Paraglider rescued from cliffs at Peacehaven

The paraglider was clinging to the slippery cliff face in Rushey Hill in a bid to escape the rising tide.

RNLI Newhaven launched its lifeboat and the paraglider – who was struggling to stay out of the water – was saved.

A spokesman for RNLI Newhaven said: “At 1pm on Monday (May 25), Solent Coastguard requested the launch of Newhaven lifeboat to a paraglider who had jumped off the cliffs at Peacehaven and was now cut off by the incoming spring tide.

“HMCG Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) were on scene approximately 100 yards to the west of the casualty and were unable to make contact owing to the distance. Because of the cliff overhang, the only means of casualty rescue was by lifeboat.

“The volunteer crew of RNLI Newhaven were briefed and the lifeboat launched at 1.05pm.

“CRT officers confirmed that the casualty was struggling to stay out of the water so the lifeboat travelled quickly and safely to the location.

“Once on scene, the crew were able to get the all-weather lifeboat – the David and Elizabeth Acland – to within around 75m from the shoreline.

“The crew launched the smaller inflatable Y-Boat and two crew checked on the casualty before placing him in a lifejacket, and bringing him and his kit on board the Y-Boat.”

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