Lifeboat crew called to rescue windsurfer in trouble at Pett Level

A volunteer crew at Rye Harbour were called to assist a windsurfer who was in trouble at Pett Level.
RNLI Rye Harbour lifeboat responding to a shout. Picture supplied by KT BruceRNLI Rye Harbour lifeboat responding to a shout. Picture supplied by KT Bruce
RNLI Rye Harbour lifeboat responding to a shout. Picture supplied by KT Bruce

The call came in on Sunday afternoon (August 23) while the RNLI Rye Harbour lifeboat was at Rock Channel, in Rye, on a training exercise.

The crew was called to Pett Level where a windsurfer was in difficulty approximately 300 metres from the shore.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A woman at Pett Level had seen the windsurfer was in trouble and called 999.

RNLI Rye Harbour training in the river. Picture supplied by KT BruceRNLI Rye Harbour training in the river. Picture supplied by KT Bruce
RNLI Rye Harbour training in the river. Picture supplied by KT Bruce

Matt Ellis, RNLI helm on the boat, said that they set off quickly down the river. The sea was moderate but there were high winds.

When they arrived at Pett Level they made visual contact with PCSO Georghiou at the scene and he pointed to further down the beach. The area was searched but the casualty had made it back to shore.

Tia Bolton was one of the crew out training when her session turned into her first shout.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: "It was absolutely brilliant to be able to take part in this shout. It was my first one since progressing from shore crew to boat crew. I look forward to many more shouts to come. All the hard work that we put into training paid off and it was good to be part of such a dedicated team."

Tia Bolton. Picture supplied by KT BruceTia Bolton. Picture supplied by KT Bruce
Tia Bolton. Picture supplied by KT Bruce

Paul Bolton LOM and also Tia's father, added: "It was great to see the crew back in training and I would like to thank all those who turned out and gave up their weekend to carry on the vital work of training whilst complying with all the Covid guidelines to keep them safe. This enables us to be a strong team and to respond quickly when called out as indeed we were this afternoon."

Related topics: