Eleven Rescued Off Eastborne

On 22 October ar 0910 local, Solent Coastguard responded to a mayday call from the charter vessel Duke, which was in difficulties with all on board taking to a liferaft. The incident was then passed to Dover Coastguard.

The boat broadcast the distress call after getting into difficulties 1.5 miles SE of Beachy Head. Three nearby vessels responded and were very quickly alongside the liferaft. Eastbourne Coastguard rescue team were called out and the Eastbourne RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch.

The lifeboat recovered the 11 from the liferaft and landed them at Sovereign Harbour, where they were met by Eastbourne Coastguard team.

The Dover Coastguard Watch manager commented 'This incident highlights the importance of making sure your vessel - whether commercial or leisure - is fully equipped with life-saving equipment. The skipper of this vessel, upon experiencing problems, was able to make sure that his passengers evacuated into a liferaft before the situation worsened. He was then able to broadcast a mayday call, which was also heard by other vessels who were able to go to his aid as well as being monitored by the Coastguard, who were able to task appropriate SAR units'.


Please do not have nightmares over these incidents - we do not mention here the thousands of small craft all around the world that undertake all sorts of voyages in perfect safety as the skippers and crews have taken the trouble to be trained for our exciting hobby

Ted Miley - Principal Ocean Training

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