RNLI Lifeboat Crew Battle Heatwave with Trio of Rescues in Four Hours
Sweltering heat didn’t slow down the volunteer crew at Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station on Friday (7 August). In just four hours, they raced to three emergency calls, keeping them on their toes through the scorching afternoon.
Boat Fire Near Climping Beach Sparks Lifeboat Rescue
At 12:10pm, the station’s lifeboat Renee Sherman responded to a mayday from a vessel ablaze near Climping beach. Luckily, by the time they arrived, the fire was out. The crew towed the boat to Littlehampton’s Town Quay visitor mooring so the fire service could check it over.
Once confirmed safe, the lifeboat towed the vessel back to its harbour mooring. The crew returned to base by 1:20pm, only to be called out again two hours later.
Jet Ski Breaks Down Off West Beach
The lifeboat rushed to assist a broken-down jet ski off Littlehampton’s West Beach. Though slow-moving, the jet ski was still operational. While preparations were underway to tow it back, a new alert came in.
Search for Missing Person Off Climping Beach Ends Safely
HM Coastguard asked Littlehampton RNLI to investigate reports of a person heading into deep water near Climping beach. A search along the coastline began immediately.
Fortunately, the missing swimmer was found safe and dry on shore. With the immediate crisis over, the crew returned to the jet ski, which had managed to reach Littlehampton Harbour unaided.
RNLI Ready Round The Clock for More Sea Emergencies
Nick White, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Littlehampton RNLI, said: “With so many enjoying the hot weather and Littlehampton’s beaches today, it’s no surprise we had a busy day. Since 2020, we’ve been called out more than 40 times. We’re always ready, 24/7, to save lives at sea.”
The volunteer crew showed true grit battling heat and emergencies alike to keep locals safe on the water this weekend.
