May 23 2016.


Newhaven’s Severn Class lifeboat ‘RNLB David and Elizabeth Acland’ and her volunteer crew were launched at 2:15pm yesterday to reports of a person who had fallen from cliffs at Baileys Hill, at the Seven Sisters to the west of Birling Gap.

The lifeboat made best speed to the location given. Once at the scene the lifeboat's daughter inflatable Y boat was immediately launched, with three crew armed with full medical kits.

As the three lifeboat crew went ashore they were assisted by Birling Gap Coastguards. As they made their way to the casualty, the Coastguard rescue helicopter 163 arrived at the location and a paramedic was immediately winched down. The casualty was conscious and waving at this time. The lifeboat team assisted the Coastguard helicopter paramedic.

After giving immediate first aid, the casualty was winched into the helicopter and taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital at Brighton, where his condition is unknown.

The lifeboat’s daughter boat returned to the main lifeboat which then returned to station at 5:20pm.

Second Coxswain Lee Blacknell explained: "With much of the chalk cliffs crumbling walkers should stay well away from the cliff edge for their own safety. Our thoughts are with the casualty and his family and we wish him a speedy recovery."