A sailor who had recently purchased a 20 foot Colvic motor sailor contacted the Coastguard yesterday afternoon after the boat’s engine failed and that the boat began taking on water. The RNLI inshore lifeboat based at Rye Bay and the RNLI all-weather lifeboat based at Hastings were sent to help him. Unfortunately the anchor of the Colvic motorboat failed to hold the boat in rough seas and he was driven on to the beach from where the sailor was rescued. The boat is now secured to the beach.

UK Coastguard Frank O’Neill said, ‘This sailor must regret his decision to move his new boat from Newhaven to Dover. Unfortunately the weather was against him and it’s a timely reminder for us all to always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out and prepare accordingly. Despite his bad luck with the engine he was well prepared and was able to make a call to ask for help. Without these preparations and a working vhf radio he may not have lived to tell the tale.’