The pagers went off at 9:45am on March 7 for RNLI Rye Harbour volunteers. HM Coastguard had tasked the team to attend a motor cruiser which had suffered mechanical issues and was already on tow by RNLI Eastbourne.
The latter had been paged at 7:57am because the motor cruiser was on their patch. Pett Level Independent Rescue had also responded to the mayday call and were on the scene first. Having located the casualty vessel they checked the welfare of the those on board. Because of worsening sea conditions, the tidal conditions and the fact that the crew on the motor cruiser were experiencing sea-sickness the Eastbourne coxswain made the decision to take the boat to Rye Harbour. RNLI Rye Harbour then arrived on the scene and took over the tow at the harbour entrance.
RNLI Eastbourne confirmed that the vessel was safely on tow and returned to their station. RNLI Rye Harbour assisted the motor cruiser to safety.
This rescue highlights the excellent collaboration between all three vessels involved: there was a good outcome and casualties at risk were given the support that they needed.
Image Credits: RNLI Eastbourne , RNLI Rye Harbour .