and had the presence of mind to surface slowly. All was well and the lifeboat was stood down.

ILB Launch Number 34

Eastbourne RNLI was paged at 10.16am this morning by Dover Coastguard to investigate a sighting that a person had fallen from cliffs West of Beachy Head. The inshore lifeboat was afloat just 6 minutes later and on route to scene. Meanwhile Coastguard Cliff Rescue personnel visually located the casualty part way down the cliff face, well out of reach of the volunteer lifeboat crew. Dover Coastguard requested that Eastbourne RNLI stand by on scene whilst the casualty was recovered by the specialist cliff rescue team.

The casualty was recovered to the cliff top and transferred to a waiting ambulance. Eastbourne RNLI was thanked for their attendance and released from service at 11.55 they then returned to station and the lifeboat made ready for service.

                   photo of ILB being launched                                            photo of ILB just launched

                                                                                               passing Eastbourne Rowing Club Regatta

ILB Launch Number 33

Dover Coastguard requested Eastbourne RNLI to launch in response to a call for help from a 21 foot cabin cruiser with 4 persons on board which had suffered engine failure 500 metres offshore in Eastbourne Bay. Within 10 minutes of the launch request, the station’s D-Class inshore lifeboat was alongside and had a towline attached. The stricken vessel was then taken to Sovereign Harbour and delivered safely into the locks.

ILB Launch Number 32

Dover Coastguard and Sussex Police requested the assistance of Inshore Lifeboat and in the recovery of a human body found earlier at the foot of Beachy Head cliffs. The lifeboat, already afloat engaged in routine crew training, returned to station to offload the trainee crew and to collect the station’s medical advisor. The lifeboat then liaised with Coastguard Officers at Holywell who were at the second incident dealing with a casualty being airlifted to hospital by rescue helicopter 104.

Two Coastguard Officers joined the volunteer lifeboat crew and proceeded to the foot of Beachy Head where the recovery was undertaken. The casualty was returned to the inshore lifeboat station and handed over to Sussex Police Coroner’s Office.

ILB Launch Number 31

Concerned Police Officers alerted Dover Coastguard when a car was left unattended all night at the top of cliffs at Beachy Head. Fearful that someone may have fallen, a shoreline search was initiated.

A request to launch Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore D-Class lifeboat was received from Dover Coastguard, the volunteer crew of 3 were afloat by 08.00 their task to check the shoreline and interview a person seen walking at the foot of the cliffs between Beachy Head and Cow Gap. When on scene the walker was questioned and unfortunately became agitated that his peaceful fossil search had been interrupted. The volunteer lifeboat crew were able to establish that there was no connection between the abandoned car and the walker.

In liaison with Dover MRCC (Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre), a thorough search of the shoreline between Birling Gap and Holywell was undertaken by the lifeboat. Nothing was found and the crew returned to station.

ILB Launch Number 30 Standby

ALB Launch Number 15

ILB Launch Number 29

Whilst both boats were returning to station, a call was received from the MRCC (Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre) at Dover Coastguard regarding a sports boat with 4 persons on board which had suffered engine failure one mile SE of Sovereign Harbour. The sports boat skipper had deployed his anchor to avoid being carried by the incoming tide but unfortunately it had snagged in submerged fishing gear. The inshore lifeboat was first on scene and prepared a towline for the short trip back to harbour. Meanwhile the station’s all-weather Mersey class lifeboat used its powerful windlass to recover the anchor. The disabled sports boat was delivered into the harbour locks and both lifeboats returned to station and readied for service shortly after midday.

ILB Launch Number 28

Whilst on Sunday morning exercise off Beachy Head in company with Newhaven Lifeboat, Eastbourne’s Inshore Lifeboat was alerted to 4 persons who had been cut off by the flooding tide on the beach below Belle Tout lighthouse. Three persons were taken aboard the inshore Lifeboat and delivered to the steps at Birling Gap. The volunteer crew then returned to collect the fourth person. Once safely ashore the tourists told Senior helmsman Dave Needham that they had been informed by a friend that they could walk to Beachy Head and it wasn’t until their escape was blocked by knee high water, which was still rising, did they realise they were in trouble.

ILB Launch Number 27

Whilst en route to the previous callout, the Inshore Lifeboat Helmsman spotted a dismasted sailing dinghy west of the ILB station.

When on-scene, approximately two hundred metres off shore, being blown towards Langney Point, the casualty was towed back to the beach close to the Sovereign Centre.

ILB Launch Number 26

Following a number of 999calls to Dover Coastguard the Inshore Lifeboat launched to a children's type rubber dinghy reported to being blown out to sea.

When on-scene, just off shore from the Redoubt, the three male persons were transferred to the ILB and taken ashore along with the dinghy.

ILB Launch Number 25 (Standby)

The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch to a reported dinghy in difficulty close to the end of Eastbourne Pier.

As the ILB was preparing to enter the water, the local Coastguard requested the launch cancel as the reported casualty was in fact a marker buoy.

A false alarm with good intent.

ILB Launch Number 24

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched following a report from a member of the public that a dinghy was upturned and the crew were in the seaclose to Eastbourne Pier.

When on scene the two persons with the dinghy were transferred to the ILB and they were along with their dinghy taken to the shore.

The ILB then returned to station.

ILB Launch Number 23

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched to assist a canoe reported to be in need off help two thirds of a mile off shore in the Normans Bay area.

Once on scene the ILB crew confirmed that the canoeist was not in trouble and did not need help.

A false alarm with good intent.

ILB Launch Number 22

No sooner had the ILB been made ready for service when another request to launch was received from Dover Coastguard. Again a member of the public had telephoned, worried that a small boat was in trouble just East of Beachy Head. After a swift crew change the inshore lifeboat was quickly on scene and established that all was well. The bemused angler who had been fishing from his kayak for several hours was left to continue his activities.

ILB Launch Number 21

Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat ‘Joan and Ted Wiseman 50’ launched in response to a telephone call from a member of the public concerned that two youngsters in an inflatable dinghy were in trouble 500 metres off the beach in an area close to Eastbourne Pier.

When on scene the two man volunteer lifeboat crew quickly established that the youngsters were in no immediate danger. They offered safety advise and escorted the ‘craft’ ashore and returned to station.

ILB Launch Number 20

The volunteer crew of Eastbourne RLNI’s inshore lifeboat ‘Joan and Ted Wiseman 50’ were requested to launch by Dover Coastguard at 21.14 last evening in response to a VHF radio call on channel 16 from the vessel which had suffered engine failure. The 7 metre sports/angling boat with 2 persons on board had got into difficulties just 500 metres offshore whilst returning to Sovereign Harbour.

Within 10 minutes the lifeboat crew assembled, launched the boat and had arrived on scene. A towline was quickly attached in the calm conditions and the vessel was assisted into harbour.

The crew of 3 returned to station and the boat was made ready for service.

ILB Launch Number 19

ALB Launch Number 14

At 20.30 on the rising tide Dover coastguard requested both lifeboats attend whilst the vessel was refloated. On scene shortly after, the crews were met with an army of friends and family of the casualty vessel who had prepared the boat for launching. A towline was quickly attached and the vessel was dragged clear of the surf. Once in the approach to Sovereign Harbour the tow was transferred from the all-weather lifeboat to the inshore boat which saw it safely onto its berth.

The fisherman, a self confessed non swimmer who was not wearing a lifejacket, admitted to being a lucky man and thanked the two crews for their prompt and expert help.   

ILB Launch Number 18

ALB Launch Number 13

The Inshore Lifeboat was again called into service following a 999 call, this time to what was thought to be a small fishing boat with 1 person on board in difficulty in Pevensey Bay. When on scene the volunteer crew quickly assessed the situation and helmsman Alan Simister immediately requested the assistance of the station’s All Weather Mersey class lifeboat The Royal Thames.

The fishing boat was a 6 metre commercial vessel laden with nets and was too heavy for the inshore boat to handle safely. The inshore crew assisted the skipper ashore and helped secure the stricken vessel on the beach. The ALB was quickly on scene and Coxswain Mark Sawyer, having taken into account prevailing sea conditions and state of the tide, decided there was more chance of saving the vessel if she were fully beached and refloated on the next tide thus giving time for the heavy fishing gear to be off- loaded and the condition of the hull established.

ILB Launch Number 17

Eastbourne RNLI’s D-Class inshore lifeboat Joan and Ted Wiseman 50 was launched following a 999 call to assist a small fishing boat which had lost engine power and the crew were attempting to paddle it ashore. The vessel was taken into tow and delivered back to the beach from whence it came.

ILB Launch Number 16

A request to launch Eastbourne RLNI’s inshore lifeboat Joan and Ted Wiseman 50 was received at 12.47. At 12.57 the boat was launched with three volunteer crewmen aboard, and at 13.00 was on scene in Pevensey Bay. The crew liaised with local coastguard officers and the general public to try and establish if there had been any sightings of a person with the board. No such reports were received. Coastguard officers removed the board and conducted a search of the beach. Meanwhile the lifeboat conducted a thorough search of the shoreline. Nothing was found and the crew were stood down, the incident being logged as a false alarm with good intent.

ILB Launch Number 15

Whilst returning from the second incident, another 999 call was received regarding a small inflatable with 3 persons aboard which was apparently in trouble east of Eastbourne pier. Once again the crew were quickly on scene and were able to establish that all was well. As a precaution the inflatable was escorted ashore. The lifeboat finally returned to station.

ILB Launch Number 14

As the lifeboat was returning to station, a second 999 call was received indicating that a group of walkers were in danger of being cut off by the flooding tide near the foot of Beachy Head. The crew were quickly able to establish that the walkers were safe and had access to escape routes from the beach and were in no immediate danger.

ILB Launch Number 13

Dover Coastguard requested the launch of Eastbourne RLNI’s inshore lifeboat, the D-Class Joan and Ted Wiseman 50, to investigate a report from a member of the public that a small dinghy with two people aboard was in trouble at the western end of Eastbourne’s promenade. When on scene the volunteer crew found the boat and crew safely ashore.

ALB Launch Number 12

Dover Coastguard requested the launch of Eastbourne RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat The Royal Thames to assist a 10 metre commercial fishing vessel which had suffered total engine failure 7 miles SSW of Sovereign Harbour. The vessel, on passage from Plymouth to Holland via Dover with two persons on board was drifting on the ebbing tide 5 miles South of Beachy Head.
Tthe lifeboat launched with a crew of 6 and was on scene at 21.55, a towline was rigged and the long slow tow back to Sovereign Harbour began. The fishing vessel weighed in the region of 20 tonnes and it was apparent that in addition to the failed engine there was also a problem with her steering. They arrived at the locks to Sovereign Harbour at 23.50 where the casualty vessel was carefully transited with the assistance of volunteer shore helpers, to an awaiting berth. The Royal Thames was refuelled and readied for service at 00.30.
Eastbourne coxswain Mark Sawyer explained that towing such a heavy vessel, especially through the confined area of the locks, always requires a great deal of care, on this occasion the task wasn’t made any easier with the other vessel’s limited ability to manoeuvre.

Safe alongside in Sovereign Harbour

ILB Launch Number 12

ALB Launch Number 11 (standby)

Whilst returning from the Beachy Head callout the Inshore Lifeboat was requested to proceed to an area close to the entrance to Sovereign Harbour where a motor boat had engine failure,

The All Weather Lifeboat was also tasked to assist with this rescue, to provide light from their searchights.

Once on scene the ILB passed a tow line to the casualty and towed it back to the beach close to the Sovereign Centre.

ILB Launch Number 11

The Inshore Lifeboat launched at the request of Dover Coastguard to assist the Local Coastguard recover a body from Beachy head.

Two members of the Local Coastguard were transfered to Beachy Head, when on scene the ILB was advised that the casualty was being recovered by the cliff rescue team.

ILB Launch Number 10

Whilst on exercise the Inshore Lifeboat was paged to the report from a member of the public that two persons were at risk in a small dinghy two hundred metres off the end of Eastbourne Pier.

When on scene the two persons were transfered to ILB, the dinghy was then towed ashore where the Local Coastguard were waiting.

ILB Launch Number 9

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched to search for a wind surfer believed to be in trouble off Beachy Head.

The casualty was seen by a member of the public sitting on his surf board, becalmed, as the wind had dropped. When the ILB arrived on scene the wind had turned and the surfer was just starting to sail back to Eastbourne.

He was originally sailing to Seaford, training for the round the island race. (A wind surfers' race around the Isle of Wight to raise money for the Help For Heroes Charity).

ALB Launch Number 10

The All Weather Lifeboat was launched to a thirty four foot Beneteau Trawler with engine failure, reported to be one mile east of Beachy Head.

photo taken from Eastbourne Pier

When on scene approxiamatly five hundred metres west of Eastbourne pier, one member of the ALB crew transfered over to the casualty to assist in rigging a tow line. The trawler was then towed to Sovereign Harbour.

casualty entering Sovereign Harbour

ALB Launch Number 9

The All Weather Lifeboat launched with a crew of seven to a nine-point-seven metre sailing boat with fishing lines entangled around it's propeller.

When on scene, two members of the Lifeboat crew transferred over to assist with the lifting of the casualty's anchor and rigging of a tow line. The sailing boat was then towed into Sovereign Harbour.

photo taken by Jim Edwards

ALB Launch Number 8

The All Weather Lifeboat launched to a six point eight metre rib off Beachy Head with one member of the three man crew in need of urgent medical assistance.

When on scene the Coxswain skillfully positioned the ALB alongside the Rib allowing one of the seven Lifeboat Crew to cross over to the casualty with oxygen.

The casualty was transferred over to the ALB where the Lifeboat Deputy Medical Advisor and a Paramedic managed to stabilize the man. He was then taken to Sovereign Harbour where an ambulance was waiting.

The Lifeboat Crewman stayed with the Rib to assist with the return journey to Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 7

ILB Launch Number 8

Both Eastbourne Lifeboats were launched at the request of Dover Coastguard, to assist in the recovery of an injured person on the beach at Cow Gap (Beachy Head).

The Inshore Lifeboat was first on scene,the Lifeboat Deputy Medical Advisor / Crewman went ashore to assist the Police Helicopter Medic give first aid.

The ILB then transferred more oxygen from the All Weather Lifeboat to the shore.

The casualty was transferred from the beach to the top of the cliffs by the Coastguard Helicopter for onward transfer by Ambulance to a Brighton hospital.

The Police Paramedics along with local Paramedics and Coastguard men were then transferred by the ILB to the ALB for transfer to Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 6

The All Weather Lifeboat transfers the casualty and his language translator back to their ship after being treated at Eastbourne District General Hospital for a deep cut to his arm.

ALB Launch Number 5

Following a request from Dover Coastguard the All Weather Lifeboat launched to the Russian Cargo ship Pioner Belorussii (en route to Alexandria) approximately five miles south of Sovereign Harbour.

The casualty, a crew member of the Cargo ship, had been injured and was in need of urgent medical assistance.

Once on scene, the ALB was positioned on the ship's portside, where two members of the crew transferred over to assist and administer first aid to the injured man.

After administering first aid to the crew member, he and a fellow crew member (who acted as a translator) were transferred to Sovereign Harbour where the Ambulance was waiting.

              Casualty being helped by Lifeboat Crew                    Translator being helped onto Lifeboat

ILB Launch Number 7

At the request of Dover MRCC the Eastbourne Inshore Lifeboat launched to a report of a possible unmanned kayak drifting near Eastbourne Pier.
On arrival at the kayak, it was confirmed as unmanned and had probably been pushed off the beach during the night. The ILB towed the kayak back to the Station. In view of a similar incident yesterday both Dover MRCC and Sussex Police have been made aware of the situation and have advised they will take the necessary action.

ILB Launch Number 6

At the request of Dover MRCC the Eastbourne Inshore Lifeboat launched to a report of a possible unmanned dinghy drifting some 300 yards off the Sovereign Centre.
On arrival at the dinghy, it was confirmed as unmanned and had probably been pushed off the beach during the night. The ILB took the dinghy in tow and returned to Station. On arrival a member of the Eastbourne Coastguard team inspected the dinghy and concurred with the thoughts that it had been launched from a local Sailing Club beach and reported the incident to Sussex Police.

ILB Launch Number 5

Following a report to Dover Coastguard that a wind surfer had been missing for over ninety minutes.

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched to search the area from the Sovereign Centre where the wind surfer had launched in a westerly direction.

The casualty was found in the water in the area of Eastbourne Pier.

The Paramedics checked him over  at the ILB Station on return and found he was suffering from mild hypothermia.

ALB Launch Number 4

ILB Launch Number 4

Both boats were launched at the request of Dover Coastguard to recover a body from Beachy head.

The Inshore Lifeboat transferred the casualty from the rocks at the foot of the cliffs in the Belle Tout area to the ILB station where representatives of the Coroners Office were waiting.

Both boats then returned to station.

ALB Launch Number 3

Following a Mayday call Dover Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat launch to a thirty two foot sailing boat with engine failure two and a half miles off Beachy Head.

The dredger (Sand Harrier) stood by the sailing boat giving lee shelter to help with the rescue.

Once on scene two Lifeboat Crew Members transfered over to the casualty, a tow line was rigged and the casualty,

with its crew of two persons was towed into Sovereign Harbour.

ILB Launch Number 3

The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch by both Dover and Solent MRCC to assist in the search for a possible body in the Beachy Head area.
Both Newhaven ALB and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 104 also assisted in the search.
At 12.36 hrs a body was located in the area known as Gun Gardens just to the East of Beachy Head Lighthouse.
The body was high up on the cliffs and therefore had to be transferred to the top by Eastbourne and Birling Gap cliff rescue teams.
At 12.48hrs the ILB was released from the scene. On returning they were requested by Solent MRCC to keep a sharp lookout for another possible casualty. Nothing was found, therefore the ILB returned to station.

ALB Launch Number 2

Whilst proceeding to Beachy Head to assist the ILB information was received a motor sports boat had run out fuel close to the Sovereign Harbour entrance. Once on scene the ALB ascertained the vessel had drifted on to a mud bank out of the ‘fairway’ and was hard aground. A decision was taken that the sports boat was in no immediate danger and could be re-floated on the next high water. The ALB returned to the incident at Beachy Head.

ILB Launch Number 2

ALB Launch Number 1

Both the Eastbourne Inshore Lifeboat and the All Weather Lifeboat launched on Saturday 27th February to two separate incidents.

The ILB was requested by Eastbourne Coastguard team via Dover MRCC to assist in the recovery of a body and Coastguard personnel from the rocks below Beachy Head. The ILB launched with a crew of three on board. Once close to scene, the helmsman decided the conditions for beaching the ILB were unsuitable and waited for the police helicopter to arrive and retrieve the body and personnel.

The Eastbourne ALB was launched to search for an overdue vessel that had reported to Sovereign Harbour Lockkeepers that it was on passage to the Harbour and would arrive shortly. The vessel did not arrive at Sovereign Harbour and it was decided by Dover MRCC to launch the ALB to search in the area of the Royal Sovereign Light Tower.

A thorough search of the area was made between the Light Tower and Sovereign Harbour. Nothing untoward was found and the search was called off being regarded as a hoax call. The ALB proceeded to Beachy Head and escorted the ILB back to Station and returned to Sovereign Harbour.

The wind was southwest force 4 with slight to moderate sea conditions following a period of stronger winds and rough sea conditions earlier in the day.

ILB Launch Number 1

Dover Coastguard paged the Inshore Lifeboat to launch to the report of a person in the sea close to Eastbourne Pier.

The casualty was located approximately seventy metres east of the pier and was still conscious, the ILB Crew gave first aid as they transferred the casualty to the beach.

The casualty was then handed over to a waiting ambulance for transfer to the District General Hospital.

Following the return of the ILB to station Dover Coastguard telephoned congratulating the Crew on a rapid response, (six minutes from page to launch).