Pett Level Independent
Rescue Boat

Registered Charity Number: 286891

Proud member of NILA

Shout Board 2026

Our shouts in 2026.
Remember if you need assistance or seeing anything that concerns you, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.

Rescue Boat and Helm looking towards Coastguard Helicopter

2026 Shout #38 – 17 August – Tasked to persons in potential

At 14.57 we were tasked to a report of a person in difficulty, potentially at risk of being cut off by the tide between Eccelsbourne Glen and Rock-A-Nore.

Some of our volunteers were on station carrying out maintenance so were able to start launch preparations. After a briefing on the incident, our lifeboat launched on service and proceeded to the location.

HM Coastguard Rye Bay were tasked to manage ground support. Due to the low Coastguard presence, RNLI Littlestone were also launched.

Our crew noticed an individual on the rocks and caught his attention to determine if he was in difficulty. It transpired that the person was fishing – although his rods were not visible to those who called the alert.

After being fully reassured that the individual was not in any difficulty and would not be cut off by the tide, our crew were stood down and returned to base.

2026 Shout #37 – 16 August – Tasked to persons in the water in difficulty at Camber

At 12.34, as we were closing down after today’s training, we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of two people in difficulty at Broomhill in Camber.

With good conditions and crew not far away, we were launched on service in just over 10 minutes, arriving on scene approximately 15 minutes later. Members of the public had entered the water to assist the mother and daughter.

Our lifeboat volunteers carried out a search on the water, while CRT units from HM Coastguard Rye Bay and HM Coastguard Romney Marsh conducted operations on shore. The ambulance and Coastguard helicopter were also called.

A short while later it was confirmed that all persons were out of the water, with the two casualties being assessed. Although they were unharmed, they were handed over to paramedics for a thorough assessment.

2026 Shout #36 – 14 August – Tasked to investigate a rock fall at Rock-A-Nore

At 15.16 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to investigate, and provide support if needed, following a significant cliff slip at Rock-a-Nore in Hastings.

On a hot and sunny day the coastguard and police were concerned that there may be people either injured or in difficulty.

Our volunteer crew assembled, briefed and launched on service and were instructed to conduct a shoreline search for any signs of casualties.

After a thorough search and with no casualties sighted, we were stood down.
If you look at the photos, you may see something different. We wanted to put out a dedicated post to announce the arrival of our new launch vehicle – but business got in the way.

We will share details on the new Launch Vehicle, which is utterly awesome.
She arrived on Wednesday. We had a shout after the eclipse – on return, our existing launch vehicle literally gave up. Starter motor, electrics – everything stopped working. It was almost like she had been holding out for the new vehicle to arrive.

2026 Shout #35 – 12 August – Tasked to assist persons in the water after a horse

At 19.45 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to provide assistance to a group of people who were in the water at Camber trying to help a horse on the loose.

As we understand, the horse had been brought to Camber to be used in filming. Something startled the horse which bolted, ran on to the beach and into the water.

Around 20 members of the public entered the water to try to help the horse, which prompted the call for emergency services – there were concerns that those in the water might end up in difficulty. Along with HM Coastguard Rye Bay and HM Coastguard Romney Marsh, our tasking was to provide assistance if needed.

Close to 20.30 the horse was guided to shore and handed back to its worried owners. Coastguard teams on land conducted welfare checks on all those who had gone in the water to help.

With all members of the public back on shore, we were stood down and returned to base.

2026 Shout #34 – 11 August – Tasked to missing children at Winchelsea Beach

2026 Shout #33 – 9 August – Tasked to a person in critical difficulty at Camber

At 18.29 we were tasked to a report of a young male in the water at Camber Sands who was shouting out for help.

We assembled at the boathouse for the briefing and launched on service in under 15 minutes. Arriving in Camber approximately 10 minutes later, our volunteers were instructed to carry out a search in the water. With nothing found, the search was amended to cover a wider area.

Coastguard units from HM Coastguard Rye Bay and HM Coastguard Romney Marsh were also tasked, as was the Coastguard Helicopter and Air Ambulance.
Our crew continued their search in the the water until it was reported that the casualty had been located.

This was a tragic outcome for a family enjoying a day on the beach.

2026 Shout #32 – 9 August – Tasked to a person stuck on the rocks near Goat Ledge

2026 Shout #31 – 5 August (#2) – Tasked to a swimmer in potential difficulty at Rock-A-Nore

2026 Shout #30 – 5 August (#1) – Tasked casualty vessel in Hastings starting to sink with one casualty onboard

At 01.07 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of a severely listing vessel taking on water near to Goat Ledge in St Leonards. One person was reported to be on board.

Being close to the shore and highly visible, the vessel had been the subject of multiple 999 calls earlier in the evening, to which RNLI Eastbourne, HM Coastguard- Bexhill and HM Coastguard – Hastings responded. After welfare checks determined the casualty to be at no immediate risk all units were stood down.

We were called when the situation clearly took a turn for the worse and the boat started to rapidly take on water. Our volunteers assembled at the boathouse and launched on service around 01.30, by which time the vessel was in a far more difficulty.

However, before our rescue boat arrived on scene, we received an update that the casualty had abandoned his now sinking vessel and made his way to shore.
With the casualty safe and nothing that could be done for the vessel, our team were stood down and returned to base.

2026 Shout #28 – 2 August – Tasked to vulnerable young female entering the water at Camber.

2026 Shout #27 – 18 July (#2) – Tasked to two males in difficulty on the cliffs

2026 Shout #26 – 18 July (#1) – Tasked to a female in the water at Hastings Pier

At 01.43 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of a person who had entered the water close to Hastings Pier and had been lost from sight.
Despite the early hour, our volunteer crew gathered at the boathouse for a briefing and prepared to launch. We were tasked to conduct a search around Hastings Pier.
Our crew proceeded to the area and commenced their search. Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRT) from @hastingscoastguard and HM Coastguard- Bexhill were on shore.
Our crew continued their search further west and sighted a person in the water approximately 400 metres off shore. The casualty was unresponsive and in need of immediate assistance. Our crew carefully supported the casualty back to shore and handed over to the CRT units and emergency services.

2026 Shout #25 – 12 July – Tasked to an injured female between Warren Cove and Rock-A-Nore

At 20.38 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to two persons on the shoreline between Ecclesbourne Glen and Rock a Nore, one of which had suffered an ankle injury and was unable to continue walking.
A full crew assembled at the boathouse for a briefing and prepared to launch on service. Once afloat, our lifeboat proceeded to the location of the casualties who were with HM Coastguard – Hastings.
The casualties were safely transferred to the rescue boat and brought to Pett Slip where our shore crew conducted welfare checks and provided towels and hot drinks while they waited to be collected.
A successful outcome for all. The two walkers were familiar with the area and simply taking a stroll on a lovely evening. The uneven, rocky terrain can so easily cause trips which can result in injury.

2026 Shout #24 – 11 July (#5) – Tasked to a canoeist at Bexhill

Immediately after assisting the paddleboarders we were immediately tasked for a third time to concerns that a canoeist was struggling against the wind and tide conditions off Bexhill.

Our crew made their way to the individual to conduct a welfare check. He was an experienced canoeist who was in no difficulty.

Satisfied that there was no emergency, our crew reported back to UK Coastguard who were happy to stand our team down.

2026 Shout #23 – 11 July (#4) – Tasked to two paddleboarders in difficulty at Hastings

Whilst searching for the upturned kayak, our crew were re-tasked to conduct a welfare check on a paddleboard with three people who were struggling against the wind and tide.

Our rescue boat proceeded to the casualties and escorted them safely back to shore.

2026 Shout #22 – 11 July (#3) – Tasked to report of upturned kayak at Hastings Pier

At 17.49 we were tasked to a report of an upturned kayak between St Leonards and Bexhill but with no missing persons reported. We launched and headed to the location to conduct a search.

During the search our crew were redirected to another incident. Once complete, they continued to look for the kayak which was eventually located approx 1.5 miles offshore at Galley Hill, Bexhill. It was an inflatable which had been left in the water and blown out to sea. Crew retrieved the inflatable to return to base.

2026 Shout #21 – 11 July (#2) – Tasked to a person in the water at Hastings Pier

At 14.02 we received the second tasking of the day to a person in the water at Hastings Pier. Again we gathered, briefed and prepared to launch on service but then were notified that the casualty was safe and we were stood down.

2026 Shout #20 – 11 July (#1) – Tasked to a person in the water at Camber

At 00.34 we were tasked to a report of a female in the water at Camber Sands. Despite the early hour, our volunteer crew quickly assembled at the boathouse and prepared to launch on service.

During the briefing, we received the news that the individual had been retrieved from the water by the police and we were stood down.

2026 Shout #19 – 4 July – Tasked to a person in the water at Bexhill

2026 Shout #18 – 21 June – Self-tasked to two persons on an inflatable kayak off Pett Slip

Around 16.40 we noticed an inflatable kayak with two persons on board off Pett slip who were heading east against the wind and tide and making little progress. After observing for a while we became concerned about their ability to row back to Winchelsea Beach.
We contacted UK Coastguard who authorised our launch to make a welfare check. Our crew launched and met the kayakers. They were enjoying an afternoon’s fishing, but realised it would be tough getting back to their launch location.
They were in no danger, but our crew made sure they got safely back to shore at a closer location.

2026 Shout #17 – 15 June – Tasked to two missing kayakers at Hastings / Rock-A-Nore

At 16.20 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of two kayakers who had not returned as expected. They were in the Rock-a-Nore area in Hastings.
Our volunteers gathered at the boathouse for the briefing and prepared to launch on service. Although conditions were excellent, the low tide means our crew have to walk in advance of the launch vehicle and lifeboat to confirm the safest passage through the soft sand and rocks.
After launching the rescue boat proceeded towards Hastings to conduct a shoreline search. A team from HM Coastguard Hastings were also tasked to search the shoreline.
Approximately 20 minutes later, the two kayakers were confirmed safe and well and all crews were stood down.

2026 Shout #16 – 13 June – Tasked to search for a missing swimmer at Hastings

At 06.46 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of a missing swimmer at the Marina in St Leonards. The first informant had witnessed the swimmer in the water but was concerned after losing sight.
Despite the early hour, a full crew rapidly assembled at the boathouse for the pre-launch briefing. After receiving the tasking details our rescue boat launched on service and proceeded to the coordinates provided.
After carrying out a search for two hours, the boat paused at Hastings Harbour Arm to refuel and conduct a crew change (replacement crew had prepared and driven to Hastings to meet the rescue boat).
The search continued for a short period with HM Coastguard – Hastings and HM Coastguard- Bexhill units carrying out searches on the shoreline.
At 10.07 all units were stood down and our crew returned to base.

2026 Shout #15 – 8 June – Tasked to four persons and a dog cut off by the tide under Fairlight cliffs

2026 Shout #14 – 24 May – Suspected persons in difficulty on inflatable at Camber

At 19.35 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of an inflatable drifting from Camber with potentially two persons on board.
Our crew assembled, received the briefing and launched on service in under 15 minutes.
HM Coastguard Rye Bay were also tasked.
The rescue boat proceeded to Camber and conducted a search for the inflatable. After nothing was found they continued the search into the River Rother. Another vessel had retrieved the inflatable.
With no persons found, our rescue boat returned to conduct a further search around Camber. When UK Coastguard were content that there were no missing persons, all crews were stood down.

2026 Shout #13 – 16 May – Broken down yacht at Winchelsea Beach

At 12.06 we were informed of a broken down RIB off Rye Harbour.
We contacted UK Coastguard who were happy for us to self task.
Our crew proceeded to the location of the casualty boat, a 5.4 metre RIB with three persons on board. With engine failure the boat had drifted towards Camber.
After a welfare check with the passengers, our crew attached lines and towed the RIB to safety in Rye Harbour.

2026 Shout #12 – 4 May – Persons in water at Winchelsea Beach

At 14.25 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of a person in the water at Winchelsea Beach.
Our volunteer crew were quickly assembled at the boathouse to prepare to launch in service.
Before doing so we received the news that the person was safely out of the water and we were stood down
.
The informant did the right thing to call it in when they saw a potential issue.

2026 Shout #11 – 3 May – Broken down yacht at Pett Level

At 13.02 we were tasked by HM Coastguard to a report of a vessel suffering engine problems in the Fairlight area.
As we were on station closing up after training, we were able to launch immediately. Our crew proceeded to the location of the 42ft yacht with a single person on board. The yacht was being assisted with a tow from a passing yacht.
Two of our crew transferred to the casualty vessel to conduct welfare checks and assess whether the engine issues could be fixed.
RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station were tasked and launched their All Weather Lifeboat. They took over the tow and proceeded to take the casualty vessel to safe harbour.
Another great example of collaborative search and rescue operations.

2026 Shout #10 – 22 April – Assisting HM Coastguard

At 08.49 we were tasked to assist HM Coastguard Rye Bay with a casualty extraction at Fairlight.
Our team of volunteer crew assembled and launched on service following the briefing.
A great example of professional, collaborative working – well done to all.

2026 Shout #9 – 21 April – Missing person at Pett Level

At 18.13 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to carry out a search between Pett Level and Hastings.
Our crew assembled at the boathouse for the briefing and prepared to launch on service to conduct the stipulated searches.
This was a multi agency tasking involving SAR teams from @ HM Coastguard Rye Bay, HM Coastguard- Bexhill and @HM Coastguard – Hastings and the Coastguard helicopter.
After two hours the rescue boat returned for refuelling and crew change and relaunched to continue searches.
At 23.26 all units were stood down.

2026 Shout #8 – 18 April – Broken down yacht in Rye Harbour

At 13.32 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of a vessel in difficulty on the river at Rye Harbour.
With a high tide and favourable conditions our crew assembled and launched on service in under 20 minutes.
The stricken vessel was a 30 foot yacht with one person on board. They had encountered difficulties and was at potential risk of becoming grounded.
Our Rescue Boat was soon on scene with the casualty yacht where an assessment and welfare check were conducted. The yacht’s helm had been able to get underway, so our crew made the decision to escort the vessel to its moorings.
A rapid, efficient and professional response from our crew and a safe outcome for all.

2026 Shout #6 and 7 – 10 April – Walkers in difficulty at Fairlight and Camber

At 14.03 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of two persons and a dog potentially stuck under Fairlight Cliffs. Additional information from kayakers gave concern that they were at risk from being cut off by the incoming tide.
Our brilliant crew assembled and the lifeboat launched. Arriving at the location, the crew made contact with the walkers to assess the situation and provide valuable guidance.
The walkers had sufficient time to walk on to Rock n Ore, but our lifeboat followed them to ensure they reached a point of safety where they were met by teams from UK Coastguards.
The crew had just finished washing the boat down and preparing for service when we received another call at 15.47. This was to a call of a family at risk of being cut off by the tide at Camber.
After an immediate re-launch, our crew proceeded to search the area around the Rye Harbour entrance where the casualties were last sighted. Teams from HM Coastguard Rye Bay, @HM Coastguard Romney Marsh were also in attendance.
After 45 minutes of searching, we received the positive news that everyone was safe and well on shore.
A fantastic response from our team as always. The first responders on each shout did the right thing to call for assistance when they saw a potentially difficult situation.

2026 Shout #5 – 25 March – Tasked to a kite surfer in difficulty at Camber

At 15.44 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of a kite surfer in difficulty at Jury’s Gap, Camber.
Our volunteer crew assembled at the boathouse for the briefing and were on the water within 20 minutes.
As they made the journey to the location, we received the news that the kite surfer had been able to get to shore with the help of members of the public and was being taken care of by crew at HM Coastguard Rye Bay.

2026 Shout #4: 14 March – Tasked to investigate polluted water potentially linked to a missing aircraft

At 09.49 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a investigate a fuel smear in the water in the Rye Bay area which may have been linked to a Mayday received from an incident during the night.
Our volunteer crew swiftly launched, proceeded to the coordinates provided and commenced the required search pattern. They conducted a series of searches which identified significant patches of polluted water. Crew took a sample of the water and details of the affected areas.
Coastguard aerial teams continued searching the area from above using their specialist heat-seeking equipment.
After 90 minutes on the water, having concluded extensive searches, our crew were stood down.

2026 Shout #3: 10 March – Tasked to young male stranded on Fairlight Cliffs

At 16.28 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of a young male stranded on the cliffs at Fairlight. With an incoming tide the casualty made the sensible decision to call for help. He was unaware of the local tide times.
Our volunteers quickly assembled at the boathouse and launched within 20 minutes. They proceeded to the location where the casualty made himself visible to our crew who were able to extract him on to the lifeboat.
The casualty was taken to our boathouse for welfare checks, hot food and drink.
A positive outcome for a multi-agency operation which involved HM Coastguard Rye Bay, HM Coastguard – Hastings and HM Coastguard- Bexhill. Great teamwork and collaboration.

2026 Shout #2: Tasked to kite surfer with lost board at Camber

At 12.38 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of a kite surfer in potential difficulty at Camber.
 
As our crew were onsite continuing preparations for the boathouse development, we could respond immediately.
 
With a challenging ebbing tide we were on the water within 15 minutes and proceeded to Camber. As the crew were halfway to the location, we received the good news that the kite surfer had managed to swim ashore and was able to get assistance to retrieve his board.
 
The experienced kite surfer did the right thing to contact his friend to alert the Coastguard when he got into unexpected difficulty.
Rescue Boat and Helm looking towards Coastguard Helicopter

2026 Shout #1: Tasked to suspected person in the water at Rock-a-Nor

At 10.47 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of an object in the water at Rock-A-Nor. There were concerns that the object observed may have been a person.
For the first time this year our volunteer crew assembled at the boathouse to prepare to launch on service.
After a low tide launch, we were tasked to proceed to Rock-A-Nor to investigate and take action as required. During the operation the sea and shoreline around Ecclesbourne Glen was also investigated.
We were joined in the operation by volunteer crews from RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station, @hmcoastguardbexhill and HM Coastguard – Hastings. Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 363 was also tasked to conduct a search from the air.
After almost two hours, a large piece of plastic debris was determined to be the object seen by the first informant. With the knowledge that no person was in danger, all teams were stood down.
Thankfully there was no casualty in the water. But the first informant did the right thing by calling in. If you ever see anything in the water or on the shoreline that doesn’t seem right, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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