Newhaven Lifeboat’s volunteer crew was launched by HM Coastguard at 1:46 am to aid a 38m fishing vessel located 19 nautical miles south of Newhaven. The vessel called for medical assistance after one of its crew members suffered a severe injury.

Braving a slight sea state and a northerly breeze of 10 knots, the seven-member crew set out on their Severn class lifeboat to reach the distressed fisherman. The casualty had endured a possible lower arm compound fracture due to a crushing accident on board.

Second Coxswain Lee Blacknell highlighted the challenges faced during the operation, noting, “Due to fog in Lydd, the launch of the rescue helicopter was not possible, visibility for us was good.” This visibility allowed the lifeboat to navigate swiftly to the fishing vessel’s location.

Upon arrival, the lifeboat crew executed a precise manoeuvre to come alongside the vessel’s starboard side, where they successfully transferred the injured fisherman to their lifeboat. “We transferred the casualty fisherman to our foredeck, where he received initial casualty care. Despite his injury, he was in good spirits,” Blacknell added.

The lifeboat then made its way back to Newhaven, where the fisherman was handed over to the waiting ambulance service for further medical treatment.