Volunteer crews at Shoreham RNLI had an exceptionally busy Saturday (4 May 2025) after being launched to respond to three separate maritime emergencies, ensuring swift rescue and public safety.
Sleeping Crew Found on Fishing Trawler
The day’s first call came at 9:40am when the all-weather lifeboat launched to assist a fishing trawler eight nautical miles south of Newhaven. Concerns had been raised when the vessel’s crew failed to respond to repeated Coastguard and neighbouring vessel communications — including one ship sounding its horn.
Upon boarding the trawler, Shoreham RNLI volunteers discovered that all three crew members were asleep, with no one on watch. Fortunately, the crew were safe and the lifeboat returned to station without further incident.
Rescue of Angling Boat with Gearbox Failure
Later, at 4:20pm, the all-weather lifeboat launched again — this time to aid a 27ft angling boat stranded six miles south of Shoreham after suffering gearbox failure. With the boat posing a risk to sea traffic, the Coastguard instructed a tow back to safety. The lifeboat team successfully brought the vessel and its three occupants back to Shoreham Harbour.
Paddleboarders Assisted Off Hove Lawns
Meanwhile, while the tow operation was ongoing, the inshore lifeboat was deployed to assist two paddleboarders struggling approximately 400 metres off Hove Lawns. Thankfully, the pair managed to make it ashore safely before needing direct assistance.
Praise for Lifeboat Volunteers
Shoreham RNLI Launch Authority Colin Scott praised the volunteers, saying:
“Our volunteer crews have had a busy Saturday with three launches to separate incidents, which we are pleased to say have all had a successful outcome.”
The busy day highlights once again the vital role RNLI volunteers play in keeping the public safe at sea.
