Fisherman’s Near-Death Ordeal off Brighton Marina
A fisherman had a hair-raising escape today after falling overboard from his solo fishing boat just 3 nautical miles south of Brighton Marina. The dramatic rescue unfolded shortly before 1pm, after a nearby trawler spotted the man in trouble and sounded the alarm.
Struggle at Sea: How He Went Overboard
The unlucky fisherman was hauling whelk-pots when they snagged on something. While trying to free the pots, he slipped over the side and was dragged behind his vessel – still tethered by a rope tied around his waist. With no lifejacket on, his survival seemed slim.
Quick Thinking Crew Pulls Off a Miracle
Thankfully, another fishing vessel nearby noticed the emergency and rushed to help. The crew hauled the fisherman aboard his own boat just in time. Brighton Lifeboat Station (RNLI) was also dispatched by HM Coastguard to assist and transported him back to the marina where an ambulance was waiting.
Coastguard’s Warning After Narrow Escape
Speaking after the rescue, a HM Coastguard spokesperson said: “This fisherman is incredibly lucky. It was a good day and another vessel was close behind to spot him. Too often, we see tragic outcomes, especially when fishermen don’t wear lifejackets.
“He stayed afloat even without a lifejacket, but if he’d hit his head going overboard, the story could’ve been very different. The rope tied around his waist kept him near the boat, which was critical.
“We urge all fishermen to wear lifejackets with Personal Locator Beacons. That’s the best way to get help fast if you’re in trouble at sea.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder: always wear your lifejacket – it can be the difference between life and death out at sea.
