Major Search Underway After Fishing Boat Sinks Off Newhaven
HM Coastguard launched a massive search operation at 6am on Saturday for three crew members from the fishing vessel JOANNA C, which sank off the coast of Newhaven.
One Rescued, Two Still Missing
Rescuers recovered one crew member alive from the sea early Saturday morning. The survivor was taken aboard the Newhaven RNLI lifeboat and airlifted via helicopter to hospital. Sadly, two crewmen remain missing as the search continues.
Huge Rescue Effort Involving Dozens of Vessels
The search has involved multiple rescue units, including:
- Eastbourne and Newhaven RNLI lifeboats
- Two Coastguard rescue helicopters
- Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft
- Birling Gap and Beachy Head Coastguard Rescue Teams
- 12 other vessels, including many local fishing boats responding to Coastguard calls
Coastguard coordinators said they tracked up to 14 vessels covering the search area at one point, demonstrating the strong support from the local maritime community.
Search Suspended Overnight, Resumes at Dawn
The search was called off at 11pm on Saturday night and will resume at first light. HM Coastguard remains hopeful but warned the situation is grim.
Chris Thomas, Deputy Director of HM Coastguard, said:
“Our National Maritime Operations Centre has coordinated a major rescue effort today, with many units searching tirelessly since first light and finding one casualty who has been safely taken to hospital.
Sadly, two other crewmen have not yet been found. Our thoughts are with their families and friends.
It’s a testament to the local maritime community that we were so admirably supported throughout the day by nearby vessels and local fishing communities. Their strenuous efforts to locate their colleagues during the search have been invaluable.”
