Shoreham RNLI Responds to Sleeping Trawler Crew, Gear Failure, and Hove Paddleboarders

Volunteer crews at Shoreham RNLI had a hectic Saturday after being called out to three separate incidents at sea, responding swiftly to potential emergencies and ensuring public safety. The first call came at 9:40am, when the all-weather lifeboat launched to assist a fishing trawler located eight nautical miles south of Newhaven. Concerns were raised after […]

Volunteer crews at Shoreham RNLI had a hectic Saturday after being called out to three separate incidents at sea, responding swiftly to potential emergencies and ensuring public safety.

The first call came at 9:40am, when the all-weather lifeboat launched to assist a fishing trawler located eight nautical miles south of Newhaven. Concerns were raised after the vessel’s crew failed to respond to the Coastguard or neighbouring vessels attempting contact, including one sounding a horn.

Shoreham lifeboat crew boarded the trawler and discovered all three crew members asleep, with no one on watch. Thankfully, all were found safe and well, and the lifeboat returned to station.

Later in the afternoon, at 4:20pm, the all-weather lifeboat launched again — this time to a 27ft angling boat six miles south of Shoreham suffering from gearbox failure. With the vessel posing a potential danger to other sea traffic, the Coastguard requested the RNLI tow it to safety. The lifeboat successfully brought the boat and its three occupants back to Shoreham Harbour.

While that rescue was underway, the inshore lifeboat was also deployed to assist two paddleboarders struggling in the water approximately 400 metres off Hove Lawns. Fortunately, the pair managed to make it back to shore unaided by the time the crew arrived.

Shoreham RNLI Launch Authority Colin Scott praised the crews, saying:

“Our volunteer crews have had a busy Saturday with three launches to separate incidents, which we are pleased to say have all had a successful outcome.”