The Newhaven Pilot boat Pelorus was conducting man overboard exercises in the Cuckmere area when a Mayday Relay message was heard from the vessel Yellow Fin, who reported seeing 2 red flares. Immediately after hearing the VHF call, the crew of the Pelorus observed a plume of smoke to the east. Pelorus proceeded at speed to the vessel Know-Wanda, which had large plumes of smoke and flames visible. Once on scene the crew of Pilot Boat Pelorus got the one person on board the casualty vessel to drop anchor, as at that time he was on the stern of the vessel engulfed in smoke. As soon as the anchor was deployed the vessel swung round and created a safe area on the bow, and the Pelorus took off the person. The pilot vessel then stood off and checked if the casualty needed any medical treatment, but he appeared unharmed by his experience. Approximately fifteen minutes later Eastbourne lifeboats arrived on scene and transferred the casualty to their Inshore Lifeboat and then onto the All weather lifeboat. The Know-Wanda was later towed to Eastbourne beach and grounded. Despite attempts by the Fire & Rescue Service to extinguish the flames, the boat is a right-off.
Pilot boat crewmember Lee Blacknell, who is also 2nd coxswain of the Newhaven Lifeboat, said it was fortunate they were in the area and could respond quickly in the new, much faster pilot boat. The fast thinking and action of the Newhaven Pilot Boat crew probably saved the man's life.
Harbour Master, Dave Collins-Williams, was extremely pleased that his newly acquired vessel was on scene and able to help. The crew had been tasked to conduct manoverboard training and to be able to attend a real emergency was a bonus!