Hang Glider Injured After Crashing Into Cliffs at Beachy Head

Both Eastbourne RNLI lifeboats were launched on service after reports that a hang glider had collided with the cliffs at Beachy Head. The D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) was first on scene and quickly located the casualty on the beach at Falling Sands, directly below the cliffs. Three crew members went ashore immediately and began providing […]

Both Eastbourne RNLI lifeboats were launched on service after reports that a hang glider had collided with the cliffs at Beachy Head.

The D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) was first on scene and quickly located the casualty on the beach at Falling Sands, directly below the cliffs. Three crew members went ashore immediately and began providing first aid.

The hang glider had sustained injuries to both legs during the landing and was unable to move. Due to the rocky terrain, difficult access, and challenging sea conditions, crews determined that recovery by lifeboat would not be the safest option.

HM Coastguard requested the assistance of Coastguard helicopter Rescue 363. RNLI crew worked closely with the helicopter’s winchman paramedic to stabilise and package the casualty, supporting the winching operation from the beach.

The Trent-class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) remained on scene, standing by to provide support if required. Crew members also maintained a lookout for floating debris following a recent spillage of shipping containers in the area.

The casualty was successfully winched aboard the helicopter and flown to hospital for further treatment. Once the incident was concluded, both lifeboats were immediately retasked by HM Coastguard to a second, unrelated callout.

Later that day, RNLI crews were tasked to carry out a shoreline search beneath the cliffs at Beachy Head following concerns for a person who had earlier been seen walking from Holywell towards Birling Gap.

Both lifeboats conducted a coordinated search, covering the full length of the shoreline and checking inaccessible areas beneath the cliffs. After a thorough search, crews were satisfied that no one was cut off or in difficulty.

Both lifeboats were stood down and returned safely to station at around 9pm.