Two Years On: Remembering Joanna C Tragedy off Sussex Coast
Today marks the solemn second anniversary of the Joanna C fishing boat disaster near Newhaven, Sussex, where two fishermen lost their lives.
Distress Signal Sparks Massive Rescue Effort
In the early hours of 21st November 2020 at 6am, HM Coastguard received an emergency EPIRB alert from the Joanna C about three nautical miles off Seaford, near Newhaven.
Rescue teams swung into action immediately. The Coastguard deployed helicopters from Lydd and Lee-on-Solent, backed by all-weather lifeboats from Newhaven and Eastbourne RNLI. Local shore teams also joined the frantic search.
Three Fishermen on Board – Two Lost at Sea
At the time of sinking, three fishermen were aboard the Joanna C. One man was rescued alive, pulled from the sea by Newhaven RNLI. However, the other two tragically drowned.
Adam Harper, 26, from Brixham, and Robert Morley, 38, from Pembrokeshire, were lost at sea. Adam’s body was recovered from the wreck three days later on 24th November. Robert’s body washed ashore in Bexhill weeks later, with official identification only confirmed by mid-February.
Robert’s funeral took place on 8th March, featuring a poignant procession along Newhaven harbour, followed by a private family cremation in Brighton.
Permanent Memorial Honors Sussex Fishermen Lost at Sea
Robert Morley’s family championed a lasting tribute to fishermen lost off the Sussex coast. They raised over £20,000 for a memorial sculpture at the edge of Newhaven’s port, by the River Ouse where fishing boats return from the sea.
The £13,000 sculpture was unveiled on 28th April 2022 — Robert’s would-be 40th birthday. It also commemorates four others:
- Darren Brown, who fell overboard in 2016 from Our Sarah Jane
- Joe Bowen, Andrew Penfold, and John Ship, who died when the Sylvia Marita sank in 1979
The search and rescue operation lasted over 13 relentless hours before being stood down.
Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those lost at sea.
