Review into why Eastbourne lifeboat capsized off Birling Gap

The lifeboat overturned while responding to reports of a person in the water at Birling Gap yesterday afternoon, sending three crew members into the water.

The operation was launched after two walkers were cut off by the tide at the Sussex beauty spot shortly after 2pm, Sussex Police said.

There was a huge emergency response, with coastguard, lifeboat, police and ambulance crews all called to the scene as well as the coastguard helicopter.

Stock image of Eastbourne D Class Inshore Lifeboat Credit: RNLI/Martin Fish

Witnesses estimated there were more than 100 members of the emergency services at the scene at the height of the incident.

Eastbourne RNLI crews were among those who rushed to respond but, while manoeuvring their Eastbourne D Class Inshore Lifeboat (above) into position for the rescue, the vessel capsized.

Three crew members were tipped into the water, but the trio were quickly recovered and returned to Eastbourne Lifeboat Station on board the service's all-weather lifeboat. None of them required medical assistance.

A casualty was also recovered from the water.

An Eastbourne lifeboat capsized during a rescue off Birling Gap Credit: Eddie Mitchell

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "At 2.13pm on Wednesday 3 February police received a report that the Eastbourne RNLI inshore lifeboat had capsized while going to the rescue of two walkers who had become trapped by the tide on the foreshore at Birling Gap, East Dean.

"The lifeboat crew and the two walkers were quickly rescued by the coastguard and RNLI vessels, working with a coastguard helicopter.

"The crew were unharmed and one of the walkers, a woman, was taken to hospital to be treated or the effects of hyopthermia."

An Eastbourne lifeboat capsized during a rescue off Birling Gap Credit: Eddie Mitchell

Eastbourne RNLI has since issued a statement saying that "all three members of the Eastbourne crew are highly experienced" and "their families have been informed that they are all well".

The service said that, at this stage, it is not possible to confirm what caused the lifeboat to capsize.

But the incident is believed to have happened as a result of "surf conditions".

"As is normal with these type of events a review will be conducted to establish what led to the capsize," an Eastbourne RNLI spokesman said.

An Eastbourne lifeboat capsized during a rescue off Birling Gap Credit: Eddie Mitchell

RNLI lifesaving manager Glen Mallen said he was pleased that the rescue operation had been a success, and the crew members were safe.

He said: "On occasions RNLI volunteers risk their lives to save others at sea and the charity makes sure that all its crew members receive the right equipment and training to deal with anything the sea might throw at them."

The Eastbourne inshore lifeboat is being recovered and the vessel will be assessed to see how much damage it sustained during the incident.

A replacement inshore lifeboat will arrive at Eastbourne Lifeboat Station soon.

This will be used while the original boat's condition is assessed.

In the meantime, cover will be provided by nearby lifeboat stations.