Newhaven RNLI and Eastbourne RNLI launch joint rescue for stricken yacht

The Newhaven RNLI and Eastbourne RNLI volunteer crews successfully completed a joint rescue of a 14-metre sailing yacht on Sunday, 1 March 2026, after it suffered steering failure in rough seas.

Rescue Incident Details

• The Distress Call: At 10:48 am, while the Newhaven crew was conducting a training exercise, they received a distress call from a yacht approximately two and a half miles off Newhaven harbour.
• Conditions on Board: The yacht had lost steering and was drifting toward the shore. Two of the three people on board were also suffering from severe seasickness, leaving them unable to manage the vessel.
• Joint Operation:
  • Newhaven’s all-weather lifeboat, the David and Elizabeth Acland, initially established a tow.
  • Due to heavy weather making Brighton Marina inaccessible, the decision was made to head for Sovereign Harbour with support from the Eastbourne RNLI.
  • At 12:36 pm, Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat, the Esme Anderson, launched to rendezvous with the vessels.
• Tow Transfer: Because of rough sea conditions near Beachy Head, both lifeboats moved about two miles off Eastbourne Pier to find calmer water before Newhaven released the towline and Eastbourne took over.
• Outcome: The yacht was safely delivered through the locks of Sovereign Harbour and handed over to harbour staff. All three casualties were assessed and required no further medical attention.