Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station

SOS Day 2011

2011-01-04T19:24:00.003Z

On 29 January a hardened team of rowers will endeavour to row an old pulling lifeboat to Hastings. The RNLI undertakes these fund raising events (SOS days) every year and this year Rye Harbour have chosen this. Please follow the link to more details and to donate to this most excellent cause - many many thanks.....http://www.justgiving.com/endurance-row

Tractor Recovery - Beware the Mud!!!

2010-10-08T17:50:00.006+01:00

Last night we set out to practice our low water deployment and recovery for times when we are required to launch/recover in an emergency and there is not enough water in the river. This involves driving the boat down to the sea and pushing it in with the tractor until it can float off.....simple.......what can go wrong????

MUD.....MUD......GLORIOUS MUD......There's nothing quite like it for swallowing the tractor and making it stop. The pictures below show the recovery by a tracked tractor brought in to pull our tractor out after it spent a night in the oggin.

PS. I did say "don't go that way" :-)

Hog Roast: 11 September 2010 at 7pm

2010-08-10T17:42:00.009+01:00

Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station will be hoasting a Hog Roast for their annual fundraising event. The event will be held on Saturday, 11 September 7 for 7.30pm at Rye Community Primary School.

Dress Smart Casual.

Tickets £25 each.

For more information or to book a ticket(s), please phone Steve or Richard Tollett on 01797 223631.

We hope to see you all there.

All profits raised are for the RNLI, to enable them to continue saving lives at sea.

Nighttime swimmer: missing

2010-08-09T04:50:00.002+01:00

At 1.23am, Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B-842 Hello Herbie launched on service to a person missing on Camber Sands. The alarm was raised by a friend of the suspected missing person after he told friends that he was going to attempt to swim the River Rother at the harbour entrance and had not been seen since.

Lifeboat B-842 Hello Herbie arrived on scene at 1.26pm and commenced a search of the immediate area and the shoreline. Six Lifeboat Crew members went to the beach to conduct a search of the river wall and beach on the western side of the River Rother. During the search of the western side of the River Rother, a pair of Adidas tracksuit bottoms and a pair of socks were found approximately 150 metres inland of the white light towards Rye Harbour Village.

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B-842 Hello Herbie searched from Jury's Gap, Camber to Dog's Hill, Winchelsea Beach and from the mouth of the River Rother to the lifeboat station. Due to the ebbing tide, it was not possible for Hello Herbie to go further up the river as there was not enough water. Dover Coastguard increased the lifeboat search area out to sea for one mile. During the course of this service, RNLI Lifeboat B-842 Hello Herbie covered an area of approximately 5 square miles.

The foreshore, land and dunes were searched by Dungeness and Rye Bay Coastguard Companies. At 3.55am Coastguard Helicopter 'Rescue 104' joined the search. At 4.21am Dover Coastguard updated the description of missing person; 17 year old, 6 foot male - wearing a white hooded top with black swim shorts and no shoes. At 4.30am the search was called off. The missing person was found in undergrowth behind one of the campsites in Camber Village.

At 4.35am the recovery party, left Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station to go and recover Lifeboat B-842 Hello Herbie from the beach at Rye Harbour. The recovery and cleaning down of all the equipment is expected to take between two and a half to three hours.

Richard Tollett, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: 'Whilst a lot of time, effort and money has gone into this rescue, the outcome is a happy one. This could have had disasterous consequences, resulting in a teenagers body being recovered. It is launches like this, in the middle of the night, that puts all the regular training into practice. It enables our volunteer crews to go and do extraordinary things'

Volunteers say Hello Herbie, goodbye Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells

2010-07-07T16:36:00.002+01:00

Volunteer crew members at Rye Harbour RNLI lifeboat station have welcomed a brand new allie in helping saves lives at sea, in the form of a brand new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat.

At 6pm on Tuesday 22 June, Royal National Lifeboat B842, Hello Herbie, was placed on service at Rye Harbour RNLI lifeboat station following the successful completion of familiarisation training by the crew, after her arrival the previous day.

The Atlantic 85 class inshore lifeboat was funded by a legacy from Peggy Joan Staveley from Woodford Green, Essex, who died in January 2002. Sue Clifton from the RNLI legacy team visited Peggy in 1996 after she expressed an interest in leaving some money to the RNLI in her will.

Hello Herbie had had a busy first few days here at Rye Harbour. She was diverted from exercise at the request of Dover Coastguard on 24 June at 11.45am to go to the aid of the powerboat ‘Huraki’ who had lost power and was drifting two miles south of Pett Pools. The powerboat was towed back to the public slip at Rye Harbour.

Then, on 26 June at 7.13pm Hello Herbie launched to assist with a search for a missing child on Camber Sands. The lifeboat was stood down at 7.15pm when the child was found safe ashore.

The third service was on 3 July at 7.26pm when the lifeboat was requested to launch to the assistance of a jet ski which had collided with rocks at the entrance to Rye Harbour. When the lifeboat arrived, the vessel was high and dry on the rocks, with the casualties on the shore. Two of the volunteer crew were put ashore with the ambulance pouch to attend to two persons with lacerations to their lower legs caused by contact with the rocks.

The executor of the will, David Lidbury, from Highams Park, Essex, said: ‘Peggy and her husband Herbert - commonly known as ‘Burt’ - had no connection with Rye Harbour or the RNLI, so I was surprised when I heard in their will that they had completely funded a new lifeboat. I support the charity myself so I can only imagine she heard me talk of the RNLI throughout more than 40 years of friendship and decided to leave some money to the RNLI.’

As Hello Herbie came on service, lifeboat B727 Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells was withdrawn from service to take up her place in the RNLI relief fleet. Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells was placed on service on 17 July 1996. During her 13 years 11 months and 5 days, the Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells launched 331 times rescuing 384 people saving 27 lives. During her years of service, she saved various vessels worth a total of £1.7M.

Steve Tollett, Chairman Rye Harbour Lifeboat Management Group, said: ‘Whilst we are all really excited about the arrival of the new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Hello Herbie we are very sad to say goodbye to a faithful friend, who has spent many hours in the company of the volunteers and supporters. On behalf of the volunteer crew and station personnel and all the casualties rescued, I would like to express a debt of gratitude to the Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells for taking care of her precious cargo.’

Station Open Day a great success

2010-06-16T21:06:00.009+01:00

The Annual Station Open Day on Saturday 12 June 2010 was a great success; raising over £634. Rye Harbour Lifeboat B727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' and the launching tractor was on display.

Throughout the day several rescue demonstrations were carried out on the River Rother, in front of the Lifeboat Station. Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat attended the event and saw several visitors having a tour of their All Weather Lifeboat.

During the day, the Cinque Port Morris Men danced several dances even dancing with Stormy Stan the RNLI Storm Force mascot and there was music performed by the local group Black Briar. Members of the public and the sea going fraternity could get free information and have their lifejackets checked by the RNLI Sea Safety Officer who was in attendance with his Sea Safety stand.

Food and refreshments were provided by members of the fundraising team, whilst other members manned the raffle, tombola, book stall and also the souvenir shop.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘It was a really good day. There was a steady flow of people visiting the event throughout the day. This year was a great success and it was made even better by the attendance of the Cinque Port Morris Men, Black Briar, the Sea Safety Officer and Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat and her crew. During 2009 RNLI Lifeboats launched 9223 times rescuing 8235 people.’

Steve Tollett, Chairman Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, said: ‘I would like to thank the Cinque Port Morris Men and Black Briar for providing free entertainment at this years event. I would also like to thank the Cinque Port Morris Men for the generous donation of £50. It is donation like this that enable the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, to continue training their volunteer crews - enabling them to continue to save lives at sea. During 2009, it cost £147.7M to run the RNLI.’

Fair Weather Table Sale

2010-05-22T20:38:00.005+01:00

There will be a fair weather table sale on Sunday 30th May on the School Green at Rye Harbour starting at 10.30am.

You just need to bring your own table and bits to sell.

£5 per table / pitch.

For more details, contact Steve on 01797 223631

Station Open Day 2010

2010-05-20T20:51:00.008+01:00

The annual station open day will be held on Saturday 12 June 2010. RNLI Lifeboat B727, Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells will be making her last appearance at the open day as the Station Lifeboat as after 13 years of reliable service she will be retired to the relief lifeboat fleet.

Through out the day, there will be rescue demonstrations were carried out in the river (depending on operational availability). Dungeness RNLI All Weather Lifeboat will be visiting the station where visitors can have a tour of the Lifeboat. During the day the Cinque Port Morris Men will be dancing and there will be music from the local group 'Black Briar'.

This year the RNLI Sea Safety officer will be on hand to check lifejackets and give general safety advice to the sailing / boating community. There will be food and refreshment, a raffle, tombola, bric-a-brac stall, and the souvenir shop will be open.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘This is a great chance to come and see what happens at the station. You can meet the crew, station personel and some members of the fundraising team.’

Steve Tollett, Chairman Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, said: ‘This event is for the whole family, plus you can see the Cinque Port Morris Men dancing and get free Sea Safety advice.’

Maddie gave it Welly and raised £185.38

2010-05-02T15:28:00.005+01:00

Maddie Wright persuaded her cousins Millie and Beth, Mum Becky and Nan Teresa to help her hold a coffee morning on Saturday 1st May 2010 at Rye Harbour Village Hall to raise money for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station.

The event was a great success, raising £185.38. There was a cake stall, tombola, raffles, bric-a-brac and refreshments.

This is not the first time that Maddie has raised money for the RNLI. Maddie took part in the RNLI SOS Day 2010 'Stroll Our Shore' Welly Walk held at Rye Harbour on Saturday 30 January 2010, raising £50.

Teresa Sutton, Maddies Nan, said: 'I don't think Maddie will stop until she has raised enough money to pay for a pair of welly boots for each of the crew'.

Steve Tollett, RNLI Chairman for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘It is really heartening that there are youngsters who want to raise money for the RNLI. A pair of wellies cost around £40; to pay for wellies for the crew at Rye Harbour will cost around £900. It is fundraising like this that enables the RNLI to equip their volunteer crews to continue saving lives at sea’

We would like to thank the following individuals, businesses and organisations for supporting this fundraising event:

The Little Shoppe - Winchelsea
Jamie Wickens Butchers
Budgens Jempsons - Rye
Cranberries
Adams of Rye
Simon Milne
Penny Royal
Rose-Annes
Avocet Tea Room Gallery
Sweet Memories
Herald and Heart
Organics
Bosuns Bite cafe
Inkerman Arms
Rye Harbour Stores
Suttons Shop - Winchelsea Beach

SOS

2010-01-06T17:22:00.008Z

On 29/30 of January 10 a selected band of hardened cyclists shall be braving the elements to cycle a tandem between the new and old lifeboat houses at Rye Harbour. This is a sponsored event and is part of the RNLI's SOS fundraising appeal for 2010. All are most welcome to come and mock, I mean support as the teams cycle for 24 hours from mid day on 29th through the bleak night and howling gales. Any alcohol proffered would be greatly appreciated. See you all there......please....and sponsor us.......please.......

The Rye Harbour cheerleaders will be there of course.....

Maybe even a giraffe on a bike.......who knows?? ;-)

2009-11-23T18:18:00.002Z

Well, it really is quiet at the boathouse recently. We had our coffee morning at the sailing club last weekend - which was nice, and we showed visitors around our boat house. I was in our boathouse this afternoon (wind gusting 40-50 kts) and I was listening to a Tamar on passage through the channel - how jealous was I, it must've been great out there. Oh, nearly forgot, we had to rescue these lovely ladies, you may recognise the beach as Camber. They really were very grateful.....

2009-10-27T16:10:00.001Z

Here is a better picture of my boat 'Lily Pilli'.

2009-10-18T16:40:00.002+01:00

This was my view of Rye Harbour lifeboat today as we practiced towing using my ocean going fishing vessel 'Lily Pilli'. Astern and alongside tows were practiced and I was returned safely to my mooring. I took the opportunity to dangle a line over the side in an effort to coax one of the copious amounts of bass that dwell in Rye Harbour onto my hook. Alas it was not to be! Anyway a great days training on a beautiful day in Rye Harbour, what could be better?

Tractor Training

2009-10-17T10:21:00.006+01:00

A varied week of training this week. I was given further training by the Chief Tractor Instructor (see pic above)) and recovered the lifeboat after an exercise. As you can see by the stern, Harry Potter, type expression on his face I don't think I excelled at the task - oh well, remedial tractor training for me! Later on in the week we managed to affix our new oxygen bottle to the A frame of the boat. A strange thing happened when we opened the bag - a little leprechaun type chap popped out (see lower pic). If anyone recognises him, please come and collect from Rye Harbour asap, or he will be put up as a raffle prize at next years ball.

During training on Thursday we were called to the aid of a small yacht that had lost power just off Rye Harbour and so we got to tow it back to it's mooring safely - which was nice! Finally one more picture to illustrate the characters at the boathouse - at least I think they are part of the crew, maybe they just wander in every week for a hot drink!!!

RNLI Coffee Morning: 24 October 2009

2009-10-14T16:12:00.005+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station will be holding their Annual Coffee Morning on Saturday 24 October 2009 at the Butter Market, Town Hall, Rye.

The doors will open between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

There will be:

a cake stall
refreshments
RNLI Christmas cards
tombola

This is a great opportunity for our supporters to come and have a
chat and meet the members of the fundraising team.

Late Summer Ball 2009

2009-10-10T10:10:00.007+01:00

Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station Personnel
photo courtesy of Don Frost Event Photography

This years event was sponsored by the following:

Kent & Sussex Powerboat Training (National Powerboat Course Level II)
John Roberts & Son (£100 voucher for furniture)
Kites on Board (Trip for 2 on Zap Cat)
Jumbo & Chris (Magnum of Champagne Moet & Chandon)
Ashdown Hurrey (2 Bottles Marquis Duperray Champagne)
Martello Bookshop, Rye (Book: Oceans)
The Cats Whiskers (Salon Professional hand held hairdryer)
Mrs P Mitchell-Innes (6 Bottles of Wine)
Rye Hire (£25 Hire Voucher)
Budgens (Bottle Whyte & MacKay Whiskey)
The Pette Shoppe (Selection of bird feed & feeder)
Rye Spice (Spice Rack)
Jim Soan & Sons Ltd (Electric Plane - power tool)
Don Frost Event Photography
Entertainment Workshops
Band:

Sam Claver

Alex Knight

Dan Large

Jempsons of Peasmarsh
Riverside Restaurant at the River Haven Hotel

without their continued support, the Late Summer Ball would not be the success it continues to be.

New Deputy Launching Authority at Rye Harbour

2009-10-08T16:10:00.003+01:00

Andrew Tollett became the third Deputy Launching Authority (DLA) currently at the Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station, with effect from 01 August 2009.

Andrew joined the crew at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station on his 17 birthday back in 1982. During his 27 years of Life-boating Andrew has held various position at the station; he brings a wealth of experience to the Operations Team at Rye Harbour. Andrew was awarded his long service badge on 01/10/2002.

Has anyone seen a ship?

2009-09-30T18:36:00.005+01:00

Hello again folks, I have been away recently on an adventure. The picture on the left was my first view of SV Tenacious where she was berthed in Canary Wharf. She is a 'tall ship' operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust and I had been lucky enough to gain a berth for a voyage to Southampton courtesy of my employer, Allianz, who support this charity.

The 'special' thing about this ship is that it's crew are made up of physically disabled and able bodied people. I was fortunate enough to be buddied up with Anthony and we both had an excellent time, with Anthony even 'climbing' the ship's mast in his wheelchair. There were also people on board with restricted sight and hearing but everyone played a part in crewing the ship on a successful voyage to Southampton via Holland and Cowes. If anyone would like further information on this fantastic organisation please contact them direct or e-mail me for a full account. Anyway back to lifeboat duties, more soon......................

2009-08-30T13:40:00.002+01:00

Sunday morning at the boathouse.......this morning was utilised conducting some 'cross' training. As a volunteer organisation you never know who is going to be able to turn up for a shout. For this reason Rye Harbour attaches a lot of importance to all members of the crew having an understanding of all the tasks undertaken on station. This means that, in an emergency, the show does not stop because the normal incumbent is not available and also enhances team spirit. The picture shows our chief tractor instructor, Rod, conducting some training with one of the crew. As you can see Rod is immensely proud of his tractor!

Spot the blue swimming costume...............

2009-08-22T17:19:00.004+01:00

I have been 'away' from the blog for a while but due to a fairly busy week or so thought it about time to post. As can be read earlier in the blog we went out to a kayaker in trouble off Pett recently - top tip for budding kayakers - kayaks will not float well with no bung in! The occupant had made it to the beach safely so all ended well. This week we had a busy day scouring the water off Camber for 7 lost children! All ended well on that day as well but I still find some of the information a little surprising that the parents give......'little Johnny aged 7, last seen heading into the water'..... also nearly all of the children reported lost were wearing blue costumes. I am not a parent and definitely don't follow fashion but perhaps parents should consider dressing their children a little more conspicuously to make them easy to pick out on such a busy beach, I don't know. I spent the shout walking chest deep in the sea from one end of the beach to the other and it was pretty warm, not for me the glory of riding on the boat ;-) If one more holiday maker had made the hilarious jape 'lost your boat?' I think there may have been even more casualties that day. What kind of person jokes when we are clearly searching for someone? Amazing! (Rant over)
I have just spent an idle hour watching small pleasure craft deploy from the public slip at Rye Harbour and I am always amazed at what people put their faith in when they venture to sea. Within 5 minutes I saw speed boats pass right under the bows of passing yachts and personal water craft narrowly missing partly submerged posts. Surely the fact that they are launching right next to a lifeboat station would make some people consider their own and others safety?
Anyway no shouts as I write so hopefully everyone is enjoying a great day at sea, safely. More soon...................

First Aid administered to skippers face

2009-08-21T22:51:00.001+01:00

RNLI relief Lifeboat B762 'Jack & Joyce Burcombe' launched on service on 20/08/2009 at 2.45 pm. Dover Coastguard contacted the Lifeboat Operation Manager at Rye Harbour to advise him that they had received a telephone call from the skipper of a 4m RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), who were experiencing a lot of sea between Hastings and Rye Harbour and were unhappy with the
situation but didn't feel that he needed the Lifeboat.

It was felt by Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour that it would be prudent to launch and escort the casualty in to harbour, a course of action that was agreed with by Dover Coastguard. Lifeboat B762 met the casualty west of Rye Harbour entrance at 2.50 pm. It was noticed that the skipper had a cut to his face, which had been received when he had head butted the steering wheel. The skippers wife was very concerned by their situation almost to the extent of being frightened. Reassurance was given by the crew of Lifeboat B762 and the boat was escorted into Rye Harbour.

The casualty was put on the public slipway at Rye Harbour and they put their boat back on its trailer at 3.15 pm. After they had recovered their boat, both husband and wife came into the boathouse and first aid was given to the skippers face. The Lifeboat was washed down and made ready for service at 3.50 pm.

Tony Edwards, Deputy Launching Authority for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: 'this is one of those situations that the crew train on a regular basis for. Today, only 1 in 10 crew members joins the RNLI with a professional maritime occupation.'

Seven missing persons.

2009-08-21T22:48:00.003+01:00

RNLI relief Lifeboat B762 'Jack & Joyce Burcombe' launched on 19/08/09 at 3.40 pm after being requested by Dover Coastguard to assist with a search for seven missing children at Camber sands. Lifeboat B762 was on scene at 3.45 pm and a thorough search of the area conducted.

Because of the number of people on the beach at Camber, two additional crew members were put ashore by the Lifeboat to help search for the Children on the beach. Throughout the afternoon reports of children being found by persons ashore, were being received and at 5.20 pm Dover Coastguard reported that all seven missing children had been found.

Before departing from the scene, Lifeboat B762 was tasked to carry out one last sweep along the whole length of Camber Sands. This completed the Lifeboat prepared for a low water recovery just west of Rye Harbour entrance. At 6.10 pm Lifeboat B762 reported that they had come across three swimmers, at least half a mile from the shore and all were struggling to make it back ashore. They were recovered into the Lifeboat and landed on Camber Sands. The Lifeboat then returned to the recovery location and was recovered onto it's carriage at 6.20 pm. The Lifeboat arrived back at station at 7.15 pm and was ready for service at 8 pm.

Tony Edwards, Deputy Launching Authority for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: 'The RNLI rescues an average of four young people every day. Remember SAFE. SAFE is aimed at helping children remember key sea safety messages: Spot the dangers. Always go with a friend. Find and follow safety signs and flags. Emergency? Stick up your hands and shout or ring 999 or
112. For more information visit www.rnli.org.uk/shorething.'

LIFEBOAT LAUNCHES ON SERVICE FOR A PERSON IN THE WATER

2009-08-10T17:00:00.002+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI relief Lifeboat B762 'Jack & Joyce Burcombe' launched on service today (10/08/09) at 3.18 pm, to a person in the water a half mile south of Pett Level slipway. When RNLI Lifeboat B762 arrived on scene at 3.30 pm the casualty had already made their way to shore.

When RNLI Lifeboat B762 arrived on scene, contact was made with the casualty; a teenage male (about 17 years old) holidaying at Pett Level. He confirmed that he had been out on his kayak which had been holed, causing it to fill with water and sink - his only option was to swim back to shore without the kayak.

RNLI Lifeboat B762 left the scene at 3.35 pm, on their way back to station, the crew of Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat recovered the part sunken kayak and arrived back at station at 4.15 pm.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: 'Over half of the 8000 RNLI lifeboat launches each year are to leisure craft users. With this in mind the RNLI have launched a leisure marine fundraising campaign - 'Serious Fun!' Serious Fun aims to increase committed, financial support for the charity among all watersports enthusiasts, so they can enjoy the water confident in the knowledge that the RNLI is never far away should things go wrong. More information is available at www.rnli.org.uk/seriousfun.'

Rye Harbour Lifeboat B727, assists the Dutch Yacht 'Sneeuwgans'

2009-07-26T19:56:00.004+01:00

Rye Harbour Lifeboat StationRye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' was tasked by Dover Coastguard at 12.50 pm to go to the assistance of the Dutch yacht 'Sneeuwgans', a 9 metre yacht suffering from rudder problems. Lifeboat B727 arrived at the casualty, 1 mile South East of Rye Harbour entrance at 12.55 pm, and proceeded to escort the casualty to Harbour. At 1.26 pm the casualty was put along side the jetty at Rye Harbour.

The yacht 'Sneeuwgans' set sail from Kwintsheul, Holland, on passage to Rye Harbour. The yacht tried to enter the harbour too early and hit the sand bar in the mouth of the river. The skipper of the yacht decided to return to deeper water to assess the damage to the yacht. The yacht's steering, whilst damaged was not totally useless. Rye Harbour Lifeboat was all geared to undertake an emergency tow should things go wrong when the yacht 'Sneeuwgans' entered the harbour on the flood tide.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: 'The RNLI is a registered charity that saves lives at sea. It provides, on-call, a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service to 100 nautical miles out from the coast of the United kingdom and Republic of Ireland. The RNLI which provides nine out of ten sea rescue launches, continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for its income. If the tables were turned, the Dutch Lifeboat service would come to the aid of a UK registered yacht.'

Fundraising Treasurer at Rye Harbour, Sally Bayly is awarded the RNLI'S Bronze Badge

2009-07-13T17:11:00.006+01:00

Sally Bayly, Fundraising Treasurer at Rye Harbour is awarded the RNLI's Bronze Badge Sally Bayly, the Fundraising Treasurer at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station was presented with the RNLI's Bronze Badge by Peter Huxtable MBE, coxswain of Shoreham RNLI Lifeboat, on Saturday 20 June 2009 at the RNLI Lifeboat College at Poole in recognition of her individual services. Following the presentation, there was a tour of the Lifeboat College where Sally and the other awardees were able to see the training simulator and the training pool.

Sally joined the Rye Harbour and District Branch (formerly known as Rye, Winchelsea and District Branch) in November 2003 as the Branch Treasurer, a position that she held up until Wednesday 11 June 2008 when Rye Harbour and District Branch merged with Rye Harbour Station Branch when Sally became the Fundraising Treasurer for Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station.

Sally Bayly, Fundraising Treasurer for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Stations, said: 'I was suprised and chuffed to bits! I really felt quite honoured, actually. When I went to Poole, I was amazed to find out (even more than I knew already) how brave and self-sacrificing the RNLI Volunteer crews are.'

Peter Huxtable MBE, RNLI Coxswain for Shoreham RNLI Lifeboat, said: 'It was an honour to present the award. It was nice to meet Sally and the other volunteers who help raise the money, which enables the RNLI to continue saving lives at sea.'

Mrs Priscilla Ryan, President for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: 'I'm pleased that Sally has been awarded the RNLI's Bronze Badge in recognition of all that she does for the RNLI. Everyone at Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station, the members of the former Rye Harbour and District Branch and all of her friends in Rye send their congratulations on receiving this prestigious award.'

Photo: Copyright Mark Howell 2009 (Used with the kind permission of Mark Howell)

Angling Boat ' Anya' broken down 6.5 miles South East of Rye Harbour entrance

2009-07-03T19:38:00.004+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' launched on service at 5.14 pm to the angling boat 'Anya' which had broken down six and a half miles south east of Rye Harbour entrance. At 5.27 pm RNLI Lifeboat B727 arrived on scene and eight minutes later, had the angling boat 'Anya' in tow and were heading back to harbour.

The angling boat left harbour earlier in the day for a days angling, when it came to return to harbour they were unable to restart the boat - there was no spark to the engine. The skipper decided to call Dover Coastguard and request assistance.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operation Manager for RNLI Lifeboat, said: 'It makes a change to go and rescue a fishing boat this time of year, as we would usually be out returning inflatables to the shore at Camber Sands. The RNLI is an independent charity reliant upon volunteers. Our lifeboat service is funded by voluntary donations not HM Government.'

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat launches to the aid of broken down jet ski

2009-06-28T21:13:00.006+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' launched on service at 3.23 pm today (28 June) to a broken down jet ski with two occupants a quarter of a mile east of Rye Harbour entrance off Camber Sands.

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727 arrived along side the casualty at 3.26 pm and four minutes later had the casualty under tow and were heading back to harbour. At 3.43 pm Lifeboat B727 landed the casualty on the public slip at Rye Harbour.

The occupants of the jet ski had gone afloat earlier in the day with friends and were having fun off of Camber Sands. They were pulling an inflatable doughnut which one of the occupants would ride whilst being towed by the jet ski. The tow rope got caught in the jet causing the break down.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘This is one of the seasonal rescues that we make here at Rye Harbour, what looks like fun has the potential to end in tragedy. Over half of the 8000 RNLI lifeboat launches each year are to leisure craft users'.

'With this in mind the RNLI have launched a leisure marine fundraising campaign - 'Serious Fun!' Serious Fun aims to increase committed, financial support for the charity among all watersports enthusiasts, so they can enjoy the water confident in the knowledge that the RNLI is never far away should things go wrong. More information is available at http://www.rnli.org.uk/seriousfun'

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat launches to yacht with a broken mast

2009-06-27T23:55:00.001+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' launched on service at 3.19 pm today 27 June) at the request of Dover Coastguard. The lifeboat launched to a 25ft yacht that was suffering with a broken mast, one mile south of Rye Harbour entrance.

RNLI Lifeboat B727 arrived alongside the casualty at 3.28 pm; the mast had snapped at deck level and the ropes had wrapped around the propeller. At 3.38 pm Lifeboat B727 had the yacht 'Folk Music' under tow and were making their way back to harbour. RNLI Lifeboat B727 and the casualty entered the harbour at 4.03 pm and were making their way back to the casualties moorings at Rock Channel, Rye. Whilst towing the yacht 'Folk Music' back to her moorings Rye Harbour Lifeboat B727 passed a sailing dinghy that appeared to be having problems; the lifeboat crew checked with the sailors - who said that they were OK. The yacht 'Folk Music' was placed back on her moorings at 4.29 pm.

At 4.34 pm, Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727 was tasked to assist the sailing dinghy 'sail number: 1357' which had capsized in the River Rother and the occupants were struggling. At 4.40 pm Lifeboat B727 was alongside the dinghy and had them under tow four minutes later. The sailing dinghy was put on the public slipway at Rye Harbour at 5 pm. It turned out that whilst the dinghy had been knocking against the wall of the river, the outer hull of the twin hulled dinghy had split and water had flooded between the two hulls - causing problems with up-righting the dinghy.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘boating and watersports should be fun but as we all know, even the best prepared can run into unexpected problems. With this in mind, the RNLI has produced a range of safety information designed to help users stay safe. For more information visit www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety .'

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat launches to six people cut off by the tide

2009-06-27T23:50:00.002+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' launched at 5.05 pm, just five minutes after returning to station following two earlier shouts. The lifeboat was tasked by Dover Coastguard to go to the aid of six people (2 adults and 4 children) cut off by the tide under the cliffs at Fairlight.

At 5.23 pm RNLI Lifeboat B727 arrived on scene and a member of the Lifeboat Crew was put ashore to assess the situation and the level of assistance required. The adults informed the crew member that they were all safe and well, advising that they knew that the tide was coming in; they told the crew member that they had told the fishermen near by that they were alright.

The member of the crew explained that it was another person who had seen them cut off by the tide and reported it to Dover Coastguard and not the fishermen.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘this is a classic incident of a false alarm with good intent. When at the beach, you should keep an eye on the tide, being careful not to get cut off by the tide when walking along the shore. The sea is unpredictable and what looks like fun could end in tragedy.’

Great Grandmother, Penny, undertakes 200 mile coastal walk to raise funds for the RNLI

2009-06-27T09:28:00.010+01:00

Whilst on a world cruise aboard the 'Black Watch', Penny Pennison-Camus attended a lecture about the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and was so deeply moved by the work carried out by the RNLI and the thousands of people saved each year; she decided to undertake a 200 mile sponsored walk to raise money for the RNLI. Penny paid a visit to Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station today (26 June) at 7 pm. Penny, a Great Grandmother, set off from Whitstable on her fundraising adventure on the 15 June and will be finishing at Lymington on the 15 July.

Penny, whilst at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: 'I was so deeply moved by the fact that so many people are rescued by the RNLI each year and yet receive no funding from the Government, having to rely entirely on donations. Although being a Great Grandmother, I enjoy very good health and love walking. I felt that I wanted to raise some funds and thought that walking would be a good way of raising funds for the RNLI. If anyone would like to sponsor me on my journey, they can make a donation at www.justgiving.com/penny-pennison-camus .’

Richard Tollett, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: 'It's amazing that people, Like Penny, undertake adventures to raise money for the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea. RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24 hour search and rescue service around the coasts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, rescuing on average 21 people every day from the water, in situations which are often difficult and sometimes dangerous. The RNLI is independent from Government, relying on donations for its income.'

Penny's schedule:

Saturday 27 June - Hastings

Monday 29 June - Bexhill
Tuesday 30 June - Pevensey
Wednesday 1 July - Eastbourne
Thursday 2 July - Newhaven
Friday 3 July - Hove
Saturday 4 July - Worthing

Monday 6 July - Littlehampton
Tuesday 7 July - Bognor
Wednesday 8 July - Chichester
Thursday 9 July - Havant
Friday 10 July - Gosport
Saturday 11 July - Fishbourne

Monday 13 July - Cowes
Tuesday 14 July - Yarmouth
Wednesday 15 July - Lymington

Boat breaks down on maiden voyage

2009-06-24T17:01:00.007+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' launched on service on Tuesday 23 June 2009 at 1.30 pm to go to the aid of a small angling boat with one occupant, suffering engine failure one mile south of Winchelsea Beach. The alarm was raised by the owner of the boat, who contacted Hendrik Ruysch, a launcher at Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station and the owner of Rye Harbour Marine.

RNLI Lifeboat B727 arrived a the casualty at 1.36 pm. A member of the Crew from Rye Harbour Lifeboat transferred to the casualty and the boat was taken in tow. At 1.40 pm the lifeboat and casualty preceded back to harbour. The casualty was placed on the public slipway at Rye Harbour at 2 pm and the Lifeboat returned to station, after being washed down and refuelled, RNLI Lifeboat B727 was ready for service at 2.15 pm.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘This was a strait forward, text book tow, this is due to the crew spending many hours training for such an incident. In this case the owner had checked the engine before putting to sea and had a VHF radio, but was unfortunate when the engines wouldn't restart to come back to harbour.’

‘20 fishermen perish annually in British waters, that's why the RNLI have developed MOB Guardian - an automated alert system that can help take the Search our of Search and Rescue.’

RNLI Chairman visits Rye Harbour Lifeboat station

2009-06-18T15:37:00.007+01:00

Admiral the Lord Boyce GCB OBE DL visited Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station on Wednesday afternoon to meet the crew, station personnel and fundraisers to thank them for their considerable voluntary contribution to the RNLI. Lord Boyce's visit to Rye Harbour was concluded with a tour of the station.

During his two day visit to the south east, Lord Boyce also visited Whitstable, Margate, Ramsgate, Walmer, Dover, Littlestone-on-Sea and Dungeness RNLI lifeboat stations.

RNLI Chairman Lord Boyce said: ‘It’s great to be back in the south east and meet so many volunteer lifeboat crews’

‘Volunteers are the backbone of the RNLI and to meet so many is an honour and a privilege. We cannot put a value on the time and dedication they put in – such is the amount – but what we can do is to highly praise them. The RNLI could not operate without them.’

Photo courtesy of RNLI/Nathan Williams

Station Open Day a great success

2009-06-11T21:52:00.007+01:00

The annual station open day held on Saturday 6 June 2009 was a great success, raising over £737. RNLI Lifeboat B727, Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells and launching tractor were on view and several rescue demonstrations were carried out in the river. Dungeness RNLI All Weather Lifeboat made a visit to the station and saw several visitors having a tour of the Lifeboat.

During the day the Cinque Port Morris Men danced several dances and even Stormy Stan the RNLI Storm Force mascot joined in with the dancing. Following the last dance a cheque for £200 was presented to the station; the money was raised during the Morris dancing season in 2008. The Cinque Port Morris Men achieved a first for them by dancing in the lifeboat house.

There was a cake and general raffle, tombola, bric-a-brac stall, food and refreshment and the souvenir shop was open.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘It was a really good day. There was a steady flow of people visiting the event. This year was a great success and it was made even better by the Cinque Port Morris Men.’

Peter, Squire of the Cinque Port Morris Men, said: ‘We picked two charities to support, one of them is the RNLI and the other one is a Children's Charity near Ashford, Kent. We chose the RNLI as several of us are sailors. We couldn't believe that the RNLI doesn't receive any Government funding.’

Steve Tollett, Chairman Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, said: ‘I would like to thank the Cinque Port Morris Men for their entertaining dances and also for the very generous donation of £200. It is donation like this that enable the RNLI to go on continuing to save lives at sea. During 2008, it cost on average £378,000 per day to run the RNLI.’

Busy afternoon for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727

2009-06-01T22:41:00.000+01:00

RNLI Lifeboat B727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' launched on service at 4.33 pm on 31/05/2009 after a report of an adult male swimmer in difficulties 500 metres east of Rye Harbour entrance. When Lifeboat B727 arrived on scene at 4.40 pm, they were advised by Dover Coastguard that they were now looking for a seven year old boy and a three year old girl who had been reported as missing in the water by their mother (the partner of the original swimmer in difficulties). Rye Harbour Lifeboat B727 commenced a parallel search from west to east along with Pett Rescue boat and Camber Coastguard.

At 5.12 pm, Dover Coastguard tasked Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat and Pett Rescue boat to proceed to the western end of Camber Sands and commence searching west to east at approximate 100 yard spans to look for a black and red inflatable with three Brazilian male occupants. It was at this time that Dover Coastguard tasked Littlestone RNLI Lifeboat B785 'Fred Clarke' to search Camber Sands from east to west and the Coastguard Spotter aeroplane GBCEN was also tasked to assist the search.

At 5.20 pm Rye Harbour Lifeboat B727 located a yellow and blue inflatable with two male occupants - after confirmation with Dover Coastguard that this was a different inflatable, the occupants were spoken to by the crew of the lifeboat and taken back to shore. At approximately 5.45 Dover Coastguard advised all parties involved in the search that all casualties had been found safe ashore and that the RNLI Lifeboats B727 and B785, Pett Rescue boat could return to their stations.

As Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727 was being put back on its carriage she was tasked at 5.48 pm to an inflatable with two teenage occupants (aged about 14 years old, which appeared to be in difficulty just east of Rye Harbour entrance. The inflatable and its occupants were returned safely to shore. RNLI Lifeboat B727 returned to station at 6.15 pm.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘It looks like the silly season is finally here. The Met Office are predicting a really hot summer and travel experts are saying that many people will be holidaying at home, we are prepared for a very busy summer. The RNLI rescue an average of four young people every day, SAFE is aimed at helping children to remember key safety messages. Remember SAFE (Spot the dangers Always go with a friend Find and follow the safety signs and flags Emergency? Stick up your hand and shout or ring 999 or 112) for more information visit www.rnli.org.uk/shorething .’

Dover Coastguard advised that there were over 20,000 people on Camber Sands on 31/05/2009. There were 17 incidents on 31/05/2009 (11 missing children, 3 people in distress in the water & 3 inflatables in difficulties).

2009-05-25T19:26:00.002+01:00

I had the fortunate experience of being one of two probationers to 'pass out' as full crew members today after being assessed by the Divisional Assessor against the competencies required. The day consisted of practical exercises such as navigation and veering down with a Q&A session once we were back in the boat house. This was the culmination of over a years work for both of us, including a weeks instruction at the excellent Lifeboat College. I would like to use this medium to thank my fellow crew for their help and support during this year -- everything that I have learnt is due to their willingness to pass on information - Thank you. We now look forward to our station open day on 6 June when there will be a masterclass in Morris Dancing!!! See you there.

Peasmarsh & District W. I. Choir concert with Holly Gurney

2009-05-18T19:14:00.008+01:00

£350 Donation from Peasmarsh & District W. I. Choir

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station are the main beneficiary of the 2009 concert hosted by Peasmarsh and District W. I. Choir with Holly Gurney, which was held at Rye Methodist Church on Friday 8th May. The concert raised a total of £460, enabling the Choir to donate £350 (after expenses) to Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station. The evening had a varied programme, starting with 'If with all our Hearts'. During the concert Holly Gurney performed two violin solo's and there was a reading by Mary Gaddie 'April (with apologies to John Masefield)'. Following the concert there were refreshments, cake stall and a raffle.

Directing was Lois Benton, the accompanist was Jennifer Als and the choir members: Pam Ascott, Pamela Baker, Tommy Banyard, Sarah Baverstock, Gail Brooks, Linda Byrne, Doris Carree, Heather Coote, Audrey Dent, Mary Gaddie, Shirley Gibson, Betty Paine and Barbara Vane.

Richard Tollett, Operations Manager for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘What an unexpected surprise, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.’

Lois Benton, Director Peasmarsh and District Choir, said: ‘It was a full and varied programme ranging from Church to folk to popular numbers from West Side Story.’

Steve Tollett, Chairman for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, said: 'It was a very enjoyable evening and nice to see so many people attending the event.'

Rescue: Speed boat drifting half a mile off Fairlight

2009-05-10T19:41:00.003+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI lifeboat B727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' launched at 5.46 pm to go to the aid of the speed boat 'Tonic', suffering engine failure and drifting half a mile off of the Coastguard lookout station at Fairlight. RNLI lifeboat B727 arrived alongside the casualty at 6.09 pm taking them in tow, RNLI lifeboat B727 arrived back at station with the casualty and the four occupants at 7 pm.

Rye Harbour RNLI lifeboat launched following a request by Dover Coastguard to go to the aid of the speed boat 'Tonic'. The alarm was raised by the owner, Tony Voller, who telephoned Dover Coastguard requesting help.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station, said: ‘on this occasion everything turned out well, with no-one suffering any adverse effects. If you have an engine in your craft then the RNLI strongly recommend that you know the basics of starting, running and maintaining it. Appropriate spares should be carried on board and fuel should be calculated on approximately 1/3 for the outward trip, 1/3 for the return and 1/3 as spare. More Sea Safety information can be found at http://www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety’

2009-05-01T20:12:00.003+01:00

Has anyone else encountered this individual when in Poole. I was walking along thinking 'lifeboat thoughts' and was ambushed by this chap. I've gotta feeling he is one of those lifeboat man wannabees. Anyway, just be careful, he has a wild look in his eye and just stands there shouting 'BANG'. Be afraid......

Thank you for the money...

2009-04-12T10:20:00.004+01:00

On behalf of everyone at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station I would like to thank The Holly Tree Pub at Lewisham for their £141.38 bar bottle collection. It is donations like this that enable the RNLI and their volunteer crews to save lives at sea.

2009-04-08T18:42:00.003+01:00

Last night was our divisional inspection. Our training manager organised a 'kayak rescue' off Pett slip. I was the diabetic kayaker and threw myself into the oggin in the hope that the lifeboat would succesfully make a low water launch and rescue me....no problem. Even in very good conditions though and with a bright orange kayak, it is surprising how hard it can be to see someone in the water. Anyway, all went well and my kayak and I were safely returned to the boat house. We have just received a cd of photos from our introduction course at the lifeboat college last week so I thought I would add some to this post as it brings back excellent memories.

ILB Intro Course

2009-04-04T18:38:00.002+01:00

This last week saw two of us attend an ILB Intro course at the RNLI College in Poole. For us this was the culmination of a years hard work as probationers learning the ropes. The College is a fantastic environment for learning and the course was one of the most enjoyable things I have done. The instructors were superb and very patient with us. The week started with capsize drill in the sea survival pool (see pics). We both ended up sitting in crew position 3 which is probably the most sporting, but it really was an excellent experience. The rest of the week saw a mixture of theory and practical leading up to both a writen assessment and practical boat handling assessment. During the week we covered subjects such as; veering down, rough sea handling, IRPCS, role of the crew, navigation and MUCH more. The down side is that I have become used to eating like a king at every meal and my dry suit appears to have 'shrunk'!! to anyone who is booked to go on this course - you will thoroughly enjoy it. It now just remains to get back to the station and await the call of the pager.

Body recovered 2 miles off Winchelsea Beach

2009-03-25T23:39:00.003Z

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B727, 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells' launched on Saturday 21/03/2009 at approximately 2.45 pm. Dover Coastguard requested the launch of the Lifeboat to recover a person floating in the water, who had been found 2 miles off of Winchelsea Beach by a local fishing boat.

The fishing boat stayed with the casualty until Rye Harbour Lifeboat arrived on scene 15 minutes later. The casualty was recovered into the lifeboat and returned to station. The casualty was pronounced dead on arrival, by Paramedics who were waiting at the Lifeboat Station. The Police and Coroner were in attendance at the time.

Earlier in the day, a joint Police/Coastguard search had taken place after a pile of clothing had been found on the shore at Winchelsea Beach.

Richard Tollett, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘This is the less glamorous side of what our volunteer crews do. Whilst it's not obligatory to go and collect a body, we are very conscious that there will be relatives somewhere who have lost a loved one.’

Souvenir Shop opening times for April

2009-03-22T00:08:00.003Z

Saturday 4
Sunday 5
Saturday 18
Sunday 19

The souvenir shop is open between 11 am to 3 pm

2009-03-09T18:51:00.002Z

BANG!! Wasn't expecting that!!!! Like I say nice chap (but a bit dim) ;-)

2009-03-09T18:48:00.001Z

Mmmmm our tractor driver - nice chap- but frustrated fisherman. He'd been watching the fisherman on the other side of the river and thought he'd cast his net and see what would happen............

2009-03-04T19:05:00.002Z

Also...................a reminder that on this day in 1824 the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck was founded by Sir William Hillary (see pic), the predecessor of our RNLI. Happy Birthday and MANY happy returns. Over 137 000 lives saved to date!

2009-03-04T18:32:00.003Z

Hello everyone, sorry for the lapse in posts but I like to include pics with blogs and have been without a camera. Anyway, to start off with, I thought I would post a pic of the Rye Harbour 'nerve centre' (no, not the Inkermans or the social club) our rather fine looking boathouse. This is where we keep our recently returned ILB and tractor, and where we train during the week. It is also where we drink copious amounts of milky hot chocolate (only joking LOM ;-). We have not long received our boat back after extensive refit and she certainly does look magnificent - all ready to face the imminent summer and holiday season. I will get some pics of the boat up next, but if there is anything in particular that the readership would like to see, please let me know.

Not Rye Lifeboat

2009-01-21T19:18:00.003Z

This is a picture of crew training.

For the interesting chap who pointed it out last time - this is not, repeat NOT, Rye Lifeboat.

Training News

2009-01-21T19:06:00.003Z

Another excellent weeks training. Monday evening saw us at sea with the Divisional Assessor from Hastings. It was my first time in any sea at night and it was fantastic. I couldn't see what was coming until it was almost on top of the boat and I had to steer the boat almost by feel. This time at sea experiencing different conditions at different times of day and night will really prove invaluable in the future, I am sure. Anyway us two probationers managed to get some more of our competencies signed off prior to attending our course at the RNLI college in March. Then it is is fingers crossed/breath held for selection to the crew proper. Future events at the station will be a radio/vhf course at the end of the month and a social event with flank stations mid February.

Veering Down

2008-12-14T17:49:00.003Z

An excellent training day today. We went to sea to practice anchoring and veering down. Veering down is a procedure that is used to manouevre the lifeboat under control to close proximity of the casualty. For example when rescuing people from a cliff (see picture) you can carefully ease the lifeboat back under control using the anchor, this reduces the risk of having the lifeboat washed against the same cliff/rocks. Please remember I am a 'probationer' but I believe this is the nub of it. So the procedure was explained to me, drawn as a diagram and then demonstrated by the helm. No problem. All I had to do at one stage was make sure that plenty of line was payed out once the anchor had been let go - easy!!!

So why then was I still holding grimly to the anchor warp after we had been going astern for 2o metres - imbecile. Anyway the helm was right when he said I won't make that mistake again.

As the lifeboat edges closer to the hazard a crew member will be aft manually checking the depth, also one engine (the one closest to the hazard usually) will be raised.

After a swift crew change the lifeboat went to the aid of some local fishermen who were having engine trouble up river.

Another great day's training- looking forward to the next.....

2008-12-12T17:06:00.001Z

This is from Lifeboatman John's excellent blog (I hope you don't mind John) but I think this is excellent - thanks. And so true.....

Christmas Dinner

2008-12-07T18:54:00.002Z

We had our Christmas dinner last night (my first at the station) and it was a fantastic night. The food and the company were both excellent, as was the karaoke provided by various 'undiscovered' stars. One crew member suggested he may even take things further and pursue a singing career (poor deluded chap)! Awards were handed out for long service, extreme bravery and minor boat handling errors. Before I forget, regarding my previous post about the helicopter exercise, I really should have mentioned the outstanding seamanship demonstrated by the helm - his steady nerve and keen eye ensured a smooth transition from boat to aircraft - thanks 'Tackleberry' ;-)

Exercise with Rescue Helicopter 104

2008-12-04T18:23:00.010Z

Our helicopter exercises occur but once a year, this is largely due to where we are positioned on the coast in relation to coverage. Rye Harbour falls smack bang between Lee on Solent to the west and RAF Watersham to the east, this means we are on the edge of their jurisdiction so once a year suits them better and usually means us teaming up with a flank station which in this case was Hastings ALB and ILB.

We launched at around 09.50 on Sunday November 30th to meet with Hastings for 10.15am at the chosen position of 1nm south of Cliff End. We moored alongside waiting for the helicopter, which arrived around 30mins later. The ex begun with us dropping 2 crew onto Hastings ALB then we began doing formations with our Atlantic onto the helicopter, after the 3 crew on our boat had a turn formating Hastings ILB took its turn. Whilst doing so we took our 2 crew back off the ALB ready to be transferred. The transfers then took place with the winch man landing on our boat for some brief instructions before hand. The formations were then completed and the helo took position on the ALB for a Hi Line while underway to drop our 2 crew members off. The helo left around 11.15hrs.

It is good for us to take full advantage of such exercises as we may have to use the rescue helicopter for badly injured people at sea who find themselves in difficulty with the helo being their fastest method of transportation to seek the medical care the require. These exercises enable us to ensure all procedures carried out between us and the helicopter are executed efficiently and as fast and safely as possible.

The lifeboat returned briefly to station to collect some ashes that were later scattered.

Fishermans' arm caught in winch

2008-12-03T18:38:00.004Z

It was an early start today when the Lifeboat launched at 6.55 am to the assistance of fishing boat 'Vic Anna' after her skipper called Dover Coastguard for help, after his arm became entangled in the net winch. Lifeboat B722 arrived along side the casualty at 7.18 am, which was eight miles south east of Rye Harbour.

The crew from Rye Harbour Lifeboat boarded 'Vic Anna' to assess the severity of the injury - there was no open wound and it was suspected that the skipper had broken his upper arm.

Dungeness All Weather Lifeboat was also tasked to the incident. It was decided due to the state of the tide at Rye Harbour and the need for a low water recovery that Dungeness Lifeboat would recover the casualty, where he would be transferred to hospital by ambulance from Dungeness lifeboat station. The casualty's arm had gone round the winch a couple of times before he was able to release his limb.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority for Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘This is one of he hazards of working in a dangerous environment. Here at Rye Harbour we train on a regular basis which also includes training with Dungeness Lifeboat. Training for this kind of incident is essential as it can be a matter of life and death. Today, only 1 in 10 crew members join the RNLI from a professional maritime occupation.’

It was later confirmed that the skipper has badly broken his upper arm.

Souvenir Shop opening times for December

2008-12-01T19:54:00.002Z

The shop opening times for December are:

Saturday 6th 11 am to 3 pm
Sunday 7th 11 am to 3 pm
Saturday 20th 11 am to 3 pm
Sunday 21st 11 am to 3 pm

2008-11-30T15:07:00.002Z

Well, where to start? I knew there was to be a Coastguard helicopter exercise today but, as a probationer, never actually thought that I would be a part of it. We deployed in our boat and met the Hastings' boats at sea. I boarded the Hastings ALB for a short while until the helicopter arrived and some dry runs had been carried out. Then 2 of us were winched off of the Rye boat into the CG helicopter - massive grin factor! We (the pilot, not us)flew around for a while before being lowered back onto the Hastings ALB - more huge grins! Then it was back to the Rye boathouse to conduct the scattering at sea of ashes. Then back to the boathouse again to prepare the boat for subsequent service. An extremely varied and fascinating morning. Being winched was the easy bit I think, the helm's task of staying on station with the helicopter must be quite a task. What a day!!!!!!

2008-11-28T16:59:00.003Z

This week training consisted of some navigation revision and then using the boat's plotter to enter way points and formulate a safe route. Hopefully we can check the route out in real time, on the water, on Sunday prior to the helicopter exercise. The training seems to be going well and the assessor is due back to the station shortly - hopefully to sign off some more competencies on my route to becoming a crew member. Obviously there was a post training de-brief in the Inkerman's! ;-) (That's the best bit) Looking forward to Sunday now, hopefully to get some time afloat, or to witness the helicopter exercise. Next week - Crew Christmas Dinner!! Excellent.

Sundays Exercise

2008-11-27T22:24:00.007Z

Sunday will see Rye Harbour Lifeboat and Hastings Inshore and Offshore boats training with the new coastguard helicopter from Lee-On-Solent. A blog on the exercise and photos will shortly follow.

2008-11-24T19:17:00.004Z

A random photo of some of the crew exercising in the river earlier this year when it was a bit calmer (and warmer) than it is at the moment! Happy days.

A good and varied week

2008-11-24T19:03:00.005Z

A very good and varied week at the boat house last week. Fitness tests were conducted and competencies were assessed. These all mark progress towards becoming a full member of the crew. Most exciting was the news that 2 of us probationers were to be loaded on the crew course at the Lifeboat College, Poole. I'm glad there's 2 of us going, 'cos the other chap is the brainy one and I can copy him! Although you never stop learning, it would be great to make the move from probationer to crew member. For the next few weeks we have things such as; further assessments, helicopter exercises and our Christmas dinner (can't wait).

Frenchman's Beach Holiday Park raise £668

2008-11-22T14:47:00.000Z

Stormy Stan the RNLI mascot received a cheque for £668 from Loopy the Rabbit, the mascot for Park Holidays UK which owns and operates Frenchman's Beach on Saturday, 22 November.

The fund raising bid started earlier in the year, when the six intrepid adventurers (Trish Noonan, Liam Duffey, Andrew Hennessey, Alan Reid, Amanda Richardson and Mark Tricker) set sail in the Rye Raft Race. The money was collected through sponsorship from colleagues and holiday home owners, and also collecting boxes sited at Frenchman's Beach holiday park.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Operations Manager at Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station, said: ‘I would like to thank everyone at Frenchman's Beach holiday park for this generous donation. It is generous donations like this that enable the RNLI to continue its lifesaving duties. The RNLI is funded by voluntary donation and not HM Government.’

Diane Parr, General Manager at Frenchman's Beach holiday park said: ‘The RNLI’s volunteer crews make a large contribution to seaside safety in our region and we are keen to support our local lifeboat station. This year, we’re pleased that our funds will help the RNLI charity.’

£700 Raised at Xmas Coffee Morning

2008-11-22T14:24:00.006Z

The Christmas coffee morning held on Saturday 22 November at Rye Harbour Sailing Club raised an amazing £700.63. This is the second event organised by the new Fundraising Team, following the Rye Harbour and District Branch being placed into 'light preservation' due to dwindling volunteer numbers.

The new Fundraising Team at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station was set up on 11 June 2008, when the six remaining branch volunteers joined the Lifeboat Station.

Although this is the second event hosted by the Fundraising Team, they haven't been taking things easy. They have been setting up the Souvenir Shop at the Lifeboat Station - which is currently open on the first and third weekend of each month between 11 am and 3 pm.

Steve Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Management Group Chairman at Rye Harbour said: 'The event was an outstanding success. It was good to see so many supporters come to the event. I would like to express my most sincere thanks to the Committee and members of Rye Harbour Sailing Club for gifting us the use of a wonderful venue, and to everyone who made this event the success it was, without you it would not be possible.

If you would like to become a member of a friendly, enthusiastic and active team, then send your name, address and telephone number to: Branch Membership Secretary, Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station, The Point, Rye Harbour Road, Rye Harbour. TN31 7TU

Mary Stanford Memorial Service

2008-11-17T16:38:00.003Z

Yesterday was my first experience of the Mary Stanford memorial service. It is an extremely moving occasion and the church was filled to the rafters (and more). We were honoured with the presence of the RNLI Forest Row choir who were fantastic. After the service we retired to the village hall for tea and biscuits and from there on for a couple of 'sociables' down town. Tonight there are some assessments being conducted at the boat house, one of which is the fitness test!!!! Unbelievable timing after yesterday. That is all for now. If I survive tonight there will be more later......

Mary Stanford Lifeboat Disaster - 80th Anniversary

2008-11-16T15:19:00.002Z

This year was the 80th Anniversary of the Mary Stanford Lifeboat Disaster. On 15th November 1928, the Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat ‘Mary Stanford’ launched into a raging storm to go to the aid of the S.S. Alice of Riga, which had been involved in a collision off Dungeness Point.

Unbeknown to the 17 Crewmen of the Mary Stanford, the crew of the Alice has been rescued by the S.S. Smyrna. The crew of the Mary Stanford lifeboat never saw the recall signal, so set their sails, and rowed into the storm - which was raging in the English Channel.
The last time that the Mary Stanford Lifeboat was seen was by a young lad at Camber, when he saw the lifeboat capsize.

All 17 crewmen lost their lives that day. It is the biggest loss of life from a single lifeboat ever suffered by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

To mark this event, the Forest Row Lifeboat Choir, attended the annual Memorial Service at the Church of the Holy Spirit at Rye Harbour. There were in excess of 200 people in attendance. There was a short service at the graveside following the Memorial Service, where individual posies were laid on the 17 plaques and wreaths were laid on the grave – which is the actual memorial to the 17 crewmen.

Crew from Hastings, Dungeness and Littlestone Lifeboat Stations were also in attendance.

Four teenagers washed ashore on Camber Sands in 20ft Cabin Cruiser

2008-10-19T23:49:00.002+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI relief Lifeboat B722 'Beatrice Dorothy' launched at 3.23 pm today (19/10/08) to a 20ft cabin cruiser being washed ashore on Camber Sands. Dover Coastguard requested the launch of the lifeboat after receiving a call about a boat in difficulty, being washed ashore.

Lifeboat B722 arrived on scene at 3.29 pm but the four teenagers had abandoned ship, jumping into the rough surf. The teenagers were safe ashore, being given some sea safety advice by the Coastguards. Due to the rough conditions, it was decided that the Lifeboat would not attempt to recover the boat as the boat had suffered some damage whilst being washed ashore and was not in a sea worthy condition.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager for Rye Harbour Lifeboat, said: ‘The top priority is the preservation of life, both of the lifeboat crew and the casualty. In today's rough weather conditions, the decision was made to leave the casualties boat which had grounded. On average it costs £2,200 to launch an inshore lifeboat.’

Coffee morning a great success

2008-10-19T23:44:00.005+01:00

The RNLI coffee morning held at the Butter Market, Rye Town Hall on Saturday 18 October was a great success, raising in the region of £366.

This is the first event organised by the new Fundraising Team at Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station, following the Rye Harbour and District Branch being placed into 'light preservation' due to dwindling volunteer numbers. The new Fundraising Team at Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station was setup on 11 June 2008, when the six remaining branch volunteers joined the Lifeboat Station.

Although this is the first event hosted by the Fundraising Team, they haven't been taking things easy. They have been setting up the Souvenir Shop at the Lifeboat Station - which is currently open on the first and third weekend of each month between 11 am and 3 pm.

Steve Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Management Group Chairman at Rye Harbour said: ‘The event was an outstanding success. It was good to see so many supporters come to the event. I would like to express my most sincere thanks to His Worship the Mayor of Rye, Councillor Sam Souster for gifting us the use of the venue, and to everyone who made this event the success it was, without you it would not be possible.

The next event will be held on 22 November 2008 at Rye Harbour Sailing Club, Rye Harbour. I hope to see you there.’

If you would like to become a member of a friendly, enthusiastic and active team, then send your name, address and telephone number to: Branch Membership Secretary, Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station, The Point, Rye Harbour Road, Rye Harbour. TN31 7TU.

Yacht thought to be in trouble

2008-10-19T19:30:00.002+01:00

RNLI relief Lifeboat B722 'Beatrice Dorothy' launched to the 24ft sail yacht 'Nervous Tension' who had been reported to Dover Coastguard as appearing to be in trouble, off Jury's Gap.

Lifeboat B722 launched today (Saturday 18th October) at 5.52 pm and arrived at the casualty eight minutes later. When the lifeboat crew arrived at the yacht, the two sailors advised that they were not in any trouble, and confirmed that everything was OK.

They were wished a safe onward journey to Sovereign Harbour at Eastbourne. Lifeboat B722 arrived back at the station at 6.20 pm.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour Lifeboat, said: ‘Although this rescue turned out to be a false alarm with good intent, someone thought the yacht was in trouble and Dover Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch. It is always better to air on the side of caution as the situation could have been completely different, especially with the fading light and the tide dropping.’

Fishing boat washing to shore, with net fouled propeller

2008-10-14T18:24:00.001+01:00

RNLI relief Lifeboat B722 'Beatrice Dorothy' launched on Saturday 11 October 2008 to a small fishing vessel, suffering from a net fouled propeller and being washed towards shore. Lifeboat B722 launched at 9.35 am and arrived at the casualty, just off Galloway's tower, ten minutes later.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene, the skipper of the boat was in the water holding the boat, to keep her from grounding. The crew of the lifeboat took the casualty in tow and towed her out to sea where the skipper safely removed the net from the propeller. Once cleared, the tow was dropped and the fishing boat continued fishing. Lifeboat B722 departed the casualty at 10 am and arrived back at station at 10.20 am.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operation Manager at Rye Harbour, said: ‘You never know what you are going to launch to. This service was different as it was foggy. That is why it is so important to train on a regular basis and keep up-to-date with current technology and search and rescue techniques.

On average it cost £1000 to train each volunteer crewmember, each year.’

Up coming events

2008-10-03T16:19:00.003+01:00

Souvenir Shop opening times (11 am to 3 pm) on:

Saturday 4 October
Sunday 5 October
Saturday 18 October
Sunday 19 October
Saturday 1 November
Sunday 2 November
Saturday 15 November

NOTE: The souvenir shop will not be open on Sunday 16 November - due to the Mary Stanford Lifeboat Disaster memorial service.

Coffee morning - Saturday 18 October: at the Butter Market, Rye Town Hall 10 am - midday. Christmas cards will be available.

Mary Stanford Lifeboat Disaster Memorial Service - 80th Anniversary: 16 November.

Christmas Coffee Morning - Saturday 22 November: at Rye Harbour Sailing Club, The Point, Rye Harbour 10 am - 1 pm

RNLI Late Summer Ball 2008 - A Great Success

2008-10-03T15:48:00.004+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station raised a staggering £2680, for the RNLI Train one, save many campaign, at the Late Summer Ball held on Saturday 27 September at the River Haven Hotel, Rye. This is the third year that Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station has hosted the Ball to raise money for the RNLI Train one, save many campaign. Training is essential for the volunteer crew to go to sea and save lives.

Today, only 1 in 10 crew members come from a professional maritime occupation.
The RNLI's Train one, save many campaign was launched in 2005 with the aim of raising £10M over five years for the vital training of our volunteer crews and lifeguards. On average it costs £1000 a year to train each volunteer crew member

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operation Manager at Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station said: 'This is another great result. I would like to thank:

Riverside Restaurant
Mr Meaner
4site homes (se) Limited
Kent & Sussex Powerboat Training
John Roberts & Son
On Reflections
Jim Soan and Sons Ltd
Jumbo’s (Chris & Jumbo
SRM
The Rye Retreat
Simon Milne
Rye Hire
The Cats Whiskers
W Tollett (General Builders) Ltd
Adams of Rye Ltd
Mrs P Mitchell-Innes
Martello Bookshop
Rye Cleaners
Mr & Mrs Peters
Rose-anne
Lynn Gilfrin
The Pette Shoppe, Rye
Ashdown Hurrey
Inkerman Arms
Jempsons Ltd
Lempsons Budgens Ltd

and also everyone who bought raffle and Ball tickets for their continued support.

This £2680 will make a positive difference. The RNLI training enables ordinary people to do extraordinary things'.

The raffle winners are:

First prize: '4 course meal for 50 & a free disco' donated by 'Riverside Restaurant' - ticket 80206 - J Tollett

Second prize: '£250 experience of a lifetime voucher' donated by '4site homes (se) Limited' - ticket 09332 - Eric - Inkerman

Third prize: 'National Powerboat Course level 2' donated by 'Kent & Sussex Powerboat Training' - ticket 0037 - Pettigrew

Motor sand buggy crashed on Camber Sands.

2008-09-09T15:42:00.001+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI relief Lifeboat B722, 'Beatrice Dorothy' launched today (09/09/2008) at 1.31 pm to a motorised sand buggy that had been seen rolling several times before coming to a stop, on Camber sands at Broom Hill.

The launch of Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat was requested by Dover Coastguard, after they had received a call from a member of the public who had seen the sand buggy roll several times before coming to a stop, the occupant of the vehicle appeared not to be moving and the incoming tide was starting to surround the casualty.

Relief Lifeboat B722 arrived at the scene at 1.36 pm just as the Kent Air Ambulance had landing. The crew of Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat assisted the crew of the Kent Air Ambulance transfer the casualty to a spinal board and move him from the incoming tide to the top of the beach; where the helicopter had landed. RNLI relief Lifeboat B722 departed the scene at 2.42 pm; arriving back at station at 2.52 pm. The casualty was airlifted to hospital by the Kent Air Ambulance.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Operations Manager at Rye Harbour Lifeboat, said: ‘It's not uncommon to work with the helicopter and other emergency services. Part of our training programme here at Rye Harbour includes training with the Coastguards, the helicopter and other emergency services on a regular basis.’

Lifeboat launches to yacht 'Serene', suffering engine failure

2008-08-26T15:37:00.001+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI relief Lifeboat, B722 launched on Monday 25 August 2008 at 3.35 pm to the 26ft sail yacht 'Serene' suffering from engine failure. RNLI Lifeboat B722 arrived at the casualty at 3.57 pm and was taken in tow and returned to Rye Harbour where she was placed on her moorings at 5.30 pm.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour said: ‘It's been a busy day at the station, the souvenir shop was open and we have had a high number of visitors looking around the station.

The RNLI is an independent charity reliant upon volunteers and is funded by voluntary donation's not HM Government’

Up coming events:

2008-08-19T22:28:00.004+01:00

Souvenir Shop opening times (11 am to 3 pm) on:

Monday 25 August
Saturday 6 September
Sunday 7 September
Saturday 20 September
Sunday 21 September

Late Summer Ball - 27 September: Tickets cost £25 each and are available from Richard Tollett on 01797 223631 or Natalie Peters on 01797 229117.

Late Summer Ball raffle tickets: Raffle tickets cost 50p and are available from any of the station personnel or Steve or Richard Tollett on 01797 223631.

Coffee morning - Saturday 18 October: at the Butter Market, Rye Town Hall 10 am - midday. Christmas cards will be available.

Meridian TV visits station

2008-08-17T22:15:00.000+01:00

Following Monday's (28/07/08) shout where assistance was not required, Antonia Hastings interviewed Tony Edwards - RNLI Deputy Launching Authority at Rye Harbour for a Meridian TV news feature. The feature aired on Saturday 16/08/08.

Inflatable blowing to sea

2008-07-28T21:48:00.001+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI relief Lifeboat B722 'Beatrice Dorothy' launched today (28/07/08) on service at 6 pm to an 8 ft inflatable, blowing to sea off the Beach Club at Pett Level. At 6.14 pm Lifeboat B722 arrived along side the casualty, with four occupants (2 male adults, 1 male and 1 female children). The crew felt that the casualty should be escorted back to shore as the occupants had inadequate clothing, no lifejackets and had 500m to row back to shore against the off-shore breeze, but the occupants told the crew that assistance was not required.

The Lifeboat crew advised Dover Coastguard that assistance was not required and were released from the rescue. Rye Bay Auxiliary Coastguard Company were advised to observe the inflatable.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority at Rye Harbour Lifeboat, said: ‘This is a classic instance of a person in distress, not realising they were in distress.

The average cost of launching an inshore lifeboat is estimated at £2,200. The RNLI is funded by voluntary donations not HM Government.’

Busy day at Rye Harbour: 9 people rescued

2008-07-27T21:35:00.002+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI relief Lifeboat B722 'Beatrice Dorothy' launched on service at 3.38 pm to the cabin cruiser 'Son Et-Lumiere' which had broken down - suffering fuel problems and dragging her anchor east of the KitKat cafe at Camber.

Lifeboat B722 arrived at the casualty at 3.40 pm and took the casualty in tow. Whilst heading back to Rye Harbour the crew of the Lifeboat observed a capsized 3.5 metre sailing catamaran with a single occupant having difficulty righting the boat, Dover Coastguard tasked Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat to give priority and assist the capsized catamaran. The Lifeboat anchored 'Son Et-Lumiere' and dropped the tow, going to the assistance of the capsized boat.
When they arrived at the catamaran, assistance was given to the sailor to right the catamaran. When satisfied that the sailor and catamaran were ok, the Lifeboat returned to resume the tow of 'Son Et-Lumiere'. 'Son Et-Lumiere' was taken back in tow at 4 pm and making way to Rye Harbour.

At 4.16 pm Dover Coastguard tasked Rye Harbour Lifeboat to give immediate assistance to five teenage swimmers at the entrance to Rye Harbour, three of whom were suffering from exhaustion. The five lads were recovered into the lifeboat and then landed safely ashore at Camber Sands at 4.25 pm.

'Son Et-Lumiere' was taken back in tow at 4.30 pm, and made way to Rye Harbour. At 5 pm 'Son Et-Lumiere' was placed on her moorings at Rye. Lifeboat B722 returned to station at 5.10 pm.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority at Rye Harbour lifeboat station said: 'Anyone going to sea should carry some means of calling for help. Mobile phones are not an effective means of calling for help for a number of reasons: they are not waterproof, poor signal coverage (black spots), only one person can hear your call for help (if you have a signal) to list but a few.

The RNLI - the charity that saves lives at sea, needs your support to train and equip our volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards.'

Dog jumps into the River Rother at Rye Harbour

2008-07-27T21:07:00.004+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat crew launched today at 12.25 pm to rescue a Cavalier King Charles spaniel 'Lotty' who had jumped into the River Rother at Rye Harbour entrance, whilst chasing seagulls.

The crew borrowed a 3.5m RIB (rigid inflatable boat) from Henk Ruysch, owner of Rye Harbour Marine, as there was not enough water in the river to launch the RNLI Relief Lifeboat, B-722 'Beatrice Dorothy'. The three crew members and Lotty's owner, made their way to the casualty arriving at 12.37 pm. Lotty was recovered into the Lifeboat which arrived back at station at 1 pm.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority at Rye Harbour Lifeboat stations said: ‘This type of rescue is not uncommon here at Rye Harbour, we have several shouts to dogs in the river each year. Since 18 October 2007, we have rescued four dogs from the River Rother at Rye Harbour. During 2007 the RNLI launched 108 times to animals resulting in 60 being rescued. Out of the 60 animals rescued, 40 were dogs.

Our lifeboat crews and lifeguards provide a ring of safety around our island: Lifeboats, Lifeguards - Life first.’

Twins stranded on Rye Harbour entrance marker (Red Light)

2008-07-25T19:47:00.002+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI relief Lifeboat B722 'Beatrice Dorothy' launched at 5.29 pm yesterday (24 July 2008) to two 14 year old twins who had become stranded on the Red Light at Rye Harbour entrance. The Lifeboat arrived four minutes later, recovering the boys into the Lifeboat and returning them to the station.

The boys, who are staying at Frenchman's Beach holiday park, were at the beach with their family. They thought that they would have a paddle which turned into a swim. They swam out to the Red Light but their mother told them to stay put.

Richard Tollett, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station, said: ‘it was prime conditions for a shout - sunny weather, wind off the land. Although the red light doesn't seem far from the shore, it is a fair distance to swim and the current is strong at the entrance to Rye Harbour. The boys mother had presence of mind to tell them to stay put, the situation could have had a tragic outcome.

Whether we're rescuing an offshore fisherman or a child swept out to sea, the RNLI exists to put life first. The RNLI rescues an average of four young people every day.’

RNLI Souvenir shop opens at Rye Harbour Lifeboat Station

2008-07-08T12:45:00.003+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station will open their first souvenir shop at the Lifeboat Station on Saturday 19 July 2008 at 11 am.

For the first time in the stations history souvenirs will be available at the Lifeboat station on a regular basis. The shop will be open on the first and third weekend of the month between 11 am and 3 pm.

Steve Tollett, Chairman of Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Management Group said:
‘This is a wonderful development for the station and a great opportunity for the Fundraising Team, anyone visiting Rye Harbour and the station will now be able to purchase RNLI souvenirs. In addition to the souvenirs, we have RNLI Christmas Cards in stock.

The RNLI is an independent charity reliant upon volunteers, and is funded by voluntary donations - not HM Government.’

Late Summer Ball - 2008

2008-07-08T09:45:00.001+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station will host their annual Late Summer Ball at the River Haven Hotel, Rye on 27 September 2008 to raise money for the RNLI's Train one, save many campaign. Tickets cost £25 each and are available from Richard Tollett on 01797 223631 or Natalie Peters on 01797 229117.

The train one, save many campaign was launched by the RNLI in 2005 to raise £10M over five years to fund the vital training for the RNLI's volunteer crews and lifeguards.

Without the courage, commitment and dedication or our volunteer crews and lifeguards, the RNLI could not save lives at sea. With only 1 in 10 of our volunteer crew members coming from a professional maritime background, training is essential. In 2007 the RNLI volunteer crews rescued a total of 7,834 people - and average of 21 people a day. The RNLI volunteer lifeguards assisted 9,883 people during the summer season.

Richard Tollett. RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said:
‘Training is vital for the volunteer crews. It currently costs on average £1000 to train a crew member each year. We currently train twice a week at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, with an additional evening for those wishing to practice and gain greater knowledge and experience of certain aspects of search and rescue.

The money raised at the Ball and through the sale of raffle tickets, will help provide the RNLI's volunteer crews and lifeguards with the training they need to continue their lifesaving work, where ordinary people do extraordinary things.

The first 3 raffle prizes are: £250 Experience of a lifetime voucher, £200 voucher for wooden furniture and a 4 course meal for 50 (fifty) plus a free disco at the River Haven Hotel.’

Yacht 'Alcyon' aground at Camber

2008-07-01T11:00:00.004+01:00

Rye Harbour Lifeboat, B727 launched on service at 1.07 am to the yacht 'Alcyon' which ran aground on the eastern side of Rye Harbour entrance.

Dover Coastguard requested the launch of the Lifeboat at 12.57 am. When the Lifeboat arrived at the casualty she was high and dry, and there was nothing that could be done to re-float her at that time.
It was agreed that Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat crew would assemble at 6 am and go afloat when the tide started to flow.
Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour said:
‘There was nothing that we could do as the yacht was high and dry. The skipper was happy to stay with his boat, and make regular contact with Dover Coastguard throughout the night. The Lifeboat will return when the tide starts to flow, to tow the yacht off the sands.
Regular training is vital to allow our volunteer crews to go to sea and save lives.’

At 6.40 am the Lifeboat re-launched on the flood tide, to tow the 8.8 metre Yacht 'Alcyon' back to sea after going aground at Camber on the eastern side of Rye Harbour entrance. At approximately 7.50 am the casualty was re-floated to start the next leg of her voyage to Shoreham.

The yacht 'Alcyon' had run aground during the early hours of the morning after sailing from Calais to Rye whilst on route to Shoreham.

Station Open Day: a great success

2008-06-26T21:19:00.007+01:00

Saturday, 21 June 2008 the doors of Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station were opened to the public for the annual station open day.

Throughout the day, there were rescue demonstrations, two crew members racing to get dressed in under a minute, a chance for the children to meet Stormy Stan (RNLI Storm Force mascot), and have a look on the boat. Refreshments were available as were the bric-a-brac, tombola, raffle and plant stalls, which raised an amazing £381.16.

This was an excellent opportunity to come and see what happens at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, to see first hand the equipment that is purchased with these voluntary donations, and how it is used.

The RNLI is funded by voluntary donations and legacies,not HM Government. It is these donations that enable the RNLI to carry out its life saving duties at sea.'

Everyone at the station would like to thank everybody who supported this years event, whether it be by donation, helping out or visiting - if it wasn't for you, this event wouldn't have been the success it was.

16th June 2008

2008-06-16T18:18:00.004+01:00

It has been a busy week training wise at the station. We had an exercise planned for the Thursday 12th June comprising of Henk a shorehelper and boatyard owner launching his safety boat with 2 other crew members going as casualty. The scenario was that Henk whilst returning to Rye Harbour stumbled across 2 divers, one with the bends and the other hypothermic, his boat then failed to start after recovering the casualties from the water. The lifeboat launched an hour later quickly locating the speedboat and then dealing with the 2 casualties on board, after the first aid was finished and all were happy the lifeboat towed the boat back to the harbour.

Sunday mornings exercise was a bit delayed as we had to do a fuel run before going to sea. The exercise wasn't planned and was really just to test the video camera we have on loan at the station for a month, you may soon see some footage on the web site. After 45 mins of getting to grips with it we returned to the harbour only getting half way down the river when the boathouse called to say their was a broken down speed boat that required assistance 1 mile from our position. We proceeded at best speed to the location where we found 2 parents and their daughter all of whom were safe and well, this simply left us just to give them a tow back to Rye Harbour taking full advantage of the video camera on board.

We have our Open Day at the station this Saturday so much of this week will be spent getting the place spic and span for the visiting public.

Station Open Day - Saturday, 21 June 2008

2008-06-14T22:38:00.001+01:00

Come and meet the crew at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station open day on Saturday 21/06/2008.

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station will open their doors to visitors on Saturday 21 June 2008 between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm, for the annual Station Open Day.

This is a great opportunity to come and meet the volunteer crew and station personnel. Throughout the day there will be Launch and Rescue demonstrations. Stormy Stan (the mascot from the RNLI's 'Storm Force' magazine) will also be making an appearance.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour Lifeboat said:

‘The RNLI is funded by voluntary donations and legacies,not HM Government. It is these donations that enable the RNLI to carryout its life saving duties at sea. This is an excellent opportunity to come and see what happens at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station, to see first hand, the equipment that is purchased with these voluntary donations and how it is used'.

Final Farewell

2008-05-30T22:21:00.001+01:00

On Friday, 30 May 2008 Rye Harbour, Hastings and Dungeness RNLI Lifeboats came together to say a final farewell to Rye Harbour Crewman ‘Mark Gozna’ who died on March 31.

The three lifeboats, along with a party of friends and relatives, plotted a course for Marks final voyage. One of Marks last wishes was to have his ashes scattered at sea by Rye Harbour Lifeboat.

Mark was an inspiration to everyone who knew him and will be sadly missed.

25 May 2008

2008-05-25T12:06:00.004+01:00

It is a Sunday morning and a bank holiday weekend. Training goes on as normal at the station, we currently have 5 probationary crew and 1 person showing a healthy interest so when their is water available we need to get them to sea to gain the experience they will in time require. Given the conditions it would not be a surprise if we get tasked at some point.

Yesterday we also had a training exercises during which we was tasked to Camber Sands to recover an inflatable that had blown off the beach due to a strong offshore breeze. Later in the day we was paged and launched to a broken down speed boat that was positioned just up river from the station. Turned out to be a relatively quiet day considering the wind and later ebbing tide though the breeze wasn't the warmest and with patchy cloud had deterred the usually keen beach goers.

Broken down speedboat, stranded at Rye

2008-05-24T16:30:00.002+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, B-727, launched at 3.45 pm on Saturday 24 May 2008 to a 4 metre speedboat which had broken down at Rye and was in danger of becoming stranded.

Lifeboat B-7272 arrived at the casualty five minutes later to find that she had gone aground. The decision was taken to re-float the speedboat and tow her back to the public slipway at Rye Harbour.

The casualty was put back on her trailer and the Lifeboat returned to station. At 4.25 pm the Lifeboat was ready for service, after being washed down.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority (DLA) at Rye Harbour said:

'If you have an engine in your craft, the RNLI would strongly recommend that you know the basics of starting, running and maintaining it. Appropriate spares should be carried on board and fuel should be calculated on approximately 1/3 for the outward trip, 1/3 for the return and 1/3 as spare.

More information on Sea Safety can be found at www.rnliseasafety.org.uk

Jet Ski broken down off Camber Sands

2008-05-13T22:30:00.001+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B-727 launched on Sunday, 11 May 2008 at 2.06 pm to a broken down jet ski at sea off Camber Sands, one and a half miles south east of Rye Harbour.

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, B-727, arrived at the casualty 10 minutes later. The jet ski was taken in tow and returned to the public slipway at Rye Harbour with both occupants.

The lifeboat returned to station at 2.43 pm and was ready for service at 3 pm after being washed down.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour said:

‘The occupants did the correct thing by calling for assistance, they had taken all reasonable steps to get the jet ski re-started but to no avail

Nine year old boy, missing for 2 hours on kayak

2008-05-10T15:00:00.001+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B-727, launched on Saturday 10 May 2008 at 2.22 pm to search for a nine year old boy out in his kayak, missing for two hours.

Dover Coastguard requested Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B-727 launch to search for a nine year old boy, afloat in his kayak, after he had been reported as missing for two hours.

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat arrived on scene at 2.26 pm. They were re-directed to a new location where a kayak had been seen. When the lifeboat arrived at the new location, they found a kayak: the occupant confirmed that he was the missing child. Also aboard the kayak was a second boy who had gone to help the nine year old find his parents.

Both boys were returned safely to shore.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Deputy Launching Authority (DLA) at Rye Harbour said:

‘This search had a positive outcome as the casualty was located quickly. On average four young people are rescued every day.

For more information visit www.rnli.org.uk/shorething .

'Vic Anna' broke away from her mooring

2008-05-08T13:00:00.001+01:00

Rye Harbour Lifeboat, B-727, launched on Thursday, 08 May 2008 at 12.35 pm to fishing vessel 'Vic Anna' who had broken away from her mooring - being swept under Monkbretton Bridge at Rye Fish Market.

The Harbour Master at Rye Harbour contacted Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour requesting the assistance of the lifeboat with a salvage pump to help with the Rye Fishing boat 'Vic Anna' who had broken away from her mooring without any crew aboard, being swept under Monkbretton Bridge and taking on water.

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B-727 arrived at the casualty two minutes later with a salvage pump but unfortunately the casualty had already sunk under the railway bridge, upstream on the River Rother.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour said:

‘One of the reasons that we train twice a week here at Rye Harbour is: you never know what the crew will have to face when they arrive on scene. In this instance it only took two minutes to arrive at the scene but unfortunately the casualty had already sunk.

Regular training is vital to allow volunteers to go to sea and save lives. Today, only 1 in 10 crew members join the RNLI with any professional maritime background’.

All at sea for overdue Rigid Inflatable Boat

2008-04-29T12:16:00.005+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat B-727, launched on service today (28/02/2008) at 6.30 pm to a 5 metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) which had been reported as overdue. The RIB with blue tubes and a white hull launched at Rye Harbour around 2 pm and was heading to Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour with three people onboard.

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.

Dover Coastguard extended the search area, requesting the launch of Hastings RNLI all-weather and inshore Lifeboats as well as Eastbourne RNLI all-weather Lifeboat. The Coastguard Spotter plane Whisky Bravo was scrambled and joined the search at 7.24 pm.

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.’

Assistance requested by Hastings all-weather Lifeboat

2008-04-28T11:00:00.002+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, B-727, ‘Commander & Mrs Rodney Wells’ was diverted from exercise on Sunday (27/04/08) morning to assist Hastings RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat 12-002, ‘Sealink Endeavour’ which was on service to the 50 foot yacht ‘Fog Cutter’ who was taking water off Pett Level.

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, B-727, was requested at 12.02 pm to assist with the service – to transfer equipment and personnel between Hastings RNLI Lifeboat and casualty.

At 12.30 pm the decision was made to tow the casualty ‘Fog Cutter’ to Dover. Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat was released from the service at 12.48 pm and returned to station at 1 pm.

Safety first...

2008-04-25T16:38:00.001+01:00

The two strong points used for a beach recovery at Rye Harbour were safety tested Thursday night. A certificate was issued for each strong point detailing a safe working limit of 5 tonnes.

To ensure operational availability it was necessary for the Lifeboat to be taken to the shore with a full crew and launching team.

Dog jumps into the River Rother

2008-04-17T19:30:00.003+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat crew launched today(17/04/2008) at 6.25 pm to a dog which jumped into the River Rother at Rye Harbour, whilst chasing a seagull. The rescue took place without the use of a boat as there was not enough water in the river.

Four crew members attended the incident by vehicle, taking the station maintenance ladder with them to gain access to the river bed. The dog, Millie, a Patterdale terrier had swam across the river to Camber - where she became stranded on a sand bar near the mouth of the River Rother.

Two of the Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat crew climbed down the ladder and waded across the river to where the dog was stranded. They caught Millie and carried her back across the river and up the ladder, where she was reunited with her owners Mr and Mrs Wintle of Crowhurst.

Tony Edwards, RNLI DLA (Deputy Launching Authority) at Rye Harbour said:
‘The owners did the right thing by not attempting to get into the river to rescue the dog, but instead telephone for assistance. RNLI Lifeboat crews have the necessary equipment to enable them to carry out a safe rescue.
The crew train Sunday mornings and Monday evenings: regular training is vital to allow volunteers to go to sea and save lives'.

Dog stranded after jumping into river

2008-04-16T23:10:00.004+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat crew launched today at 2.35 pm to a Staffordshire bull terrier named 'Millie', after she jumped into the River Rother at Rye Harbour.

The crew had to borrow a 3.5m RIB (rigid inflatable boat) from Henk Ruysch, owner of Rye Harbour Marine as there was not enough water in the river to launch the RNLI Lifeboat, B-727 'Commander and Mrs Rodney Wells'.

The three man crew made their way to the casualty arriving at 2.45 pm. The dog was distressed, making it impossible for the crew to recover her into the boat. The decision was made: to collect the owner who would calm the dog, assisting her safe recovery.

The lifeboat returned to station at 3.27 pm with 'Millie', her owner and the three crew.

Laura Furlong, Millie's owner said: 'We are so grateful'.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour said:
‘This type of rescue is not unusual here at Rye Harbour, we have several shouts to dogs in the river each year.

‘The crew here at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station train twice a week. Today, only one in ten crew members join the RNLI with any professional maritime background’.

Life's a funny old lot

2008-04-13T17:59:00.006+01:00

Since my last blog spirits have been up and down, up and down.

A very nice evening was had at The Top O' The Hill pub earlier this month when Peter Clark, our Station Padre had a retirement do for the Crew. Peter is a very nice man and will, I am sure be missed by all at the Station. He is moving away from the Rye Area, but will be carrying on his Chaplaincy work in his new locality.

When you do this job you get to know everybody at the Station as individuals, (as well as team members). Some are are hard going and some are very easy to get to know and work with.

This month I lost a friend to Cancer. Mark was a very enthusiastic crew member at Rye Harbour. He was a keen Sailor, had shares in a speed boat, but most of all he was a Lifeboat man in the true meaning of the word. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and he was always prepared to help. His enthusiasm was in deed infectious. He will be remembered for a long time.

Last week we had our fist proper shout of the year (not that the others weren't serious for those involved). The wind was five gusting six from the South West. It was an hour and a half after high water and we had a 35ft Trawler working out of Rye three and a half miles SSE of the Harbour was having fuel problems. The Lifeboat was launched to her assistance and the casualty was towed home. It was a first for the Helmsman in charge and all went well. One of our new lads discovered that it is quite easy to part company with a Cheese and Pickle sandwich in rough weather, even if it is your favourite.

Fishing boat 'Vic Anna', suffering from fuel problems

2008-04-12T10:45:00.002+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat, B727, launched at 4.30 pm on 11/04/2008 to the 35 foot fishing vessel 'Vic Anna', suffering from fuel problems.

Whilst the Lifeboat was making its way through choppy to rough seas, the skipper of 'Vic Anna' reported to Dover Coastguard that they had deployed their anchor - which wasn't holding and they were drifting towards shore off Galloway's Tower.

At 4.52 pm Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat took fishing boat 'Vic Anna' in tow and returned her to her moorings at the Fish Market at Rye. Lifeboat B727 returned to station at 6.25 pm.

Tony Edwards, RNLI Lifeboat DLA (Deputy Launching Authority) at Rye Harbour said: ‘It was a text book launch. The crew were paged at 4.22 pm and the Lifeboat was on its way eight minutes later. The regular crew training was definitely put to good use in today's rough sea.

The RNLI offers sea safety advice to fishermen and sailors. More information is available at www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety

First Aid Exercise 6th April 2008

2008-04-11T18:08:00.007+01:00

It's been a while since my last entry so this time their is lots to talk about. We are continuing to train here at Rye Harbour on Sundays, Monday evenings and now Thursday evenings too. Though new volunteers starting at the station are only required to attend twice a month, we offer another evening for keener individuals or target someone's specific needs or established crew to brush up. We are soon to have a larger demand too, as three 17 year old lads are soon to be joining so the extra session gives all probationers an equal chance on the boat.

As the title is headed first aid I will talk now about the planned exercise that took place last Sunday. We are fortunate enough to have Natalie a paramedic on the crew, between Nat and myself we come up with some scenarios. Nat offers the first aid side and I try and work that around the boat side and the two generally work together quite nicely giving a realistic impression of the sort of incidents our crew face. This exercise in particular was set in the dunes at Camber Sands, the lifeboat crew were told a man was 400 meters west of central car park and had injured his leg. Little did the crew know Nat had managed to get hold of a severed foot (not a real one!) so this was used as a part of the exercise. The crew on arrival then discovered this, they stopped the bleeding by dressing the wound, immobilised the casualty and stretchered him back to the lifeboat. At this stage the exercise was complete and the boat returned for a debrief.

Debriefs are important, as it gives everyone an opportunity to express their thoughts and it also gives Nat the chance to offer some of her advice and better methods. Naturally once all was complete it was off to the pub for the "official debrief"as well as a few laughs!!

Now we know why...

2008-04-04T23:52:00.005+01:00

One of life's many questions has been answered by this photo - kindly sent in by Tony Edwards

Now we know why it takes seven hours for the tide to come in...

Death of Mark Gozna, crew member at Rye Harbour

2008-03-31T17:30:00.013+01:00

Rye Harbour RNLI Crewman, Mark Gozna, aged 44, died in the early hours of Monday, 31 March 2008. During his service at Rye Harbour, the station lifeboats launched 37 times rescuing 34 people.

Mark joined the crew at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Station on 16 March 2006, whilst in remission from non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, becoming an enthusiastic team member. Unfortunately the disease came back in early 2007.

To show their support, the crew at Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat station had their heads shaved at the annual BBQ raising over £2000 for Professor Cunningham’s Research Fund at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Mark said ‘I was bald at the time, following a round of high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, so we all matched. It was very funny and a great show of support, we all had a fantastic day and I’m so grateful to them all’.

Mark later appeared on GMTV to talk about living with cancer, alongside Holby City’s Tom Chambers whose character was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Richard Tollett, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Rye Harbour said ‘Mark was a valuable team member, giving 100 percent all the time. His enthusiasm, commitment and positive approach was infectious; carrying him and the crew through many difficult times.

Mark will be sadly missed as he was part of the Lifeboat Family here at Rye Harbour, once we get through the sad times we will all have our really happy memories.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon, Marks childhood sweetheart and wife of over 16 years, who is also a crew member here at Rye Harbour’.