Hastings RNLI lifeboat return to shore video goes viral on Facebook

The relief Shannon class lifeboat 'RNLB Ruth and David Arthur’ was returning to Hastings RNLI lifeboat station during the evening of Saturday 13 September, and a video of it returning to shore can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/Hastingslifeboat

Paul McCleery, Hastings RNLI full-time Coxswain, said 'We were asked by Solent Coastguard to locate and assist a kitesurfer who had been reported to be possibly in trouble and heading out to sea by the local RNLI lifeguards. We launched and located him quickly. The kite surfer assured us he was fine and not in need of assistance.

'The weather was a Force 5 south westerly which means a little bit of chop outside of the harbour. Some good helming got the boat back into the harbour and on to the beach where our volunteer shore crew were able to safely recover the lifeboat.'

Pictures show the launch of the lifeboat on this service.

Hastings lifeboat survived a 'knockdown' in Storm Ciara in 2019, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nOOk7SUt4Q

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.

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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.