A BOAT that washed up against rocks beneath the Seven Sisters cliffs is still beached.
The 16-metre yacht left Dover on Saturday and ran aground at 4am on Monday between the Cuckmere Valley and Birling Gap, near Eastbourne.
It remains beached after it did not refloat at high tide, which was at 10pm on Monday.
The owner of the vessel, which is named Cape Michelle, will now be exploring salvage options.
A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “The grounded vessel has been monitored, ready to respond if the vessel refloated at high tide. However, the vessel has remained in its position.
“The owner is exploring salvage options with suitable companies and is in liaison with MCA Counter Pollution and Salvage. The Receiver of Wreck has also been notified.
"MCA Counter Pollution and Salvage have assessed that the fuel on the vessel poses no long-term environmental risk.
“The local council and Environment Agency have been informed.
“HM Coastguard urges the public not to attempt to approach or board the vessel, which may appear accessible at certain points of a low tide but, due to the rocky terrain, would not be advisable.”
On Monday, rescue teams were alerted to the boat, which had one person on board, dragging its anchor along the sea floor.
Birling Gap Coastguard Rescue Team attended, alongside Newhaven RNLI and the Coastguard helicopter from Lydd in Kent.
The sea was choppy, with wave heights of around one metre and Cape Michelle could be seen listing to its left side.
Last month, a yacht also manned by one person washed up on Rustington beach in Littlehampton.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel