The Eastbourne RNLI volunteer crew began the new year with their first Shout at 11:56 PM on Saturday, January 4th, responding to a Mayday call from a fishing vessel in distress 16 miles south of Eastbourne.
The vessel, battling rough seas with 2-3 metre waves and driving rain, reported a man overboard and machinery issues. Solent Coastguard swiftly paged the Eastbourne RNLI crew, who launched their Trent Class All-Weather Lifeboat, Esme Anderson, from Sovereign Harbour.
Despite the challenging weather, the lifeboat crew raced to the scene and were joined by the Solent Coastguard Rescue Helicopter. Upon arrival, they found that the fishing crew had successfully retrieved the person who had fallen overboard and were addressing the machinery problem themselves.
After consulting with Solent Coastguard, the lifeboat and rescue helicopter were stood down, allowing the fishing vessel to continue its journey. The lifeboat crew returned to the station, refuelled the Esme Anderson, and concluded the operation just after 4 AM.
The Eastbourne RNLI expressed their gratitude for the swift action of the fishing vessel’s crew and the collaborative efforts of Solent Coastguard. This incident highlights the importance of skilled response teams and the dedication of RNLI volunteers, who remain ready to assist in all weather conditions.
For more information on supporting the RNLI and their lifesaving missions, visit their official website.
