Callouts from: 2006 2007 2009 2010

Eastbourne Lifeboats Callouts 2008

ILB Launch Number 55

ILB Launched to 18ft angling boat (Mr Fish) with engine failure, half a mile off Langney Point with two persons on board. ILB Launched with 3 crew on board, Andy Chatton (mr fish) as helmsman arrived on scene at 13:40 Took casualty under tow back to Sovereign Harbour. Entered Sovereign Harbour at 14:00hrs. Left casualty in lock with harbour staff.

Photo taken by Jim Edwards

ALB Launch Number 49

Following a radio message from a twenty six foot twin engine motor cruiser with engine failure, the Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat launch to assist.

The casualty was half a mile west of Beachy Head lighthouse, four hundred metres from shore, with one person on board. The commercial fishing boat Beachy Head was the first vessel on the scene and they stood alongside until the ALB arrived. The casualty had been on passage from Poole to Dover.

When on scene, a tow line was passed to the casualty and towed back to Sovereign Harbour for repairs.

            ALB passing a tow line off Beachy Head                                  Entering Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 48

The All Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch to assist a forty six foot sailing boat (sloop) with engine failure.

The casualty was one mile south of Sovereign Harbour with a crew of three.

When on scene a tow line was passed and the sloop was then towed back to Sovereign Harbour,

When in the outer harbour the Lifeboat boarding boat was passed a line from the stern of the casualty, this enabled the boarding boat to assist in the manoeuvring of the vessel into the lock by acting as a brake.

ALB Launch Number 47

ILB Launch Number 54

Whilst on the sunday morning exercise, the All Weather and Inshore Lifeboats were requested to assist a thirty eight foot sailing boat with its rudder caught in fishing lines.

When on scene, two members of the ILB transferred to the casualty and cut the lobster pot loose, leaving the ropes firmly trapped round the sailing boat's rudder.

The ALB the towed the casualty back to Sovereign Harbour and the tow was then passed over to the Harbour's work boat. Due to the casualty's rudder being firmly jammed over to one side, the ILB assisted with tow in through the lock entrance.

Both Lifeboats then returned to their exercise.

           Picture taken by Hayley Beddows               Casualty being handed over to Sovereign Harbour workboat

ALB Launch Number 46

ILB Launch Number 53

Following a number of reports from members of the public of flares being spotted in Eastbourne Bay. Both boats were launched to investigate.

The All Weather Lifeboat did an expanding box search of the Eastbourne Bay whilst the Inshore Lifeboat searched the coastline.

Nothing was found and both boats were stood down and returned to service. It is believed that youths had set off the flares as a prank.

ILB Launch Number 52

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched to investigate the report of a boat drifting approximately fifty metres off shore, just west of Langney point.

When on scene the casualty an old rowing boat with no persons on board was towed ashore where the Coastguard and one member of the ILB crew pulled the vessel out of the water. A search of the area was made to confirm no persons were in the water.

The Coastguard then contacted the Eastbourne Rowing Club and confirmed that it was a disused boat and that vandals had pushed it into the sea.

The ILB was then stood down and returned to station.

ILB Launch Number 51

Standby

The inshore Lifeboat paged to launch to assist a sailing boat east of Eastbourne Pier.

As the ILB was about to launch they were instructed to stand down.

ALB Launch Number 45

The All Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch to assist a sailing boat with engine failure three miles south of Belle Toute (Beachy Head).

The casualty, a twenty three foot sailing boat, was en route from Sovereign Harbour to Bembridge. The craft had become almost becalmed, the skipper was unable to start the engine and decided to request assistance from the Coastguard.

When on scene the Coxswain of the ALB requested the sails on the yacht be lowered to enable the Lifeboat to come alongside to pass a tow rope.

The All Weather Lifeboat had found a large amount of fishing net floating in the area and this was dragged on to the bow of the ALB as this could have been a danger to other vessels.

ALB Launch Number 44

Dover Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat launch to a sailing boat having put out a mayday.

The casualty with six persons on board had a halyard caught around its propeller.

When on scene 1.2 miles East North East of Sovereign Harbour a tow line was passed and the casualty was towed back into Sovereign Harbour.

photo by Hayley Beddows                                      photo by Rodney Gygax

ALB Launch Number 43

The All Weather Lifeboat was launched to the report of paraglider in the sea.

When on scene just east of Sovereign Harbour, the ALB found the casualty had managed to get ashore.

After checking he was ok the ALB recovered the Paragliders gear and returned to station.

ILB Launch Number 50

The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to proceed to the Belle Toute area to assist in the recovery of the casualty from the foot of the cliffs.

Once the casualty had been located and recovered the ILB returned to station.

photo taken by Peter Needham

ALB Launch Number 42

The All Weather Lifeboat was launched to assist in the recovery of the five persons on the rocks, reported by the ILB.

Once on scene the ILB confirmed the request of the casualties and Dover Coastguard requested the ALB stand down and return to service.

ILB Launch Number 49

Dover Coastguard requested the Inshore Lifeboat to assist in the recovery of a casualty from the bottom of the cliffs in the Belle Toute area of Beachy Head.

Whilst en route to the reported area the crew of 4 on the ILB spotted 5 persons (2 adults and 3 children) cut off by the tide, in the area of the falling sands at Beachy Head.

This was reported to Dover Coastguard. Dover then requested the ILB to divert to the casualties cut off by the rising tide. The All Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch to assist.

One member of the Inshore Lifeboat was transfered to the shore, The people on the shore refused to be rescued and insisted they could eventialy make their way out .

ALB Launch Number 41

ILB Launch Number 48

STANDBY

Both boats were requested to launch in the early hours for a person who was reported to have jumped into the sea from Eastbourne Pier. Within a few minutes of the request it was discovered the person had made their own way safely ashore and both lifeboats were stood down from launching.

ALB Launch Number 40

ILB Launch Number 47

The All Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch to assist a 31ft sailing yacht hung up in fishing gear

1.5 miles east of the harbour entrance.

Once on scene two crew members were transferred to the casualty to assist in freeing it. A towline was rigged to take the strain off the fouled line, as the tow was started there appeared to be no line attached so the ALB towed the yacht back to Sovereign Harbour.

The Lifeboat boarding boat assisted with the manoeuvring of the casualty into the lock.

Photo by Rodney Gygax.

ILB Launch Number 46

The Inshore Lifeboat was requested to assist a 5 meter angling boat with engine problems off the harbour entrance. once on scene one Lifeboat crew member was transferred to assist with rigging a tow line and the boat was towed back to the harbour The ILB then returned to its weekly exercise.

ILB Launch Number 45

The Inshore Lifeboat launched to the report of an unmanned boat drifting off the harbour entrance, once on scene it was aware that the boat had been adrift for a while.

A tow line was rigged and the boat towed back to the ILB station.

ILB Launch Number 44

Dover Coastguard requested the Inshore Lifeboat launch to the report of two persons in the seain Pevensey bay.

The casualties were using a jet ski in the area between Sovereign Harbour and Pevensey Bay, they had fallen off the ski and were unable to climb back on,

When on scene the ILB with a crew of three, found the two persons both wearing life jackets  had managed to reach the shore, The ILB crew confirmed both were well, then towed the jet ski back to the beach.

ILB Launch Number 43

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched to assist a eighteen foot angling boat with engine failure.

The casualty with four persons on board,was one mile off the Sovereign Centre. When on scene the ILB with a crew of three, passed a tow line and towed the boat back to Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 39

ILB Launch Number 42

Both Lifeboats were requested to launch after a car had driven over Beachy Head in the area close to the Lighthouse.

Both boats assisted the Coastguard Cliff Team recover the casualty.

The car which had landed upside down in the sea was partially submerged.One member of the Inshore Lifeboat injured his shoulder whilst swimming ashore and needed to be transferred from the beach at Beachy Head to the top of the cliffs by the Coastguard helicopter based at Lee On Solent.

The Lifeboat Crewman was transferred to the DGH by an ambulance, he was released from the DGH later that evening.

ILB Launch Number 41

The Hastings All Weather Lifeboat had been tasked to a one hundred ton commercial fishing boat with engine failure.

The Eastbourne Inshore Lifeboat was requested to assist the Hastings ALB towing the fishing vessel into Sovereign Harbour.

Once this was completed the ILB returned to the outer harbour as a safety boat for the Eastbourne Lifeboat Regatta.

ALB Launch Number 38

After receiving a Mayday call, the All Weather Lifeboat was tasked to assist a sailing boat with a sick crew member.

Newhaven Lifeboat was also tasked to assist with the rescue. The casualty, with two persons on board, was fourteen miles south of Sovereign Harbour.

When on scene, two Lifeboat crew members were transfered over. It was then decided that the Coastguard helicopter was needed to transfer the sick person to hospital. This was relayed to Dover Coastguard.

The Newhaven Lifeboat was also en route to assist, but as Eastbourne ALB had the rescue under control Newhaven was stood down and returned to station.

The Coastguard helicopter winched the sick person off the sailing boat and transfered him to Eastbourne DGH.

The two Lifeboat crewmembers motored the sailing boat with the ALB as escort back to Sovereign Harbour.

The ALB then towed the casualty into the Harbour.

ILB Launch Number 40

As the ALB was approaching Sovereign Harbour, A Mayday call was received. The Inshore Lifeboat was covering the Eastbourne Lifeboat Regatta when it was requested to take over the tow of the forty three foot sailing boat.

Lifeboat inflatables that were also covering the regatta assisted with manoeuvring the casualty into the lock.

Photo taken by Jim Edwards

ALB Launch Number 37

The All Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch by Dover Coastguard to assist a forty-three foot sailing boat with engine failure.

The crew of the ALB were helping with the Eastbourne Lifeboat Regatta when they were paged.

When on scene, half a mile off Beachy Head, two members of the crew were transferred over to assist the two persons on board to rig a tow line and raise the anchor. The casualty was then towed back to the entrance of Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 36

Whilst covering the Airbourne show, the All Weather Lifeboat was paged to assist a six metre ski boat with three person on board.

The casualty had engine failure, once on scene a tow line was rigged and the boat was towed back to Sovereign Harbour.

The ALB then returned to the air show.

                   Photo taken by Mark Chessell

ALB Launch Number 35

ILB Launch Number 39

Dover Coastguard requested both lifeboats launch to search in the area of the Eastbourne Pier following a report from Sussex Police that a person had jumped from the pier in an attempted suicide.

Once on scene, an extended search was made by the ILB. One of the Coastguard heard a call for help and guided the ILB in. They found the casualty had climbed up one of the stanchions of the pier. As he climbed down, the helmsman manoeuvred the ILB in close and one of the crew managed to recover him from the steel support. He was then transferred to the beach and handed over to the Coastguard and ambulance ready to take him to the DGH.

ALB Launch Number 34

Dover Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat launch to assist  an angling boat with engine failure.

The casualty with two persons on board was reported to be half a mile off Beachy Head.

The ALB was launched and had started to proceed to Beachy Head when Dover Coastguard received a call from Solent Coastguard reporting the casualty had managed to start its engine and was proceeding to Newhaven.

Dover Coastguard requested the ALB still proceed to Beachy Head to confirm the report.

Once on scene it was confirmed that the casualty was passing Seaford en route to Newhaven, the ALB was then stood down and returned to station.

ALB Launch Number 33

A request was made by Dover Coastguard for the All Weather Lifeboat to launch to 17metre yacht on passage from France to Brighton Marina.

The casualty had both engine and rigging failure with four persons on board some 14 miles South of Beachy Head.

Once on scene the ALB passed a towline and commenced the tow back to Sovereign Harbour, a distance of 21.5 miles.
The ALB towed the vessel into the lock refueled and again was made ready for service.

Photo by Rodney Gygax

ILB Launch Number 38

The ILB launched to a small speedboat reported broken down some 200 yards off Pevensey Bay with three persons on board.
Once on scene it was discovered they had run out of fuel. The ILB towed the craft ashore and ensured all was safe and well and then returned to Station.

ILB Launch Number 37

Whilst returning from their evening exercise the ILB was requested to proceed to Beachy Head to try and locate a possible casualty.

After an extensive search of the beach area nothing was found and the ILB returned to Station.

Possibly a false alarm with good intent.

ILB Launch Number 36

Dover Coastguard had received a report of three persons adrift in an inflatable dinghy some 200 yards offshore from the Redoubt Fortress. The dinghy was reported to be drifting out to sea with the wind and tide. The ILB launched with a crew of three to recover the three young persons and the inflatable dinghy. All were returned safely to the anxious parents waiting on the beach.

The ILB then re-launched from the beach and returned to Station

ILB Launch Number 35

Dover CG requested the launch of a lifeboat to a canoeist reported to be in difficulties some 500 metres offshore in Pevensey Bay and unable to make shore. The LOM paged the ILB to launch.
Once launched the CG informed the ILB crew the canoeist had made his own way ashore and was safe and well.
The ILB returned to Station

ILB Launch Number 34

STANDBY

Dover Coastguard requested the launch of a lifeboat to a report of young persons in a dinghy close to Eastbourne Pier. The decision was made to page the ILB.

Immediately the page to launch the ILB was made the Coastguard cancelled the call as the dinghy and persons were reported as being safely ashore.

A false alarm with good intent.

ALB Launch Number 32

Dover Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat to launch to an angling boat with engine failure.

The casualty was a twenty foot angling boat, its position was 9.8 miles south of Sovereign Harbour.

When on scene a tow line was passed to the casualty. The tow back to Sovereign Harbour took just over an hour.

                                                                             Photo by Rodney Gygax

ILB Launch Number 33

The Inshore Lifeboat launched to the report of three persons cut off by the tide at Hollywell.

When on the scene the casualties were located on the shore having a BBQ at Cow Gap.

The ILB went ashore to check that they were well and did not need any assistance.

The ILB was then stood down and returned to station.

ALB Launch Number 31

The ALL Weather Lifeboat was launched to an 8.5 metre sports cruiser with a possible engine fire 4.5 miles south of Pevensey Bay.

When on scene, three of the persons on board were transferred to the ALB, and two members of the ALB crew were transferred to the casualty to rig a tow line.

The casualty was then towed into the port lock at Sovereign Harbour where the Fire Brigade and Coastguard were waiting.

Photo by Andy Chatton

ALB Launch Number 30

The All Weather Lifeboat was requested to assist a Sailing boat with engine failure.

The casualty was near to the 'safe water' mark when they called for the ALB to assist. Once on scene a tow line was passed and the casualty was towed into Sovereign Harbour.

ILB Launch Number 32

The Inshore Lifeboat was on exercise in Eastbourne Bay, assisting with a charity swim, when they were tasked to the Seven Sisters area.

When on scene their job was to assist in transferring 33 international students from Sussex University who had been cut off by the tide in the Crowlink area.

The ILB, Birling Gap rescue boat and the Newhaven Y boat, all helped in transferring the casualties from the beach to Newhaven Lifeboat, which was standing by just off shore.

         Picture of ILB transporting to Newhaven Lifeboat.             Photo of casualties on Newhaven Lifeboat

ILB Launch Number 31

The Inshore Lifeboat was paged by Solent Coastguard to assist in the recovery of a body from Beachy Head.

It was reported to be in the Belle Toute area.

Once on scene the casualty was located and transferred back to the ILB station at Eastbourne.

ALB Launch Number 29

The All Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch to assist an 8 meter sailing yacht with engine failure, seven miles south of Sovereign Harbour. When on scene, Dan Guy, Acting Second Coxswain / Mechanic, had a tow line passed to the casualty and the yacht was towed back to Sovereign harbour.

Photo by Rodney Gygax

ILB Launch Number 30

The Inshore Lifeboat launched to the report of person in the water by Eastbourne Pier.

When on the scene the casualty was located on the shore. The ILB went ashore to check all that the person was well.

The ILB was then stood down and returned to station.

ALB Launch Number 28

ILB Launch Number 29

As the ALB was refueling from the last callout, Dover Coastguard requested they launch to a swimmer in trouble off the beach near to Fort Fun.

The ILB was launched to assist in the search.

When the ALB reached the area off Fort Fun, a search was started, after a while the casualty was found to be a seal swimming happily.

Both boats were requested to stand down and return to station.

ALB Launch Number 27

Dover Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat launch, to the report of an overdue boat in Pevensey Bay.

The crew of the ALB spotted a small inflatable with an outboard motor on the beach.

When on scene the casualty was sitting next to his boat talking to the Coastguard representative from Bexhill.

The ALB was stood down and returned to station.

ILB Launch Number 28

The Inshore Lifeboat launched following the report from a member of the Lifeboat crew, reporting having seen two persons in a dinghy 300 metres off the pier, potentially being blown away from the shore.

When on scene the two persons were safe and well. (A report with good intentions).

ILB Launch Number 27

The Inshore Lifeboat was paged to the report of a rubber dinghy in trouble half a mile off the beach near to to Eastbourne Pier.

When on scene two teenage girls in the dinghy reported they had lost their oars, and could not paddle the boat against the tide and wind.

Both girls were transferred over to the ILB, the dinghy was deflated and they were transferred to the beach a hundred metres east of the pier.

ALB Launch Number 26

The All Weather Lifeboat was paged to assist a sailing boat one mile west of Sovereign Harbour.

When on scene it was reported that the casualty had engine failure and a tow line was passed.

The casualty was then towed back into Sovereign Harbour.

The ALB then left the harbour for its weekly exercise.

Photo By Mark Chessell

ALB Launch Number 25

The All Weather Lifeboat was launched to assist a fifteen metre Belgian Sailing boat with engine failure.

The casualty was half a mile south of Sovereign Harbour. When on scene a tow line was rigged and the sailing boat was towed into the safe water mark in the entrance of the harbour.

The tow then was held up due to the low water and the casualty had rather a deep draught.

Once the tide had started to rise the tow into the Sovereign Harbour was resumed.

Photo BY Andy Chatton

ILB Launch Number 26

Following a 999 telephone call, reporting a swimmer in difficulty 200 metres off the Redoubt.

Dover Coastguard paged for the Inshore Lifeboat to launch.

When on scene, the swimmer was questioned and reported he was not in any difficulty.

The ILB was stood down and returned to station. (A report with good intention).

ILB Launch Number 25

The ILB was was tasked to assist a sixteen foot angling boat with engine failure just off Sovereign Harbour.

The call for assistance to the Coastguard was made by the casualty using a mobile telephone, as the fault with the engine was electrical.

Once on scene the ILB found that the angling boat crew had just managed to start the engine.

The ILB escorted the casualty back to the beach at Pevensey Bay.

ILB Launch Number 24

Following the report of a Kite surfer in difficulty 500 metres east of the harbour entrance.

The ILB was launched with a crew of three to assist. When on scene the casualty was found on the beach. He had been helped by a passing boat.

The ILB crew went ashore and confirmed that this person was the casualty and that he was safe and well.

The ILB then returned to station.

ALB Launch Number 24

Dover Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat launch to a 60 Ton, 22 metre Polish registered Ketch with a crew of seven. The casualty had a broken mast seven miles south west of Sovereign Harbour.

The rigging of the ketch along with its sail was still attached to the mast. This meant that the mast could foul the propeller or damage its hull.

When on scene, two members of the lifeboat crew were transferred to assist in making the remains of the mast and rigging safe and rigging a tow line, when this was all secured to the ketch. The casualty was then towed back to Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 23

The Crew of the All Weather Lifeboat were at the Eastbourne 999 show on the western lawns when they were paged by Dover Coastguard to launch the ALB.

The casualty, a 6.5 metre sailing boat with three persons on board, had hit a submerged object and damaged it's rudder. With no steering capabilities they requested assistance from the Lifeboat.

When on scene, half a mile south of Sovereign Harbour, a tow line was rigged and the ALB towed them into the outer harbour where the lifeboat boarding boat took over the tow into the starboard lock.

ALB Launch Number 22

The All Weather Lifeboat was launched at Dover Coastguard's request, to assist a 14 metre Dutch sailing boat with engine failure two miles south of Sovereign Harbour.

The casualty, with four persons on board, was passed a tow line and towed into Sovereign Harbour.

Due to the strong cross winds, the lifeboat boarding boat was launched and a tow line rigged to the stern of the sailing boat and used to help keep a straight course whilst entering the port lock.

ALB Launch Number 21

Dover Coastguard paged for the All Weather Lifeboat to launch to 7 metre motor boat with engine failure.

The casualty with two persons on board was 7.68 miles south of Sovereign Harbour.

When on scene a tow line was passed over and the motor boat was towed back to Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 20

Dover Coastguard paged for the All Weather Lifeboat to launch, to assist a fishing boat with engine failure.

The casualty was four and a half miles east of Sovereign Harbour.

The ALB with a crew of five, passed a tow line over to the casualty, which had a crew of two persons on board, then towed them back to Sovereign Harbour where the Harbour work boat was waiting to tow them into the lock.

ILB Launch Number 23

The Inshore Lifeboat launched to the report of an inflatable toy dinghy off Hollywell was in difficulty.

When on scene the casualty two small children were transferred to the beach along with the inflatable.

ILB Launch Number 22

The Inshore Lifeboat launched to the report of an inflatable toy dinghy off the Bandstand was in difficulty.

When on scene the casualty was transferred to the beach along with the inflatable.

ILB Launch Number 21

The Inshore Lifeboat was launched with a crew off two, to the report of two persons in difficulty off Pevensey Bay.

The Coastguard fixed wing search and rescue plane was also tasked to assist.

The casualties were found and were transferred to the shore, both were just cold and happy to be safe back on shore.

The ILB crew gave them some safety advise and then both the ILB and The Coastguard plane were told to return to station.

ALB Launch Number 19

ILB Launch Number 20

A request from Dover MRCC to initially launch the Inshore Lifeboat to a report of a large number of students jumping from the pier with potentially

one missing in the sea.

A further request was then made by Dover MRCC to also launch the All Weather Lifeboat to assist in the search.

White para flares were fired to illuminate the area

With both lifeboats on scene the confirmation with the Eastbourne Coastguard team was that all persons were accounted for.

The lifeboats returned to station and were refueled and made ready for service again.

The incident would be deemed a false alarm with good intent.

ILB Launch Number 19 (standby)

Following a 999 report of a person in an inflatable in possible trouble approximately a thousand metres off the beach at Fisherman's Green.

Dover Coastguard requested the Inshore Lifeboat launch to assist.

As the ILB was about to launch the Coastguard requested they stand down as a passing rescue boat from Spray Water Sports had assisted the casualty ashore.  ( A false alarm with good intent).

ALB Launch Number 18

Dover Coastguard paged for the All Weather Lifeboat to launch, to assist a forty five foot Motor Cruiser, reported to be taking on water.

The casualty was five miles south west of Sovereign Harbour.

When on scene the situation was assessed, and the vessel was escorted to Sovereign Harbour for immediate lift out.

Photo taken by Rodney Gygax.

ILB Launch Number 18

Dover MRCC requested the ILB to launch to a report of a wind-surfer who had parted from his board due to a failure in his rigging and was attempting to make for the shore at Pevensey Bay. The crew were paged and launched immediately with a crew of three.

Once on scene the crew of the ILB established the wind-surfer was safely ashore.  With the assistance of RAF Rescue Helicopter 125 from Wattisham who was in the area on exercise the ILB located and recovered the wind-surfer’s sail to return it to him.

Establishing all was safe and well the ILB returned to station, refueled and was made ready for service again.

photograph taken from beach by Hayley Bedows

ALB Launch Number 17

ILB Launch Number 17

Dover Coastguard called for both boats to launch to search for a ten foot fibreglass dinghy reported overdue.

The casualty was found a mile and half off Pevensey Sailing club with all three persons on board enjoying an afternoon fishing.

The inshore lifeboat then escorted the dingy back to the shore. (A false alarm with good intent).

ILB Launch Number 16

On returning from the weekly exercise the ILB was requested to check out the report of a wind surfer in trouble south / west of the harbour.

The casualty was found safe and well on the beach. (A false alarm with good intent).

ALB Launch Number 16

ILB Launch Number 15

Both boats were launched to assist the Eastbourne & Birling Gap Coastguard in the recovery of a body at the foot of Beachy Head.

The casualty was recovered by the cliff rescue team.

Four members of the Coastguard were transferred from the beach to the All Weather Lifeboat by the Inshore Lifeboat. The ALB then transferred them back to Sovereign Harbour.

Both boats then continued with their Sunday morning exercise.

ALB Launch Number 15

The All Weather Lifeboat was tasked to assist a thirty two foot sailing boat with a crew of two. The casualty had a fishing net entangled around its propeller and was unable to manoeuvre under power.

The ALB launched with Dan Guy (Deputy Coxswain/ Mechanic) at the helm and a crew of six. when on scene, sixteen miles south west of Sovereign Harbour, Dan transferred one crew member over to assist with rigging a tow line.

The casualty was then towed back to Sovereign Harbour.

ILB Launch Number 14

The ILB re launched to assist a wind surfer reported to be in trouble 400 metres of the Redoubt,

When on the scene it was found that the casualties sail and board had parted company.

The ILB transferred the wind surfer and his board back to the beach near to the Redoubt, they then returned to station.

ILB Launch Number 13

The Inshore Lifeboat launched with a crew of three at the request of Dover Coastguard, to assist in the recovery of a body at Beachy Head in the Belle Tout area.

The casualty was recovered and the ILB also transported two members of the Eastbourne Coastguard.

ALB Launch Number 14

The All Weather lifeboat with a crew of six was launched to the report of twenty six foot motor cruiser with power failure.

The casualty was reported four miles south of the Sovereign Centre, with no power they had to call the Costguard using a mobile telephone.

When on the scene, one of the lifeboat crew had to transfer over to raise the anchor.

The motor cruiser was then towed back to Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 13

As the All Weather lifeboat was entering Sovereign Harbour with the eight metre motor cruiser, the Coastguard requested the ALB re launch to assist a sailing boat with engine failure half a mile off the entrance to Sovereign Harbour.

After a tow line was passed the casualty was towed into Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 12

Dover Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat launch to assist an eight metre motor cruiser with broken prop shaft,

The casualty with ten persons on board was a mile and a quarter south of the Eastbourne pier,

When on the scene a tow line was passed and the motor cruiser was towed back to Sovereign Harbour, where the Harbour work boat was waiting in the outer harbour to take over the tow.

ILB Launch Number 12

The ILB launched to the report of a young female in the sea off the Carton hotel, when on the scene the crew found the casualty had been helped ashore by friends.

After checking to see if she needed first aid the ILB stood down and returned to service.

ILB Launch Number 11

The Lifeboat Operations Manager was monitoring a number of incidents on the radio in the area between Eastbourne and Seaford, hearing of another casualty at Cow Gap he offered the services of the Inshore Lifeboat to the Coastguard.

The casualty was reported as an injured person with a suspected fracture of the shoulder.

The ILB crew were paged and launched immediately.

On their arrival at the location it was discovered the casualty was in fact not on the beach but higher up on the cliffs near Cow Gap. An ambulance was in attendance.

Dr Stephen Lytton (Deputy Lifeboat Medical Advisor and crew member) had missed the launch of the ILB so he drove to Cow Gap and assisted the Paramedics with the casualty.

The ILB was then returned to station refueled and made ready for service.

ILB Launch Number 10

Whilst returning from the callout to the two persons in the sea, the ILB was tasked to assist a person in the sea off the end of Eastbourne pier. It was reported that the casualty had fallen off the pier and was in danger of drowning.

The casualty was located on the shore and Dr Lytton again gave first aid and stayed until the ambulance arrived.

ILB Launch Number 9

The Inshore Lifeboat was paged for an immediate launch to assist two persons in the sea off Pevensey Bay.

The ILB launched with a crew of three. When on the scene, they found that the casualties had been assisted back to shore by a wind surfer. Dr Stephen Lytton (Deputy Lifeboat Medical Advisor and crew member) was put ashore to check the casualties for any injuries. One of the casualties was in need of oxygen. Dr Lytton stayed ashore until the ambulance arrived.

Meanwhile the ILB recovered the upturned Kayak that the two persons had been using and towed it to the shore.

ILB Launch Number 8

ALB Launch Number 11

The Eastbourne All Weather Lifeboat was launched on receiving a report of a 50ft Motor Cruiser with an engine room fire close inshore at Langney Point. The initial report was made to the crew of the ALB by the Sovereign Harbour lockkeeper. The crew had been manning the Lifeboat for the Premier Marina Road show and Boat show in Sovereign Harbour. The Lifeboat with a crew of five on board were on scene within seven minutes of launching. The engine room fire on the vessel which had a crew of two had died out but causing extensive smoke damage.   The ALB passed a tow-line and slowly towed the casualty back to Sovereign Harbour. On return to the lock firemen from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service checked that fire was fully extinguished and all was safe. The casualty was then returned to its mooring with the assistance of the Lifeboat.The Lifeboat was again made ready for service

           casualty being towed into Sovereign Harbour                 casualty being towed back to its berth

ALB Launch Number 10

ILB Launch Number 7

A full scale air and sea search rescue operation was launched at 1900 hours on Monday evening with four RNLI Lifeboats, a Coastguard helicopter, a Coastguard fixed wing aircraft and three Coastguard Rescue Units being tasked to search four an overdue RIB (reinforced inflatable boat). Reports were received the vessel had left Rye Harbour at 1400hrs on passage to Sovereign Harbour Eastbourne with three persons on board being overdue at its destination.

Eastbourne’s two lifeboats “The Royal Thames” and the Eastbourne Inshore Lifeboat, along with Hastings Inshore Lifeboat and Rye Lifeboat searched along the Sussex Coast to locate the overdue vessel.

At approximately 1935hrs Eastbourne’s All Weather Lifeboat located the missing craft ashore close to Cooden Beach. With the help of Hastings and Eastbourne’s Inshore Lifeboats the craft was re-floated and towed to Sovereign Harbour by the Eastbourne Lifeboat.

All other search units were stood down by Dover Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre and returned to their respective stations.

By 2045hrs the Eastbourne Lifeboat had returned to Sovereign Harbour with the overdue vessel,  re-fuelled and made ready for service again.

ALB Launch Number 9

The All Weather Lifeboat had just entered the inner harbour and was passing the Waterfront on its way to being lifted out for antifouling, when the pager called for "Launch ALB".

After a quick turn round of the locks, the ALB left the harbour in a easterly direction to assist a nineteen foot commercial fishing boat with engine failure just off Pevensey Bay.

When on the scene a tow line was passed and the vessel was towed back to the beach adjacent to the Allchorn sheds.

The ALB then returned to the lift out bay for its lift out and wash off.

Photo taken by Guy Emery using a camera phone.

ILB Launch Number 6

Dover Coastguard requested the ILB launch to help in the search for a person believed to have fallen over Beachy Head.

The ILB launched with a crew of four. One crew member was put ashore near to the Beachy Head lighthouse and started to search in a westerly direction, meanwhile another crew member was put ashore in the Belle Toute area and he started a search back in an easterly direction, The ILB did a search of the shoreline.

The casualty was found and transported back to the ILB station where the police were waiting.

ALB Launch Number 8

Dover Coastguard received a request for assistance from a small commercial fishing boat with engine failure in Pevensey Bay.

A second small fishing boat had a tow line to the casualty but didn't have enough power to cope with the sea state.

A tow line was passed over and the casualty was towed back to the beach by Eastbourne fishing station.

ALB Launch Number 7

ILB Launch Number 5

At the request of Dover Coastguard, the DLA (Deputy Launching Authority) paged for both lifeboats to launch.

The casualty was a sixteen year old girl who had fallen over Beachy Head in the falling sands area, and had suffered multiple injuries.

The Inshore lifeboat with a crew of four was first on scene along with the Police helicopter. Two members of the ILB crew went ashore and attempted to reach the casualty. After a number of attempts the crew were told to stand down and wait for further instructions.

The All Weather boat with a crew of eight stood by just off shore and assisted with communications between the emergency services involved in the rescue.  The ILB stood by ready for transporting persons from the shore if required.

The Casualty was eventually recovered by a joint effort of the local Coastguard and the Coastguard Helicopter, which transferred her to Eastbourne District General Hospital.

Photo's taken by ILB Crew

                                                            Casualty                                                   Casualty

ALB Launch Number 6

Dover Coastguard received a MAYDAY radio call from a 10 metre sailing boat in trouble in the rough seas off Eastbourne.

The Lifeboat Operations Manager requested an immediate launch of the All Weather Lifeboat to assist.

The crew were paged at 23.52 hrs and launched seventeen minutes later with Mark Robinson, Second Coxswain, at the helm with a crew of six.

As the ALB left Sovereign Harbour, they spotted the casualty drifting towards the rocks at Hollywell.

Radio contact was made and the lifeboat was informed by the skipper of the yacht that there were 3 persons on board and that he had rigging problems, due to the adverse wind and tide they were drifting towards the shore.

Mark Robinson carefully manoeuvred the ALB alongside and passed a tow line which the crew of the yacht made fast.

The casualty, on passage from Ramsgate to Eastbourne, was then towed back to Sovereign Harbour for repairs.

ALB Launch Number 5

The all weather lifeboat had just refueled after it's Sunday morning exercise when Dover Coastguard requested they launch to assist the Newhaven Lifeboat and the Coastguard Helicopter in the search for a man overboard from a Belgian trawler.

The search area was approximately seventeen miles south of Peacehaven.

The casualty was recovered by the Eastbourne ALB and transferred to the Coastguard helicopter for passage to Brighton hospital.

The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station (an approximately 60 mile round trip).

(Picture of Coastguard helicopter crewman being winched down to ALB taken by Guy Emery)

ILB Launch Number 4

Two young men decided to go for a trip to sea in an inflatable. After finding the off shore wind was blowing them out to sea, they used their mobile telephone to alert the Coastguard of their situation.

The inshore lifeboat was launched to assist. The inflatable was a quarter of a mile off Langney Point,

A commercial fishing boat was passing and stopped to assist the ILB. The casualties were transferred to the fishing boat where Andy Chatton Helmsman and crew member checked their well being.

The two boys were then transferred to Sovereign Harbour where the Coastguard and Police were waiting to talk to them.

ALB Launch Number 4

At 08 .20 hours Dover Coastguard alerted the Lifeboat Operations Manager

to request the all weather (The Royal Thames) launch to a 7 metre fishing vessel broken down with gearbox failure 4 miles  east of Sovereign Harbour with one person onboard.

Eight minutes later the lifeboat launched with a crew of six.(Four Crew and two probationary crew members).

Once on scene one crew member was transferred to the casualty to assist with rigging a tow

The casualty was towed back to Sovereign harbour. 

ILB Launch Number 3

The Coastguard cliff rescue team received a report of a person going over the cliff at Beachy Head from the Beachy Head Chaplains. The ILB launched and was guided to the area by the Police helicopter. They went as near as it was possible to land, and the crew members climbed over the rocks to the casualty.

The casualty was then transferred back to the ILB station where the Police were waiting.

ALB Launch Number 3

ILB Launch Number 2

Both boats were launched at the request of Dover Coastguard to search for two persons walking on the rocks at Beachy Head. It was possible that the persons could have been cut off by the rising tide with darkness approaching. A passing fishing boat had reported seeing the two persons.

After a thorough search of the area, it was assumed that they had managed to walk out safely. Both boats were instructed to stand down and return to station.

ALB Launch Number 2

A Charter boat based at Sovereign Harbour contacted Dover Coastguard, reporting they had found a three and a half metre angling boat drifting eight miles south of Sovereign Harbour.

Dover Coastguard requested the All Weather Lifeboat (The Royal Thames) launch to assist.

The charter boat had taken the casualty in tow and met the Royal Thames approximate three and a half miles off the harbour.

The casualty was in a poor state and believed to have been at sea for some time, is believed to have originated from France, the all weather lifeboat then towed it back to Sovereign Harbour.

ALB Launch Number 1

ILB Launch Number 1

At the request of Dover Coastguard both lifeboats launched to the report of a person having fallen over Beachy Head.

Two crew members of the ILB and two crew members of the ALB were transferred to the shore to search.

Whisky Bravo the Coastguard helicopter joined in the search using its night vision cameras and powerfull search light.

The lifeboat crew men searched an area from Belle Toute to the lighthouse and nothing untoward was found, the search was then called off. The crewmen then had to walk along the rocks to the top of Cow Gap steps, where the Coastguard were waiting to transport them back to the lifeboat stations.