Rescue mission after lifeboat capsizes off Birling Gap

The Eastbourne RNLI vessel overturned shortly after 2pm as crews went to rescue two walkers who had become trapped by the tide at Birling Gap.

Witnesses estimated there were more than 100 members of the police, lifeboat, coastguard and ambulance crews at the scene at the height of the incident, with the coastguard helicopter also scrambled to assist with the operation.

An enormous rescue operation was launched after an Eastbourne lifeboat capsized off Birling Gap

Some were stationed on the top of the Birling Gap cliffs preparing for a rope rescue while the helicopter hovered above the precipice.

Through this multi-agency response, the two walkers were quickly rescued, with one taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of hyopthermia.

The lifeboat crew was also rescued, and the members were unharmed.

An enormous rescue operation was launched after an Eastbourne lifeboat capsized off Birling Gap

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "At 2.13pm, 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.

An enormous rescue operation was launched after an Eastbourne lifeboat capsized off Birling Gap

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

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have been contacted for comment.

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