Lifeboat launched to 93-year-old vessel with engine failure

Birling Gap Safety Boat Open Day. April 9th 2012 E15145N
The Newhaven Lifeboat returns to base after exercise with Coastguard helicopter is called off. SUS-150113-100140001Birling Gap Safety Boat Open Day. April 9th 2012 E15145N
The Newhaven Lifeboat returns to base after exercise with Coastguard helicopter is called off. SUS-150113-100140001
Birling Gap Safety Boat Open Day. April 9th 2012 E15145N The Newhaven Lifeboat returns to base after exercise with Coastguard helicopter is called off. SUS-150113-100140001

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Newhaven's Severn Class lifeboat was launched on Saturday (January 16) at to assist a 43ft ketch which had experienced engine failure.

The historic ketch, which is 93 years old and weighs in at over 30 tonnes, had experienced engine failure approximately half a mile south west of Newhaven.

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Smoke was spotted in the engine compartment, so the engine was immediately shut down. Both crew on board were uninjured.

The lifeboat was soon alongside the casualty vessel and a crew member was put on board to check that there was no risk of fire or water ingress before a tow was established.

Once the lifeboat crew member confirmed that the vessel was safe, a tow was established and the historic vessel was towed into Newhaven and safely moored alongside.

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The ketch’s crew thanked Newhaven lifeboat for their assistance. Newhaven lifeboat was again ready for service at 6:35pm.

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