Heroic Newhaven Lifeboat Crew Saves Speedboat from Sinking Off Beachy Head
Mayday Call Sparks Dramatic Rescue
The Newhaven volunteer lifeboat crew sprang into action after a 17ft speedboat sent a desperate mayday. The vessel, with two people onboard, was taking on water just west of Beachy Head. At 13:45, the team launched their powerful Severn Class all-weather lifeboat 17-21 ‘David & Elizabeth Acland’ and raced to the scene.
Coastguard Helicopter Leads the Way
The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 163 was first on site, pinpointing the stricken speedboat just off Cuckmere Haven, west of the infamous Beachy Head cliffs. Lifeboat teams arrived swiftly and immediately went to work bailing out the incoming water.
Coxswain Lewis Arnold Talks Rescue Effort
Lewis Arnold, the lifeboat Coxswain, explained the tough job ahead: “After pumping out the water, we escorted the vessel safely back to Newhaven Harbour. We kept the pump running to keep water at bay until the boat was close enough to the marina. Then, the speedboat stabilized and managed to make its own way to the mooring.”
This quick thinking and teamwork ensured no lives were lost, and the vessel was brought to safety without further incident.
