A routine training exercise turned into a real-life rescue for Newhaven RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew on Tuesday morning after they were diverted to assist a motorboat experiencing engine failure just outside the harbour.

At 10:45am, HM Coastguard tasked the crew of the D class inshore lifeboat D-890 Bill Hall to respond to the stricken vessel located approximately 200 metres southwest of the Newhaven Harbour breakwater.

Tow to Safety

The motorboat, carrying two people wearing lifejackets, was drifting dangerously close to navigational lanes. Assessing the risk to both the occupants and passing marine traffic, lifeboat helm Dan Wittenberg made the decision to tow the vessel into the safety of the harbour.

“We transferred a crew member onto the casualty boat to assist with tow line setup and conduct welfare checks,” Wittenberg said. “We then initiated an astern tow until the casualty was safely inside the shelter of the harbour.”

Once secured to a pontoon, the two individuals were handed over to the Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) and were found to be in good health.

A First Rescue for New Crew Member

The operation marked the first-ever shout for volunteer Rickie Botwright, who joined the crew in December 2024.

“It was inspiring to watch the crew manage the entire operation so professionally and compassionately,” said Botwright. “Being part of my first shout filled me with pride.”

The lifeboat returned to station by midday, where it was refuelled and made ready for future calls.

RNLI Calls for New Volunteers

Newhaven RNLI is actively recruiting volunteers across various roles, including lifeboat crew, fundraising, shop support, and administration.

Interested parties can learn more at: linktr.ee/newhaven_rnli