Five people were rescued after a small boat capsized and sank off Slash Point in Seaford on Monday 12th August 2024. The incident occurred just after 2:40pm when urgent 999 calls alerted HM Coastguard to the emergency.
Fortunately, all five individuals were wearing lifejackets. A passing jet skier acted quickly, pulling the group from the water and escorting them safely to shore before emergency crews arrived. This rapid response was crucial in ensuring their safety.
Following the rescue, a full emergency response was mobilised, involving Newhaven and Birling Gap Coastguard teams, the Newhaven RNLI lifeboat, Coastguard helicopter 163 from Lydd, Sussex Police, and the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Once on shore, the survivors were assessed by paramedics and Coastguard personnel to ensure their wellbeing.
A Coastguard spokesperson said, “HM Coastguard received multiple 999 calls just after 14:40 this afternoon after a small vessel capsized and sunk off Seaford with five people on board. They were wearing lifejackets and were taken ashore by a passing jet ski before emergency teams arrived. They were then passed into ambulance care.”
This incident highlights the lifesaving importance of wearing lifejackets and demonstrates how quick thinking from bystanders can make a critical difference during emergencies.
Originally published by UKNIP.
