June 18 2014.


Newhaven’s Severn Class relief lifeboat ‘Volunteer Spirit’ was launched at 10.00pm on the 14th of June by Dover Coastguards to assist the Beachy Head Coastguard team to recover a person from the cliff face.

Once the lifeboat arrived in position it used its spotlights to illuminate an area approximately 150 feet down at the notorious Beachy Head cliffs. The casualty was located on a grass ledge.

Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 104 then assisted with its high-power spotlights and stood by to assist if the cliff rescue team needed assistance. The deceased casualty was recovered by the cliff rescue team.

The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station.

Newhaven lifeboat was quickly readied for service by midnight.