The heroic efforts of Shoreham RNLI crews have been officially commended by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for their exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and life-saving actions during two challenging rescue operations in 2023.
A Daring Search for a Lost Kayaker
On the evening of June 13, Shoreham’s all-weather lifeboat launched under the command of Second Coxswain Simon Tugwell. Accompanied by navigator Adam Fox, mechanic Ben Coe, and crew members Kevin Knight, Dominic Huxley, Daniel Measor, and Andrew Fitzgerald—on his first operational mission—the team responded to an urgent call from a kayaker who had become disoriented and unwell after setting out from Hove Lagoon.
The kayaker, who had no weather protection or buoyancy aid, mistakenly believed he was closer to shore. With deteriorating conditions, the crew adapted their search strategy, focusing further offshore. Their decisive actions led to the discovery of the exhausted kayaker 3.3 miles out to sea at 8:16 PM. He was brought safely aboard, along with his waterlogged kayak.
The commendation highlights the bravery and commitment of Shoreham RNLI, whose crews risk their lives to safeguard others at sea, embodying the RNLI’s enduring mission to save lives.
