Callouts from 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Eastbourne Lifeboats Callouts 2012

ILB Launch no 3

Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat went to the assistance of two visitors

when they became cut off by the incoming tide

whilst walking along the shore beneath the cliffs at Beachy Head.

The couple had set out earlier from Birling Gap for a bracing work along the shoreline to celebrate a birthday but the afternoon ended in a tense scramble across jagged rocks, waist deep in freezing water for the couple from Richmond. Luckily several other walkers at the top of the cliffs saw the couple’s predicament as they realized their escape from the beach had been cut off by the flooding tide and they alerted the emergency services by dialling 999 on their mobile telephones.

Dover Coastguard coordinated the initial launch of the inshore lifeboat (ILB) but due to difficulty in maintaining radio contact with the ILB close inshore under the cliffs, Solent Coastguard took over mid way through the rescue. Volunteer Helmsman Paul Rogers nudged the ILB into the rocks and the couple were helped aboard by crewmen Richard Larmour and Dan Guy. The cold, wet and very relieved couple were then taken back to the steps at Birling Gap where they were passed to the care of the waiting Coastguard cliff rescue team.

An RNLI spokesman later said that despite repeated warnings people, particularly visitors to the coast, still seem unaware of the extent of the rise and fall of the tide which today was around five metres (over 16ft). Fortunately this couple were relatively fit and agile but if there had been young children or less agile people involved the outcome could easily have been far worse. We urge people to seek expert guidance if they are in any doubt before setting out on these undercliff walks.       

ILB Launch no 2

The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch by Dover Coastguard to assist a windsurfer reported to them by a member of the public as being in difficulties.

 Once the ILB was on scene it was established the windsurfer had overcome his problem and was making his own way ashore. With no further assistance required the ILB returned to station and was once again made ready for service.

ILB Launch no 1

Both Eastbourne RNLI lifeboats were called into action on Tuesday morning when two angling boats suffered mechanical failures within two hours of each other and had to call the emergency services for assistance.

The first call was at shortly after 9am when a small sports boat with two people on board contacted Dover Coastguard by mobile telephone. The vessel was only 400 yards offshore near the entrance to Sovereign Harbour and the occupants were unable to use their anchor and were drifting uncontrollably in the tide.

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched and was soon on scene.

The vessel was taken under tow to the beach from where it was originally launched.

ALB Launch no 1

Two hours later Dover Coastguard received a VHF radio call from a 23 ft sports/angling boat 8 miles SE of Sovereign Harbour. The lone angler aboard his well maintained vessel was unable to start his engine due to an undiagnosed electrical fault. The all weather lifeboat was launched at 11.30 to go to his assistance. When on scene the casualty vessel was taken under tow to commence its long journey back to harbour. When in the safety of the outer harbour the tow was transferred to a waiting work boat which returned it to its berth.