Christmas Eve Paragliding Horror: RNLI Crew Save Man from Drowning
Minutes from Disaster as Tide Traps Paraglider
Dermot’s Christmas Eve paragliding trip nearly ended in tragedy. After landing on a tiny beach beneath cliffs, the incoming tide cut off his only route to safety. Stranded and shivering, Dermot called for help as icy waves crashed over him, pulling him under as he floated face up, gasping for air.
Newhaven RNLI Lifeboat Crew Race to Rescue
The brave volunteers from Newhaven RNLI dropped everything to answer Dermot’s emergency call. When they arrived, he appeared motionless, face down in the freezing water. Heart-stopping seconds later, relief flooded in as they spotted him still alive, struggling against the raging sea.
Skilfully battling waves, the crew grabbed Dermot and hauled him aboard their lifeboat, racing him to safety at the station.
Grateful Survivor Pays Tribute
“If the lifeboat crew hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here today. That’s the simple truth. They are absolute heroes,” said Dermot. “Looking up at the blue sky the next morning, I felt pure euphoria. It still brings tears to my eyes. It’s incredible to be alive.”
RNLI Volunteers: Christmas Lifesavers
Every year, thousands of RNLI volunteers risk time with their families to save lives on Britain’s treacherous seas, especially over Christmas. Lewis Arnold, Coxswain at Newhaven RNLI, said:
“When we first saw Dermot, I thought he was lost. It still sends shivers down my spine. There’s no greater feeling than bringing someone home safe at Christmas. We couldn’t do this without the public’s generous donations funding our kit, training, and equipment.”
RNLI Launches Christmas Appeal
With over 1,200 lifeboat launches at Christmas in the past decade, the RNLI depends on donations to keep saving lives in wild weather. This festive season, support their lifesaving mission and help keep crews ready for every call.
To donate, visit RNLI.org/Xmas.
