RNLI Eastbourne responds to mayday call for tanker fire

RNLI Eastbourne posted about the incident via Facebook on Sunday (November 8), stating that Solent Coastguard had requested the launch of their all-weather lifeboat, named Esme Anderson, following a distress call from a chemical tanker.

The tanker, which was carrying approximately 36,000 tonnes of petrol, reported a fire on board. It was located around 11 nautical miles south of Eastbourne.

According to RNLI, “volunteers quickly responded to the station and prepared the lifeboat for launching” – but were subsequently told by Solent Coastguard to remain at the station, with the fire being successfully extinguished.

"Although the lifeboat wasn’t required to launch, our volunteer crew were ready to drop everything and respond when called upon,” RNLI said.