August 28th, 2017.


Newhaven’s Severn Class lifeboat RNLB David and Elizabeth Acland and her volunteer crew were launched at 5:40pm yesterday to search for the source of the substance that had made around 50 people unwell in the area between Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

People at Birling Gap had experienced burning eyes and sore throats after the mystery substance came ashore. Police, Ambulance, Coastguards and Fire crews attended to the casualties on shore.

The lifeboat crew searched from the westerly side of the Severn Sisters through to Beachy Head where they met Eastbourne lifeboat and then both lifeboats conducted a reciprocal search.

During the search, Newhaven lifeboat stopped and talked to vessels in the area to ensure everyone on board was unharmed and checked the beaches for persons who may have been affected by the substance. No one was found to be suffering any symptoms.

The lifeboat was stood down at 7:38pm and was again ready for service at 8:20pm.