A Border Force ship came to the rescue after a boat suffered an engine failure.
RNLI Eastbourne were called into action after the stricken 27-foot vessel issued a Pan Pan urgency call.
This means the situation is urgent, but does not pose an immediate danger to anyone's life or to the vessel itself.
The RNLI crew received the call just after 10.30 am on November 16.
However, according to RNLI Eastbourne, a Border Force vessel was already in the area and intervened to help out.
A spokesperson for RNLI Eastbourne said: "On Sunday, November 16, at 10.37am, our all-weather lifeboat diverted from a weekly exercise after a 27-foot motor vessel broadcast a Pan Pan urgency call, stating they had suffered an engine failure.
"Border Force vessel 'Seeker' was in the area and arrived on scene before the lifeboat, where they transferred two crew in an attempt to carry out repairs, but this proved unsuccessful, and a tow was commenced.
"Once the lifeboat arrived on scene, the tow was transferred, allowing 'Seeker' to depart.
"40 minutes later, the casualty vessel was brought into the safety of Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, and passed over to awaiting marina staff."
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A spokesperson for HM Coastguard added: "A motor vessel with two people on board - reporting engine problems south of Eastbourne - was assisted by a Border Force vessel, before handing over to the RNLI's all-weather lifeboat from Eastbourne, to complete recovery to Sovereign Harbour.
"HM Coastguard was informed at about 8.10am on 16 November."
The Home Office have been contacted for comment.
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