Byline: Eastbourne all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was tasked this morning to assist a visiting 34ft yacht which had became entangled in fishing gear very close to the entrance to Sovereign Harbour.

Page Content: A flotilla of French sailors had spent the night in Sovereign Harbour before setting sail to cross the Channel to Fecamp in Northern France. Unfortunately for them, fishing gear had been placed very close to the harbour entrance which the visitors failed to notice whilst hauling their sails for their return passage. Stuck fast in the gear they sent out a ‘Pan-Pan’ distress call which was answered by Dover Coastguard. With another vessel from the French fleet acting as interpreter communication was established with Eastbourne ALB which was quickly on scene. Eventually the ALB managed to extradite the vessel from the entrapment. Having checked that steerage and engine facility had been restored the yacht was able to continue its passage.