Sailor rescued from Winchelsea Beach after running aground
A sailor was rescued from Winchelsea Beach this afternoon by
the Rye Bay and Hastings Coastguard Rescue Teams after his vessel ran aground.
At 16:00 today the sailor informed the Coastguard that the
engines on his newly purchased boat had failed and that he was taking on water.
The RNLI inshore lifeboat based at Rye Bay and the RNLI all-weather lifeboat based
at Hastings were sent to help him. Unfortunately the anchor of the Colvic
motorboat failed to hold the boat in today’s rough seas and he was driven on to
the beach from where the sailor was rescued. The 20ft boat is now secured to the
beach.
UK Coastguard Frank O’Neill said;
“This sailor must regret his decision to move his new boat
from Newhaven to Dover today. Unfortunately the weather was against him and it’s
a timely reminder for us all to always check the weather and tidal conditions
before you set out and prepare accordingly.
“Despite his bad luck with the engine he was well prepared
and was able to make a call to ask for help. Without these preparations and a
working vhf radio he may not have lived to tell the tale.”