Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B-727 headed to the cliffs at Fairlight where they started their search at 6.44 pm heading west towards Hastings. When they reached Hastings they turned east searching back to Rye Harbour while Coastguard teams were searching towards the west.
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During the search, information was received by Dover Coastguard that a RIB fitting the description was seen passing the lifeboat house at Hastings at about 4 pm.
The RIB was found tied to groynes on the shore at Cooden Beach Hotel. Three individuals were found safe ashore. Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat was released from the search at 7.42 pm along with all parties involved in the search.
Richard Tollett, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station said:
‘Today’s service resulted in the south coast from Rye Harbour to Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour being searched for a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), which was located within 60 minutes of the search being started.
Regular training is vital to allow volunteers to go to sea and save lives. It costs an average of £1,000 a year to train each volunteer crew member. As a charity the RNLI is funded through voluntary contributions.’