Newhaven RNLI Launched To Adults And A Child Cut Off By Tide Near Cuckmere

Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:07

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Newhaven Lifeboat was sent to locate and assist four people, including one child, cut off by the tide near Cuckmere below the Seven Sisters.

The volunteer crew was launched at 2.20pm on Saturday (October 15) at the request of HM Coastguard to search, locate and assist.

Conditions were overcast, with good visibility. Newhaven’s Severn class All-weather Lifeboat, David and Elizabeth Acland, launched into a moderate south westerly cross-shore breeze, with slight sea state and 1.25 metres of swell.

Lewis Arnold, Coxswain, said:

"Newhaven’s volunteer crew readied the Y-class for deployment whilst we made best speed to the casualties.

"Once on scene, with visual contact made, the Y-class was launched.

"The casualties were on a section of beach with approximately two metres or less of dry space, huddling in a chalky cove."

The casualties had been enjoying a walk along the beach when they were caught out by the incoming tide.

The group consisted of three adults and a four year old child. There was a fifth person in the group who had swum out to go and raise the alarm.

Two volunteer crew proceeded to the shore in the Y-class. They kept a good look out for rocks, conducted a quick survey of the beach area and carried out a couple of run ins to and out of the shore to establish the safest route for evacuation.

Whilst the Y-class was on route to the casualties, HM Coastguard radioed the information that a helicopter had been approved for launch.

It was jointly agreed the safest evacuation from the beach would be to winch and crane the casualties by helicopter, one by one, around to a dry section of beach.

The rescue was successfully completed as planned. The two Newhaven volunteer crew attempted to relaunch the Y-class lifeboat and return to the waiting Severn class in deeper water.

However, due to the surf, steep beach and fatigue, this was aborted and instead a plan was made to wait for the tide to fall further and with the assistance of the Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT), the lifeboat was carried along the shore and returned with her crew to Newhaven Lifeboat by road.

Lewis concluded:

"Tides rise quickly and can easily catch people out. If you’re planning a coastal walk or seaside activity, we strongly urge people to check the weather and tides before setting out.’

"If you do get into difficulty or see anyone else in trouble in the water, please call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard."