Abandoned boat sparks lifeboat response at Winchelsea Beach

The volunteer crew of Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat (PLIRB) were called into action on Thursday evening after reports of an abandoned small vessel drifting off Winchelsea Beach. At around 6.35pm, UK Coastguard tasked the team to launch and investigate. Crews quickly assembled at the boathouse and, despite tricky launch conditions caused by a flooding […]

The volunteer crew of Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat (PLIRB) were called into action on Thursday evening after reports of an abandoned small vessel drifting off Winchelsea Beach.

At around 6.35pm, UK Coastguard tasked the team to launch and investigate. Crews quickly assembled at the boathouse and, despite tricky launch conditions caused by a flooding tide, managed to put to sea.

The unmanned vessel was located, secured, and placed under tow before being safely brought back to Pett Slip.

RNLI Rye Harbour lifeboat crews were also tasked to assist in the operation. Fortunately, no casualties were found at the scene.

A spokesperson for PLIRB praised both the swift actions of the volunteer crews and the vigilance of the member of the public who raised the alarm.

“The informant did exactly the right thing by reporting the vessel. If you see a hazard or something that doesn’t look right at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

This was the 27th call-out of the year for the Pett Level lifeboat team, who continue to operate as an independent rescue service dedicated to saving lives at sea.