Byline: Eastbourne RNLI’s inshore lifeboat (ILB) has been launched three times so far over the Bank Holiday weekend

Page Content: On Thursday the ILB was launched at 12.08 after a member of the public observed what they thought was a small yacht with nobody on board drifting west passed Eastbourne pier. The lifeboat was soon alongside the suspect vessel only to find the skipper in the cockpit blissfully unaware that he was the subject of a lifeboat launch. With all well the volunteer crew returned to station.

On Saturday, following several 999 calls to Dover Coastguard, the ILB was launched at 15.57 to assist two windsurfers who appeared to be in difficulties in Pevensey Bay. When on scene the volunteer crew found no casualties but observed two windsurfers on the beach. Having thoroughly checked the area with nothing found the crew was stood down and returned to station.

On Sunday morning at 08.45 the ILB was launched to assist four anglers in their small fishing boat which had suffered engine failure and was drifting helplessly. With no working VHF radio on board the anglers had contacted Dover Coastguard via mobile phone. The vessel was taken under tow by the ILB and returned to the beach near the local angling club where safety advice was offered by the volunteer crew.