Five Rescued After Small Boat Sinks Off Seaford
This afternoon, Monday 12th August 2024, chaos erupted off Slash Point in Seaford when a small boat carrying five people capsized and sank. HM Coastguard sprang into action after urgent 999 calls just after 2:40pm.
Hero Jet Skier Saves the Day
Luckily, all five were wearing lifejackets. A passing jet skier quickly hauled them from the water and escorted them safely to shore ahead of emergency crews arriving. The swift move was a lifesaver.
Full Emergency Response Mobilised
- Newhaven and Birling Gap Coastguard teams
- Newhaven RNLI lifeboat
- Coastguard helicopter 163 from Lydd
- Sussex Police
- South East Coast Ambulance Service
Once on shore, the survivors were checked over by paramedics and the Coastguard.
Coastguard Urges Lifejacket Use
“HM Coastguard received multiple 999 calls just after 14:40 this afternoon after a small vessel capsized and sunk off Seaford with five people on board,” said a spokesperson. “They were wearing lifejackets and were taken ashore by a passing jet ski before emergency teams arrived. They were then passed into ambulance care.”
This incident highlights the lifesaving power of lifejackets and how quick thinking from bystanders can make all the difference in emergencies.