Brighton RNLI Helm Faces Double Call-Out Drama in Just Two Hours!
The Brighton RNLI volunteer crew had a hectic night on Thursday, April 20, responding to two emergencies within two hours. Fresh-faced helm Phil Jones, who had only qualified on Monday, April 17, was thrown straight into the action.
First Call: Missing Paddleboarder Mystery
At 6:50 pm, the Atlantic 85 B-class lifeboat Random Harvest launched after the Coastguard got reports of someone struggling, possibly paddleboarding or windsurfing, between the Marina and Palace Pier. Despite a thorough search, no trace of anyone was found.
Second Call: Another Water Emergency for Newbie Helm
Just two hours later at 8:50 pm, 1 called for help after spotting a person entering the water. Heating engineer Phil Jones had barely caught his breath after the first call-out when his pager buzzed again.
Phil joked, “I think I’m going to get a name for myself now with two call outs so close together – no one will want to be on the rota with me!”
Team Effort and Praise for Phil’s Cool Head
Deputy Launch Authority David Wheeler lauded Phil for staying calm and focused during his first big tests as helm, just four days after qualifying. “As always, the crew really pulled together on both shouts and gave Phil the support he needed,” said Wheeler.
Experienced Volunteer Hitting New Heights
Phil Jones, from Ovingdean, isn’t new to the RNLI. He’s been volunteering for 13 years, spending 11 years at Hastings as a D-class helm and offshore coxswain mechanic, then two years at Brighton. But nothing could have prepared him for this whirlwind evening on the waves!
