A brief history of Brighton Lifeboat

2008

On the 4th August, 2008 became the busiest year in the stations history. The busiest years until then were 1989 and 2000 when the lifeboat was launched 62 times.

2007

A letter from the RNLI Chief Executive commended Helmsman Mark Nightingale and his Crew, Jeremy Tate, Anthony Parsons and Kieron Lawlor for their teamwork and seamanship in assisting in the rescue of a 42' yacht aground in the entrance to Brighton Marina on 15th May.

In rain, strong winds and heavy surf, Brighton Lifeboat passed a tow line to the yacht and turned them head to sea. Such were the conditions, the tow line parted no fewer than three times. A further tow was provided by the marina work boat which was manned by Brighton lifeboat crew and using this, the yacht was held head to sea.

The Brighton lifeboat was operating in two to three metres of swell until Shoreham All Weather Lifeboat arrived on scene to fasten their tow, with which the yacht was recovered to deeper water.

Once clear of the entrance it was found that the casualty vessel had damaged their rudder. Brighton Lifeboat was requested to transfer Shoreham Lifeboat's emergency drogue onto the yacht and make it fast.

Crewman Anthony Parsons went aboard the yacht and secured the drogue to aid in steering the yacht sufficiently for Shoreham Lifeboat to tow them back to Shoreham Harbour.

In order to safely recover Crewman Parsons from the heavily rolling yacht, he had to jump into the sea so that he could be picked up.

As the yacht was longer and heavier that had initially been reported, Brighton Lifeboat suffered significant damage to it's towing gear during this service.

2007

A letter from the RNLI Chief Executive commended Helmsman Mark Smith and his crew, Anthony Parsons, Matt Vermeer and Mark Bell for their determination and teamwork during a long and arduous search in poor conditions on the 28th July.

RNLB Thelma Glossop was launched at 21:34hrs following a report that a partially clothed man had entered the sea, near the Banjo Groyne. It was a dark night with a 30-35mph South Westerly wind, poor visibility and heavy rain. The lifeboat was on scene within six minutes.

Further information was received, that the target was actually a pregnant woman. In view of the conditions both Newhaven and Shoreham All Weather Lifeboats were tasked to join the search. At approximately 23:10hrs a woman was found, recovered and handed into the care of an ambulance crew.

Brighton Lifeboat then returned to sea to continue in the search operations, as men's clothing had originally been found on shore and the woman who had been saved was fully clothed. The search was terminated at 01:00hrs as the conditions were deteriorating further and more information had been received.

2000

New shore facility completed, work started in August 1999 and cost £299,775