Littlehampton RNLI Rescue ‘Izzy’ After 60-Mile Solo Adventure

(c) RNLI/Beth Brooks

A small boat has been safely recovered by Littlehampton RNLI after drifting an astonishing 60 nautical miles from Poole Harbour to the Sussex coast.

The D Class inshore lifeboat Spirit of Fidelity was called out on Saturday 4 April, just after 8am, when volunteer Mark Nicholls spotted an orange vessel partially filled with water near Rustington, about 200 metres offshore.

Concerned someone might be aboard, Mark contacted HM Coastguard, who tasked the lifeboat crew to investigate.

Braving grey, choppy seas and a south-westerly breeze increasing ahead of Storm Dave, the crew pumped water from the boat’s hull and secured a tow back to Duke’s Wharf on the River Arun.

Once ashore, the boat was identified as ‘Izzy’, a tender belonging to water sports company Easy Riders based in Sandbanks, Poole.

The owners had reported Izzy missing four days earlier and even set up a fundraising page for the RNLI, inviting supporters to guess where the boat might turn up.

Two Easy Riders representatives collected Izzy on Sunday 5 April, with RNLI volunteer Sophie Collins handing over the recovered vessel.

Chris King, Launch Authority for the rescue, praised the team’s efforts:

“The whole of Littlehampton lifeboat station were delighted to reunite Izzy with her owners.

"The power of tides and currents should never be underestimated. Izzy’s four-day journey is a remarkable reminder for anyone heading out on the water to respect local tidal conditions and currents.”

Izzy’s unexpected adventure highlights both the challenges of the sea and the vital role the RNLI plays in keeping boats and their crews safe.