Littlehampton RNLI assist in rescue of persons from cold sea after vessel sinks
On Sunday 21 April Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat crews had completed a training session at sea and rendezvoused with colleagues aboard Shoreham RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat when HM Coastguard reported that a Mayday call had been received about a vessel that had sunk ~4 miles south of Worthing.
The crew of Littlehampton’s B-class lifeboat Renee Sherman had experienced choppy seas and strong cool force 4 north-easterly winds during their regular Sunday morning training session, but were looking forward to meeting up at sea with fellow RNLI volunteers from their flanking station at Shoreham who were aboard a Tamar class lifeboat.
At 11.40am on receiving the tasking from HM Coastguard both lifeboats headed towards the reported location of the sinking. At the scene only the upper part of the bow of a small motor vessel was visible above the water and the three occupants who had ended up in the sea had fortunately already been recovered aboard a fishing boat that was present. One of the casualties was particularly cold and had a minor cut so they were transferred firstly to Littlehampton’s lifeboat then onto the Shoreham lifeboat where warm shelter could be provided. Both boats headed to Littlehampton, with Shoreham lifeboat mooring at Town Quay and Littlehampton lifeboat returning to the station. The casualty was cared for at the lifeboat station where, on arrival, paramedics concluded there was no need for further medical attention. HM Coastguard confirmed that the fishing vessel involved in the rescue had returned the other two casualties to Brighton Marina.
Nick White, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Littlehampton lifeboat station, said:
‘Although a bright sunny day, cold northerly winds had resulted in choppy sea conditions and these can prove challenging for small boats. The seas nearshore at this time of year are still cold at around 10oC so ending up in the water unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock and hypothermia. Fortunately vessels were close by and able to recover the casualties from the water before the RNLI arrived on the scene and we thank them for responding as the casualty vessel sank in a matter of moments. ’
ENDS
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