Eastbourne, February 10, 2024 – Eastbourne Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) celebrated the arrival of their new station All Weather Lifeboat, the ‘Esme Anderson’ 14-02, previously on service at Ramsgate for nearly three decades. The ceremonial arrival took place at Sovereign Harbour, marking a new chapter in the storied history of lifesaving efforts along the coast.

The ‘Esme Anderson’ made a grand entrance into the harbour, escorted by the Eastbourne D Class Inshore Lifeboat ‘David H,’ the station’s current All Weather Lifeboat ‘Henry Heys Duckworth,’ and support from neighbouring stations’ lifeboats in Hastings and Newhaven. Despite the rain, a spirited crowd of supporters, volunteers, and community members gathered to witness and celebrate the momentous occasion.

Station Mechanic James Wishman expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the community. “On behalf of everyone at Eastbourne Lifeboat Station, I’d like to thank all those who came out in the rain to cheer and welcome the arrival of our new station All Weather Lifeboat,”