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Shoreham RNLI rescues broken down motorboat in windy conditions

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew of Shoreham RNLI demonstrated their skills and teamwork when helping a motorboat that had broken down in windy conditions on Sunday 1 June..

Shoreham RNLI's all-weather lifeboat in windy seas

RNLI/Stephen Duncombe

Image of Shoreham RNLI's all-weather lifeboat
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Shoreham RNLI's all-weather lifeboat launched on Sunday 1 June, just after 11am, to the aid of a broken-down motorboat.

The 6m vessel, with two people on board, had broken down six miles south of Worthing in windy conditions.

The volunteer RNLI crew secured a tow line to the boat and took it into the safety of Shoreham Harbour.

Simon Tugwell, Second Coxswain, said: "It was a good team effort to secure the towline to the casualty in windy conditions."

The boat was washed down and back on service by 2.40pm.

RNLI advice for those using a motorboat includes:
  • Always wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid when on deck.
  • Always carry a means of calling for help.
  • Always wear a kill cord if fitted and carry a spare.
  • Develop your skills.
  • Always check the forecast and tide times.
  • Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
  • Ensure your engine is well maintained.
More information can be found at RNLI.org/boating

Notes to editors

Contacts: For more information on this news release, please contact:

Liz Zachary, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
or Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager, [email protected]

Key facts about Shoreham Harbour RNLI: Shoreham Harbour RNLI has been saving lives at sea since 1865. Home to a Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, the Enid Collett, and a D class inshore lifeboat, the Joan Woodland, the crew respond to, on average, 80 to 90 shouts a year, covering an area from Brighton Marina to Worthing Pier. The station is run by around 100 volunteers who include a lifeboat operations manager, launch authorities, boat and shore crew, an administrative officer, press officers, fundraisers, shop staff, a visits team, and water safety advisers. No experience is needed to join as a volunteer as comprehensive training is provided.


Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Liz Zachary
Lifeboat Press Officer, Shoreham Harbour

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