Date of launch |
Time of launch |
Weather |
Wind |
Sea state at
casualty or search area |
Date returned |
Time refuelled & RFS |
Casualty |
| 16/12/12 |
14:50 |
Rain squalls, poor vis |
SSW
f 5 |
Moderate |
16/12/12 |
16:15 |
Recovery of dog from the water  |
| 40. A dog had been swept off the undercliff
promenade at Peacehaven while being walked by its' owners. Newhaven CG were already in
attendance with Sussex Police and the owners and the dog was believed to be dead. Newhaven
CG had made repeated attempts to recover the dog with throw bags but were unable to reach
it. There was concern that the distraught owners would enter the sea to attempt to recover
their pet so at 14:40 our LOM was paged by Solent CG to request that we launch to recover
the dog's body. The crew were paged at 14:42 and the lifeboat left the side at 14:50
arriving on scene at 15:05 to find the dog about 40 feet from the shore. With shallow
water and a rapidly falling tide the lifeboat was not able to get alongside the dog so a
crew member in a dry suit attached with a safety line entered the water to recover the
body. The crew member and dog were pulled back to the lifeboat and recovered. We left the
scene at 15:34 and arrived back on our berth at 15:55 where the owners were re-united with
their dog. |
| 07/11/12 |
14:32 |
Fair, good vis |
WSW
f 5 |
Moderate |
07/11/12 |
15:45 |
Search for missing person |
| 39. Following
a report from Sussex Police that an elderly man was missing after having left a suicide
note Police and Coastguard units were carrying out a search along the cliffs and
undercliff walk near Telscombe Tye. At 14:26 Solent CG paged our LOM to request that we
assist in the search. The crew were paged at 14:27 and the lifeboat left the side at
14:32. We were tasked to search the shoreline from Friars Bay to the Portobello outfall
and the Y boat was launched at Friars Bay with 2 PoB to carry out a search close inshore.
We were then requested by Newhaven CG to make for the western end of the search area due
to the incoming tide. We arrived at that area at 14:50 and soon spotted an object at the
base of the cliffs but as we were guiding CG units towards the position Police Helo H900
spotted a body on the shoreline just west of our position. They quickly conned CG units to
the location and in view of the incoming tide we were asked by Newhaven CG to stand by
until the shore parties were safely clear of the beach with the body. We then recovered
the Y boat and returned to Newhaven and the lifeboat was back on our berth at 15:35. |
| 06/11/12 |
17:10 |
Fair, good vis |
WNW
f 4 |
Moderate |
06/11/12 |
20:37 |
Sailing vessel with engine failure and damaged sails |
| 38. Our
LOM was paged by Solent CG at 16:57 to request that we launch to assist an 84ft Dutch
sailing vessel 7NM SSE of Newhaven which had suffered damage to it's sails and had water
contamination in the diesel tanks. The vessel was on passage to the Caribbean with 8 PoB.
The crew were paged at 17:02 and the lifeboat launched at 17:10 arriving on scene with the
casualty at 17:37. The vessel was still making way in the wind despite having no
propulsion so we had them turn their helm to bring it into the wind. Our tow was passed
but it took some time for the casualty's crew to make it fast. At 18:00 we started a tow
towards Newhaven at about 5 knots. We shortened up the tow outside the harbour and we
entered Newhaven at 19:50. Opposite the marina we brought the vessel alongside the
lifeboat and manoeuvred it onto a berth on the east quay into the care of Newhaven CG.
This took a long time as the casualty weighed 80 tons. We left the casualty at 20:25 and
were back on our berth at 20:28. |
| 30/10/12 |
15:14 |
Fair, good vis |
WSW
f 3 |
Slight |
30/10/12 |
16:05 |
Dory with machinery failure |
| 37. Solent
CG paged our LOM at 15:07 to request that we launch to assist a 16ft dory with 3 PoB which
had suffered engine failure approximately 1NM SSE of Newhaven. The crew were paged at
15:10 and the lifeboat left the side at 15:14 and headed towards the reported position. As
we left the harbour we could see a dory under way but nothing stopped in the area. We
approached the moving dory at 15:25 and confirmed it was the casualty. They had an
intermittent electrical fault which had earlier prevented the engine from starting and had
informed Solent CG that they were underway but due to problems with the local transmitter
the message could not be passed to us. We escorted the vessel back to harbour and left it
at 15:48 as it passed our berth back up the river. |
| 19/10/12 |
|
|
|
|
19/10/12 |
|
Fishing vessel with machinery failure |
| 36. *****
Full details to follow ***** |
| 06/10/12 |
10:58 |
Fair, good vis |
NNE
f 3 |
Calm |
06/10/12 |
11:40 |
Unconfirmed object spotted thought to be a mine |
| 35. Our
LOM was paged by Solent CG at 10:47 to request that we launch to investigate an object
which had been spotted by Newhaven NCI the nature of which was unconfirmed but was
believed could be a mine. The crew were paged at 10:55 and the lifeboat launched at 10:58
and proceeded to the reported position approximately 1.8NM SE of Newhaven. As we passed
the wave-rider buoy in Seaford Bay at 11:14 it was confirmed by Newhaven CG who had joined
Newhaven NCI in the lookout that was the object which had been sighted. We went alongside
the buoy to confirm it was in the charted position and Solent CG requested that we carry
out a search of the surrounding area to ensure there was nothing else there. Nothing
further was found and we were stood down at 11:29 and returned to station arriving back on
our berth at 11:29. |
| 21/09/12 |
14:51 |
Cloudy, fair vis |
WSW
light airs |
Smooth |
21/09/12 |
15:50 |
Fishing vessel with machinery failure |
| 34. Solent
CG paged our LOM at 14:46 to request that the lifeboat launch to assist a 15ft dory with 2
PoB which had broken down approximately 0.5NM south of Seaford Head. The crew were paged
at 14:49 and the lifeboat left the side at 14:51 arriving on scene at 15:05. A tow line
was passed and at 15:08 the tow to Newhaven was started. The vessel was berthed in the
marina into the care of Newhaven CG and the lifeboat was back on our berth at 15:35. |
| 14/09/12 |
16:35 |
Fair, good vis |
W
f 4 |
Calm |
14/09/12 |
20:30 |
Motor vehicle in river |
| 33. Our
LOM was contacted by Solent CG to request that the lifeboat launch to deploy the Y boat
into the Cuckmere river to assist Birling Gap CG, East Sussex Fire & Rescue and
recovery teams to salvage a car which had entered the river several hours earlier with the
occupant escaping without injury. On scene south of the Cuckmere the Y boat was launched
with 3 PoB and made its way through heavy surf onto the shingle beach. At low tide the Y
boat was dragged for several hundred metres through shallow water and shingle banks before
the main river was reached. Arriving at Exceat bridge at 17:45 the vehicle was spotted
with just the roof above water. The Y boat picked up one of the recovery team with tools
and after considerable effort a tow harness was secured to the vehicle. It was dragged to
the river bank where the Y boat crew helped attach additional lifting strops before the
vehicle was craned out onto a low loader. The Y boat left the scene at 19:10 and made its
way down river and then back out to the ALB where it was recovered and the lifeboat
returned to station at 19:54 and was back on our berth at 20:10. |
| 13/09/12 |
17:13 |
Fair, good vis |
WSW
f 5 |
Moderate |
13/09/12 |
18:30 |
Speedboat with engine failure |
| 32. Solent
CG paged our LOM at 17:06 to request that we launch to assist a 16ft speedboat with 3 PoB
which had suffered engine failure and gone aground at the eastern end of Seaford Head at
Hope Gap. The crew were paged at 17:08 and the lifeboat launched at 17:13 arriving on
scene with the casualty at 17:29. As the lifeboat approached one person could be seen in
the water holding the vessel off a rock ledge so the casualties were asked to paddle
towards the lifeboat as a line was thrown to them. When the vessel had been towed into
deeper water it was brought up alongside and the 3 persons were transferred onto the
lifeboat and a crew member out aboard the speedboat. The vessel was towed to Newhaven
where it was handed into the care of Newhaven CG at 18:20. The lifeboat was back on our
berth at 18:25. |
| 02/09/12 |
10:00 |
Overcast, poor vis |
SW
f 5 |
Moderate |
02/09/12 |
13:10 |
Motor-sailer with machinery failure |
| 31. While
on a navigation exercise to Eastbourne we were contacted at 11:08 by Solent CG to request
that we assist a 20ft motor-sailer with 1 PoB which had broken down while on passage from
Eastbourne to Brighton and was approximately 3 cables off the shore at Cuckmere. There was
a flood tide and onshore wind and the occupant was unable to anchor the vessel. We headed
for the position given at full speed and arrived on scene at 11:32 to find the casualty
had managed to sail further offshore using a small mizzen sail. Having established all was
well on board apart from the engine failure our tow line was passed and we towed the
vessel towards Newhaven. Inside the harbour the casualty was brought up alongside the
lifeboat before being placed alongside the fuel berth into the care of Newhaven CG at
12:47. |
| 01/09/12 |
13:25 |
Clear sky, good vis |
WSW
f 4 |
Slight |
01/09/12 |
14:40 |
Motor boat with machinery failure |
| 30. Solent
CG paged our DLA at 13:17 to request that we launch to assist a 20ft motor boat with 1 PoB
which had broken down approximately 3NM west of Newhaven while on passage to Shoreham. The
crew were paged at 13:21 and the lifeboat left the side at 13:25 arriving on scene with
the casualty at 13:40. The vessel was found to be at anchor from the starboard quarter and
the lifeboat was brought alongside down tide and a crew member put aboard to assist with
recovery of the anchor and securing the tow. Our tow line was passed at 13:50 and the
vessel was towed towards Newhaven. As we approached the harbour arrangements were made to
pass the tow over to Peter Leonard’s workboat. When we were alongside the marina the
tow was passed over at 14:15 and the lifeboat was back on our berth at 14:25. |
| 26/08/12 |
17:43 |
Overcast, good vis |
WSW
f 6 |
Moderate |
26/08/12 |
19:05 |
Persons possibly cut off by the tide under cliffs |
| 29. Solent CG paged our LOM at 17:34 to
request that we launch to check under the Seven Sisters for persons cut off by the tide. 3
people had been seen by a member of Birling Gap CG in a position where they would be cut
off and they had not been seen to leave the area. The crew were paged at 17:36 and the
lifeboat left the side at 17:43 arriving on scene at 18:01. The lifeboat carried out a
shoreline search from Cuckmere Haven east to Birling Gap and as nothing was found we then
returned searching from east to west. There was still no sign of anyone cut off when we
returned to Cuckmere Haven so at 18:22 we were stood down and returned to station. The
lifeboat was back alongside at 18:53. |
| 23/08/12 |
01:20 |
Clear sky, good vis |
NW
f 1 |
Smooth |
23/08/12 |
03:50 |
Boy reported missing |
| 28. Our LOM was paged by Solent CG at 01:08
to request that we help to search for a 16 year old autistic boy who had been reported
missing and his bike had been found by the marina slipway. The crew were paged at 01:13
and the lifeboat left the side at 01:20. The Y boat was immediately launched with 2 PoB to
search between pontoons and boats in the marina near to where the bike was found. The ALB
searched the main channels of the marina using searchlights and night sights. Newhaven CG
units ashore joined police in carrying out searches of pontoons and boats. After a
comprehensive search of the whole marina the search was extended with the ALB searching
both sides of the river from the swing bridge to the outer harbour including both sides of
the east pier. The Y boat searched all around Denton Island and the main river as far as
the swinging berth. At 03:25 with nothing found all units were stood down and the Y boat
was recovered. The lifeboat was back on our berth at 03:40. We are pleased to report that
the missing boy turned up at home safe and well in the morning. |
| 15/08/12 |
20:00 |
Clear sky, good vis |
SW
f 4-5 |
Slight
to moderate |
16/08/12 |
00:15 |
Person fallen from cliff |
| 27. Having been stood down from the previous
incident we were tasked at 21:25 to a person reported by Eastbourne CG cliff team to have
gone over the cliff 1 cable east of Beachy Head. We arrived on scene at 21:40 as the CG
cliff team were lowering a man over the top. The lifeboat was taken very close to the
cliff base and we searched the area with searchlights. Police helo H900 arrived back on
scene having re-fuelled at Shoreham Airport and started to search the area with
searchlights and infra-red camera. Before long they located a target that was moving among
some rocks at the base of the cliffs very close to the water's edge. Our Y boat was
launched again with 2 PoB and full medical equipment for the possibility of recovering a
severely injured person. Once ashore 1 crew member made a search of the rocks while the
other tried to hold the Y boat in the surf. Unable to find the casualty the Y boat crew
asked H900 to pinpoint the position and when they did so a 14 year old boy was discovered
hiding in a rock crevice. He was uninjured and uncommunicative but it was quickly
established he was not the male who had fallen from the clifftop. It was soon confirmed
that this person was known to the Eastbourne CG team as they had been tasked to him before
on a number of occasions. Despite repeated attempts over a period of approximately 1.5
hours to coax him from the crevice he remained uncommunicative and would not move. The Y
boat crew remained with him until high water had passed and after several discussions with
Dover CG it was decided nothing further could be done. After one last attempt to get the
boy to leave with them the Y boat crew left him at 23:15 and returned to the ALB when the
Y boat was recovered. The lifeboat was back alongside at midnight. |
| 15/08/12 |
20:00 |
Clear sky, good vis |
SW
f 4-5 |
Slight
to moderate |
15/08/12 |
N/A |
Report of person cut off by tide climbing cliff |
| 26. Solent CG had taken a 999 call from a
foreign woman stating that she was cut off by the tide at the Seven Sisters Country Park
and attempting to climb the cliff. The crew were at the boathouse conducting a search
exercise when the LOM was paged at 19:55 to request that we launch to assist with locating
the casualty. The lifeboat left the side at 20:00 and we were requested to carry out a
shoreline search from Cuckmere Haven to Beachy Head. On scene at 20:09 our Y boat was
launched with 2 PoB to search close inshore while the ALB ran along the coast with crew
searching the cliff and shoreline. Police helo H900 was also on scene and carried out a
search of the area both visually and using infra-red camera. The clifftop was searched by
CG units from Eastbourne and Birling Gap. We carried out our search continuing to the east
of Beachy Head but nothing was found by any of the search units and despite repeated
attempts Solent CG had been unable to contact the woman again so at 21:10 the search was
called off. We returned towards Newhaven and recovered our Y boat which was off Cuckmere
Haven when at 21:25 we were re-tasked as above. |
| 12/08/12 |
08:53 |
Clear sky, good vis |
ESE
f 3 |
Slight |
12/08/12 |
09:40 |
Report of unmanned vessel |
| 25. Our LOM was paged at 08:40 by Solent CG
to request that we investigate a vessel under observation by Birling Gap CG approximately
2NM south of their position and they were unable to determine if anyone was on board. The
crew were paged at 08:46 and the lifeboat left the side at 08:53 arriving on scene at
09:14. The vessel was an empty, partially inflated liferaft and it was taken on board the
lifeboat and details passed to Solent and Birling Gap CGs. We returned to station at 09:15
and the lifeboat was back on our berth at 09:35. |
| 09/08/12 |
16:55 |
Dense fog |
Light
airs |
Calm |
09/08/12 |
19:05 |
Jet ski broken down in dense fog  |
| 24. Solent CG paged our LOM at 16:45 to
request that we launch to assist a jet ski with 2 PoB which had broken down at Birling
Gap. The occupants had entered the water and swum to the beach towing the jet ski. Birling
Gap CG, who were in attendance, were concerned that even if they got the engine started
they would have difficulty getting back to Seaford beach in almost zero visibility. The
crew were paged at 16:46 and the lifeboat launched at 16:55 at reduced speed because of
the dense fog. On scene at 17:31 we called Birling Gap CG for a direction finding bearing
as it was impossible to see the casualty from 1 cable off. The Y boat was launched with 2
PoB to go into the beach where one of the casualties was found to be extremely cold and
close to hypothermia. The Y boat collected both occupants and towed the jet ski to the ALB
where the casualties were taken aboard and wrapped in blankets. One crew member went
aboard the jet ski and the Y boat followed as the ALB towed the jet ski to Seaford beach.
On arrival the Y boat took the 2 casualties back on board and transferred them and the jet
ski into the care of Newhaven CG on the beach. The lifeboat was back on our berth at
18:38. |
| 29/07/12 |
14:00 |
Clear sky, good vis |
SW
f 6 |
Moderate
- 1.5m swell |
29/07/12 |
16:10 |
Speedboat driven ashore on beach |
| 23. Our LOM was paged by Solent CG at 13:53
to request that we launch to see if we could assist a 21ft speedboat with 5 PoB which had
suffered engine failure and been driven ashore on the west beach approximately 50m west of
Newhaven breakwater. Newhaven CG were already on scene and reported that the 5 occupants
were on the water's edge trying to save their vessel. The crew were paged at 13:53 and the
lifeboat left the side at 14:00 arriving on scene at 14:09. The vessel was awash and as it
was stern to the sea waves were continuously breaking over the transom. Low water was at
14:27 so we stood by to see if the tide would fall sufficiently to enable the vessel to be
baled out as if we had towed it off whilst awash it would have sunk but even when the tide
was at its lowest waves were still breaking over the stern. The owner had access to a Land
Rover with a winch and we suggested if the vessel could be pulled clear of the waves and
baled then turned head to sea we would be able to tow it off. When that had been done we
went close into the beach bow first and threw a heaving line ashore to Newhaven CG who
pulled our towline across and attached it to the vessel. At 15:11 we then towed it off the
beach and into deeper water from our bow before transferring the tow aft and taking the
vessel into Newhaven. It was handed into the care of Newhaven CG in the marina at 15:38.
The lifeboat was back on our berth at 15:42. |
| 22/07/12 |
14:10 |
Clear sky, good vis |
SSE
f2 |
Slight |
22/07/12 |
16:00 |
Power boat with engine failure |
| 22. Solent CG paged our LOM at 13:59 to
request that we launch to assist a 20ft power boat with 2 PoB which had suffered engine
failure 4NM south of Belle Toute lighthouse approximately 6NM ESE of Newhaven. The crew
were paged at 14:03 and the lifeboat left the side at 14:10 arriving on scene at 14:35.
Having established that all was well on board apart from the engine failure our towline
was passed and we started a tow towards Newhaven. We entered the harbour at 15:20 and the
casualty was brought up alongside the lifeboat and then taken to the end of the marina
slipway where it was handed into the care of Newhaven CG at 15:32. The lifeboat was back
on our berth at 15:36. |
| 23/06/12 |
12:00 |
Clear sky, good vis |
WSW
f 5 |
Moderate
- 2.5m swell |
23/06/12 |
14:00 |
Report of 2 persons cut off by tide under cliffs |
| 21. While the LOM and members of the crew
were at the station taking part in a Storm Force Day for young lifeboat supporters,
information was received from Solent CG that a member of the public had reported 2 persons
cut off by the tide under Seaford Head. The lifeboat launched at 12:00 and the Y boat was
made ready for launching as we left harbour. The wind had been gale force for the previous
day and a large swell was running so there was doubt that we would be able to deploy the Y
boat. Arriving on scene at 12:12 the 2 persons were spotted on an isolated area of beach
and there was a heavy dumping surf. It was 2 hours before high water and although there
was still 2m for the tide to rise there was a fairly large area of beach exposed. It was
deemed not viable to effect a rescue by Y boat so Newhaven CG who had already been sent
started to set up rescue gear for a cliff evacuation and CG Rescue Helo 104 was tasked. We
stood by and tried to pass information to the casualties by loud hailer until the helo
arrived on scene at 12:44. We then stood by further off the shore as the 2 persons were
winched up by Helo 104 and landed on the golf course at the top of the cliffs when we were
released to return to station. The lifeboat was back on our berth at 13:21. |
| 20/06/12 |
|
|
|
|
20/06/12 |
|
Cabin cruiser going ashore |
| 20. ***** Full details to follow ***** |
| 03/06/12 |
11:25 |
Cloudy, good vis |
WSW
f 5 |
Moderate |
03/06/12 |
13:30 |
Report of 2 persons overdue in kayak |
| 19. While we were conducting an exercise with
Newhaven NCI the lifeboat was tasked to search for 2 persons reported overdue from a
fishing trip. They had set off from Seaford beach in an inflatable kayak and had advised a
friend ashore that he should contact the emergency authorities if he had not heard from
them again after an hour which he had not by 11:25. The lifeboat proceeded to the Seaford
Head area where Seaford Lifeguards IRB had already been deployed. We arrived on scene at
11:33 and the casualties were spotted on an isolated beach under the cliff. As we stood by
the Lifeguards IRB went ashore and quickly recovered the 2 persons. They were transferred
to the lifeboat as it was considered too rough to land them back on the beach where they
had set off. The lifeboat escorted the IRB back to it's launch position and when they were
safely ashore proceeded back to Newhaven where the casualties were landed at our berth
into the care of Newhaven CG. The lifeboat returned to sea to resume our exercise and was
back alongside at 13:22. |
| 22/05/12 |
15:30 |
Clear sky, good vis |
N
f 2-3 |
Smooth |
22/05/12 |
16:40 |
Dory with engine failure |
| 18. Solent CG paged our LOM at 15:23 to
request that we launch to assist a 17ft dory with 1 PoB which had suffered failure of both
the main and auxiliary outboard engines. The vessel had broken down near the swing bridge
and the occupant had managed to secure a line to the bridge timberwork. The crew were
paged at 15:27 and the lifeboat left the side at 15:30. The Y boat was launched at 15:37
with 2 crew aboard and they arrived on scene with the casualty vessel at 15:40. The vessel
was taken under tow up the river towards their mooring on Denton Island but our retired
coxswain, who has a boatyard there, informed us there would be insufficient water to reach
the berth. The casualty was therefore towed down to the lifeboat station and put alongside
ahead of our berth into the care of Newhaven CG at 16:15. The Y boat was recovered and the
lifeboat was back alongside our berth at 16:20. |
| 18/05/12 |
18:32 |
Rain, poor vis |
SSW
f 5 |
Slight |
18/05/12 |
19:28 |
Motorboat with engine failure |
| 17. Our LOM was paged by Solent CG at 18:23
to request that we launch to assist a 16ft motorboat with 1 PoB which had reported they
were broken down just at the entrance to Newhaven harbour. The crew were paged at 18:26
and the lifeboat left the side at 18:32. There was no sign of the vessel at the harbour
entrance and it was spotted further to the west. The lifeboat was on scene with the
casualty 1.25NM west of Newhaven at 18:49 and having established all was well on board
apart from the engine failure our line was passed and a tow towards Newhaven commenced at
18:54. Inside the harbour the vessel was brought alongside the lifeboat before being
placed on a mooring in the marina into the care of Newhaven CG at 19:25. The lifeboat was
back on our berth at 19:28. |
| 12/05/12 |
15:18 |
Clear sky, good vis |
N
f 2-3 |
Smooth |
12/05/12 |
16:35 |
Speedboat with engine failure |
| 16. Solent CG paged our LOM at 15:09 to
request that we launch to assist a 5m speedboat with 7 persons and 2 dogs on board which
had suffered engine failure approximately 3 cables south of Seaford Head. The crew were
paged at 15:12 and the lifeboat left the side at 15:18 arriving on scene at 15:30. The
vessel was brought alongside and all the occupants were taken aboard the lifeboat as our
towline was secured. The vessel was towed to Newhaven where the persons and dogs were put
back aboard before the casualty was handed into the care of Newhaven CG at 16:15. The
lifeboat was back alongside at 16:20. |
| 07/05/12 |
21:17 |
Showers, good vis |
S
f 4 |
Calm |
07/05/12 |
22:00 |
Person reported to have jumped into the harbour |
| 15. Our LOM was paged by Solent CG at 21:07
to request that we launch as a 999 call had been received stating that a distressed male
had jumped into the water near the swing bridge. The crew were paged at 21:09 and as the
lifeboat left the side at 21:17 Newhaven CG reported that the person had been sighted on
the north side of the bridge. We immediately deployed the Y boat with 2 crew aboard and as
they approached the bridge the person jumped into the water. He was quickly recovered into
the Y boat despite his large size and he was given reassurance as he was taken straight to
the lifeboat station where he was handed into the care of SE Coast Ambulance and Sussex
Police. The ALB left the side again at 21:45 to recover the Y boat and was alongside again
at 22:00. |
| 07/05/12 |
15:10 |
Clear sky, good vis |
S
f 4 |
Slight |
07/05/12 |
15:55 |
Report of fishing vessel possibly in difficulties |
| 14. Solent CG paged our LOM at 15:00 to
advise that a member of the public on the cliff top at Peacehaven had reported seeing a
small fishing vessel close inshore which may be having problems starting the engine. The
crew were paged at 15:03 and the lifeboat left the side at 15:10. Whilst en route Newhaven
CG mobile who had also been tasked reported that the vessel had managed to start the
engine and made off at speed in a south-westerly direction. Solent CG requested that we
intercept the vessel and check all was well on board. The lifeboat came alongside the
vessel at 15:22 when the engine stopped again. It was confirmed that all was well on board
and that he was stopping the engine while tending his gear. The lifeboat was stood down at
15:25 and was back alongside our berth at 15:40. |
| 06/05/12 |
13:02 |
Overcast, good vis |
NNE
f 3 |
Smooth |
06/05/12 |
14:50 |
Jet boat with engine failure |
| 13. While the crew were still at the
boathouse after a Sunday morning exercise the Coxswain heard a call for assistance on the
VHF radio at 12:58 from a 24ft jet powered boat with 3 PoB which had suffered engine
failure approximately 0.5NM south of the entrance to the Cuckmere river. Solent CG and our
LOM were informed and the lifeboat left the side at 13:02. On scene at 13:17 the vessel
was found to be at anchor. The anchor was recovered and our towline was passed but as the
vessel, being jet powered, had no steering a crew member was put aboard to deploy our
casualty drogue. We commenced a tow towards Newhaven at 13:29 and the vessel was placed
alongside the marina Visitors berth into the care of Newhaven CG at 14:24. The lifeboat
was back alongside at 14:30. |
| 30/04/12 |
18:58 |
Rain, good vis |
ENE
f 6 |
Slight
to moderate |
30/04/12 |
20:55 |
Trawler yacht with overheated engine |
| 12. Solent CG paged our LOM at 18:50 to
request that we launch to assist a 41ft trawler yacht with 4 PoB which had an overheated
engine and was disabled approximately 1NM off Peacehaven. The crew were paged at 18:52 and
the lifeboat launched at 18:58 arriving on scene with the vessel, which had gone to anchor
some 4NM west of Newhaven, at 19:12. We checked that all was well on board apart from the
engine failure and 1 crew member was put aboard to assist with the anchor recovery and
attaching our towline. A tow towards Newhaven was established at 19:40. Once inside the
harbour the vessel was brought alongside the lifeboat and placed on the fuel berth into
the care of Newhaven CG at 20:37 and we were back on our berth at 20:40. |
| 29/04/12 |
15:38 |
Overcast, good vis |
SE
f 5 |
Slight |
29/04/12 |
16:00 |
Report of person in the water |
| 11. Our LOM was paged by Solent CG at 15:32
to request that we launch to recover a person reported to be in trouble in confused seas
inside Newhaven breakwater. Newhaven CG who were also tasked had sight of the object which
was believed could be a person or lifejacket. The crew were paged at 15:33 and the
lifeboat left the side at 15:38 arriving on scene at 15:41 where we were conned on to the
object by Newhaven CG. From alongside it was obvious that the object was a child's toy car
which was recovered. Another object spotted turned out to be an empty fish box but due to
insufficient depth of water it was not recovered. Having established that there was no
person in trouble the lifeboat was stood down at 15:47 and we were back on our berth at
15:56. |
| 15/04/12 |
15:35 |
Overcast, good vis |
N
f 3 |
Slight |
15/04/12 |
17:05 |
Cabin cruiser with engine fire |
| 10. Solent CG paged our LOM at 15:26 to
request that we launch to assist an 18ft cabin cruiser with 2 PoB approximately 1NM ESE of
Newhaven which had suffered a fire in the outboard engine. The crew were paged at 15:28
and the lifeboat launched at 15:35 arriving on scene at 15:45. Once alongside it was found
that the fire had gone out and the 2 occupants were unharmed so they were taken aboard the
lifeboat. Our towline was attached and we started to tow the vessel towards Newhaven at
15:55. Whilst under tow we found that the vessel had come from Denton Island so it was
decided to again launch the Y boat to continue the tow under the swing bridge. The Y boat
was launched just south of the bridge with 3 PoB and the occupants were put back aboard
their vessel and the Y boat took over the tow to the slipway where their trailer was
waiting. The casualty was handed into the care of Newhaven CG at 16:45. The Y boat was
recovered south of the bridge and the lifeboat was back on our berth at 16:55. |
| 14/04/12 |
16:14 |
Clear sky, good vis |
NE
f 4 |
Slight |
14/04/12 |
18:00 |
Vessel taking on water |
| 9. Our LOM was paged at 16:03 to request that
we launch to assist a 20ft cabin cruiser with 2 PoB which was taking on water
approximately 3.5NM west of Newhaven. The crew were paged at 16:06 and the lifeboat left
the side at 16:14 arriving on scene with the casualty at 16:25. One of our crew was put
aboard the vessel and the 2 occupants were taken aboard the lifeboat. It was quickly
established that the ingress of water had slowed if not stopped so a tow was established
towards Newhaven at 16:35 during which time our crew member aboard cleared some of the
water by baling. With the prevailing wind and tide conditions it was decided that it would
be difficult to get the casualty into the marina slipway alongside the lifeboat so off the
marina entrance the Y boat was launched with 2 PoB to take over the tow. The 2 persons
were taken back aboard their vessel which was taken alongside the Y boat and manoeuvred
onto the slipway where it was handed into the care of Newhaven CG at 17:44. The Y boat was
recovered and the lifeboat was back on our berth at 17:50. |
| 08/04/12 |
14:30 |
Overcast, good vis |
WSW
f 4 |
Slight |
08/04/12 |
15:50 |
Kayaker requiring assistance |
| 8. A party of 3 persons in kayaks left
Cuckmere Haven heading towards Seaford but at approximately 14:10 one capsized and the
occupant was unable to get back into his kayak. He was able to make it to the shore but he
was cut off by the tide so the other 2 in the party headed back to the Cuckmere to raise
the alarm. Solent CG paged our LOM at 14:19 to request that we launch to assist. The crew
were paged at 14:22 and the lifeboat left the side at 14:30. The reported position was
0.5NM west of the Coastguard cottages at Cuckmere. Arriving on scene at 14:43 we spotted
the kayak 2 cables west of Hope Point and the casualty was then seen on rocks at the base
of the cliff approximately 1 cable further to the west. The Y boat was launched with 2 PoB
at 14:50 and the casualty was recovered from the shore. He was found to be extremely cold
and as soon as he was in the Y boat he was placed in a survival bag and fitted with a
neoprene balaclava. He was taken aboard the ALB where he was placed in the wheelhouse and
further wrapped in blankets and found to be ok apart from very cold. The kayak was
recovered by the Y boat and taken aboard the ALB before the Y boat was also recovered. At
the request of Newhaven CG ashore with the first informants we then proceeded to the
Martello Tower at Seaford to land the casualty there. A line was first thrown to Newhaven
CG on the beach so that they could pull the kayak ashore and the Y boat was then
re-launched and the casualty taken to the beach and landed into the care of the CG team at
15:19. The Y boat was recovered and we returned to station arriving back alongside at
15:38. |
| 28/03/12 |
17:35 |
Clear sky, fair vis |
WSW
f 1 |
Calm |
28/03/12 |
19:10 |
Motor vessel with machinery failure |
| 7. An 8m motor vessel with 1 PoB had suffered
possible gearbox failure and the occupant had contacted Solent CG by mobile phone to
request assistance. Solent CG broadcast a VHF radio message requesting any vessels near
the entrance to Newhaven harbour to assist as the casualty believed he was within 1NM of
the breakwater. A local fishing vessel offered to provide a tow but was unable to locate
the casualty in the reported position. Owing to the uncertainty of the position of the
casualty vessel and with a haze developing Solent CG paged our LOM at 17:30 to request
that we launch to assist. The crew were paged at 17:32 and the lifeboat left the side at
17:35. The dredger "Thames" spotted the vessel approximately 3NM SW of Newhaven
and reported the position and offered to standby until we arrived at 18:00. Our towline
was passed and the vessel was towed to Newhaven where it was brought alongside the
lifeboat before being returned to it's berth in the marina into the care of Newhaven CG at
18:55. Regrettably
as we passed through the narrowest point of the harbour on our way to assist the casualty
one of a group of youths threw a rock at the lifeboat hitting the wheelhouse and narrowly
missing crew members readying ropes on deck. The youths were filmed on the boat's video
and the incident was reported to the port authority. They contacted the police and also
filmed the group and sent a supervisor who questioned the youths until Sussex Police
arrived. The offending youth from Peacehaven was issued a police caution. |
| 25/03/12 |
09:40 |
Clear sky, good vis |
NNE
f 4 |
Slight |
25/03/12 |
11:30 |
Fishing vessel with fouled rudder |
| 6. Whilst the crew were preparing to go out
on exercise our LOM was paged by Solent CG at 09:37 to request that we launch to assist an
8m fishing vessel with 1 PoB which had suffered steering failure approximately 5NM SW of
Newhaven. The lifeboat left the side at 09:40 and arrived on scene with the casualty at
10:00 to discover the vessel had a rope around the rudder. Having checked all was
otherwise well on board our towline was passed and a tow towards Newhaven started at
10:05. Our arrival at the harbour coincided with the departure of the cross-channel ferry
so we stood off until it had cleared the entrance. Inside the harbour another local
fishing vessel took over the tow of the casualty at 11:20 to return it to it's berth. The
lifeboat then proceeded back to sea to resume our planned exercise. |
| 27/02/12 |
12:20 |
Fog, poor vis |
WSW
f 3 - 4 |
Slight |
27/02/12 |
14:30 |
Recovery of body fallen from cliffs |
| 5. Our LOM was paged by Solent CG at 12:08 to
request that we launch to recover a female believed to be deceased from the foot of cliffs
at Belle Toute. The crew were paged at 12:10 and the lifeboat left the side at 12:15. We
proceeded at speed and the Y boat and medical equipment were readied en route. Birling Gap
CG were on the cliff top keeping the casualty under observation. On scene at 12:40 the Y
boat was launched with 3 PoB and full medical equipment in case the casualty was alive. As
the visibility closed in the Y boat was talked in to the location by Birling Gap CG. The Y
boat crew were on the beach with the casualty at 12:45 and could find no signs of life.
The casualty was taken aboard the Y boat for transfer to Birling Gap and one crew member
and the medical equipment were left on the beach. The casualty was handed into the care of
the Coroner and HMCG at Birling Gap CG at 13:08. The Y boat then returned to collect the
remaining crew member and equipment before being recovered aboard the ALB. We departed the
scene at 13:34 and the lifeboat was back on our berth at 14:00. |
| 18/02/12 |
02:44 |
Clear sky, good vis |
NW
f 1 |
Glassy
calm |
18/02/12 |
03:10 |
Person threatening to jump from swing bridge |
| 4. Solent CG paged our LOM at 02:35 to
request that we launch to stand by to recover a person threatening to jump from the swing
bridge. The crew were paged at 02:36 and the lifeboat left the side at 02:44. As the
lifeboat proceeded up river the Y boat was being readied but before we arrived on scene
the police reported that the person had been detained and was in custody. The lifeboat was
stood down at 02:51. |
| 15/02/12 |
16:25 |
Cloudy, good vis |
NNW
f 4 |
Slight |
15/02/12 |
17:30 |
Speedboat with machinery failure |
| 3. Our LOM was paged by Solent CG at 16:16 to
request that we launch to assist a 3m speedboat with 3 PoB which had suffered engine
failure 1NM south of Seaford Head. The crew were paged at 16:20 and the lifeboat launched
at 16:25 arriving on scene with the casualty at 16:39. Once alongside the vessel our
towline was secured and the 2 adults and 1 child were taken aboard the lifeboat before the
tow to Newhaven commenced at 16:43. Inside the harbour the vessel was brought up alongside
the lifeboat before being placed on the visitors' berth in the marina into the care of
Newhaven CG at 17:25. |
| 31/01/12 |
13:53 |
Overcast, fair vis |
NE
f 2 |
Smooth |
31/01/12 |
15:19 |
Angling boat with machinery failure |
| 2. At 13:40 Solent CG paged our LOM to
request that we launch to assist a 6m angling vessel with 3 PoB which had suffered engine
failure approximately 2NM south of Seaford Head. The crew were paged at 13:45 and the
lifeboat left the side at 13:53 arriving in scene with the casualty at 14:09. Having
checked the 3 persons were ok we requested that they raise their anchor and our towline
was passed. A tow towards Newhaven started at 14:15. Inside the harbour the vessel was
brought up alongside the lifeboat before being manoeuvred onto her berth at 14:57. The
lifeboat was back on our berth at 15:03. |
| 29/01/12 |
12:45 |
Clear sky, good vis |
N
f 3 |
Smooth |
29/01/12 |
13:45 |
RIB with machinery failure |
| 1. While the crew were still at the
boathouse following our usual Sunday morning exercise our LOM was paged by Solent CG at
12:38 to request that we launch to assist a 5.5m RIB with 2 PoB which had suffered engine
failure approximately 2NM south west of Newhaven. The lifeboat left the side at 12:45 and
was on scene with the casualty at 12:56. Having checked the casualties were alright our
towline was passed and a tow was started towards Newhaven at 1300. Inside the harbour the
vessel was brought up alongside the lifeboat before being placed on the visitors' berth in
the marina into the care of Newhaven CG at 13:34. The lifeboat was back on our berth at
13:45. |
