January 14 2013.


Volunteers from Newhaven's RNLI lifeboat station were tasked to a 23ft motor vessel with four persons on board at 11:23am on Sunday 13th January 2013 that had lost radio communication.
 
Newhaven's Severn Class lifeboat 'RNLB David and Elizabeth Acland' was already at sea conducting a Search and Rescue Navigation exercise when they received the call from Solent Coastguard about the stricken vessel. The persons on board had resorted to using their mobile phones to call for help, as the water had damaged the electrics on their boat and they had no working VHF radio.

Newhaven Lifeboat headed to the last known location of the vessel which was 3 NM south of Peacehaven. The Lifeboat arrived on scene at 11:46am where the vessel was located and the situation was quickly assessed. All persons on board where in good spirits but obviously concerned for their safety. A tow line was passed and both vessels returned to Newhaven Harbour.

After ensuring all the occupants of the vessel were back on dry land, the Lifeboat returned to sea to complete its exercise.