Callouts from: 2006 2007 2008 2009

Eastbourne Lifeboats Callouts 2010

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).