At 15.44 we were tasked by UK Coastguard to a report of a kite surfer in difficulty at Jury’s Gap, Camber.
Our volunteer crew assembled at the boathouse for the briefing and were on the water within 20 minutes. As they made the journey to the location, we received the news that the kite surfer had been able to get to shore with the help of members of the public and was being taken care of by crew at HM Coastguard Rye Bay.
As our lifeboat returned to station, the crew realised there was an issue with the engine. Once back at base, investigations revealed some serious complications.
We are now faced with an unexpected and significant cost to fix or replace, which we could really do without at this time. Our crew are determined to put in the hours to do what they can. But whichever option we choose, there will be a hefty sum attached.
We are not the RNLI. We do not have the luxury they have to be delivered with a new engine.
But we are determined to find the best and quickest way to get ourselves operational again. Our crew lose earnings to divert their time to keep us going.
So we are appealing to our community to please help if they can. We appreciate the support that you have invested in our new boathouse – but that becomes irrelevant if we can’t launch to serve.
Anything you can donate to help fix our lifeboat will help.
https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/charity/plirb