UPDATE: Rescue off coast of Eastbourne as lifeboat capsizes

The drama unfolded shortly after 1.30pm when the inshore lifeboat was launched to a report of a walker being cut off by the incoming high tide.

At the scene during the rescue attempt, the lifeboat capsized which left the walker and volunteer members of the lifeboat crew in the sea.

Coastguards were scrambled along with the coastguard helicopter and Eastbourne’s all-weather lifeboat.

A spokesperson at Eastbourne RNLI told the Herald, “Coastguards and the all-weather lifeboat helped rescue those in the water and all are safe and well.

“The woman was airlifted by the coastguard helicopter and is well and the lifeboat crew are back at the station safely.”

A spokesperson at the coastguard said, “At just after 1.15pm today, HM Coastguard received a report of one casualty being cut off by the tide at Birling Gap.

“Eastbourne and Birling Gap coastguard rescue teams were sent as well as Eastbourne and Newhaven RNLI lifeboats, and the HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopters from Lydd and Lee-on-Solent, to assist.

“Two members of the public – believed to be surfers at Birling Gap – assisted in providing a life jacket to the casualty.

“The nearby Inshore lifeboat from Eastbourne attended to the initial casualty and two other people, who were now in the water also, but capsized when attempting to rescue all those involved to a place of safety.

“As a result – and at that time – there were six confirmed people in the water requiring assistance.

“Three people – two of whom were assisting at the scene and the initial casualty – were all winched from the water by the helicopter from Lydd and brought ashore, before being passed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics.

“The crew – three people – from the capsized lifeboat, were safely rescued by the all-weather lifeboat from Eastbourne. Six people were rescued in total.”