Injured men A HANG GLIDER crashed on the rocks of Beachy Head and the pilot badly injured was reported to Eastbourne lifeboat station by Fairlight Coastguard at 1524.on April 23. Eight minutes later the D class ILB was launched and, crewed by Helmsman Colin Burden and Crew Member David Corke, set out at full speed. The day was fine with good visibility but a fresh to strong breeze, force 5 to 6, was blowing from the north east and the sea was choppy.

It was 4'/2 hours after high water.

As speed was reduced to negotiate the confused sea at Head Ledge the hang glider was sighted on the rocks near Falling Sands and at 1546 the ILB was beached 150 yards from the pilot, a Frenchman, who was being treated for multiple injuries by ambulancemen and policemen. The two lifeboatmen helped to carry the casualty on a stretcher over the big rocks and down to the water's edge, where he was wrapped in protective plastic sheets. To help relaunch and give extra ballast Police Constable Anthony Kemp volunteered to embark as third crew member, and he put on the extra gear and lifejacket which had been brought in the boat.

At 1553 the ILB was dragged off the rocks until she floated and then, whileshe was held steady by David Corke, the casualty was carried out. Two minutes later, with the injured man safely aboard, the ILB set off slowly through the choppy sea; once clear of the confused, rough water at Head Ledge, speed was increased to half.

The ILB was safely beached at the lifeboat station, where help was mustered, at 1635 and the casualty transferred to an ambulance. The ILB was rehoused and once again ready for service at 1645.

For this service a letter thanking Helmsman Colin Burden and Crew Member David Corke signed by Captain Nigel Dixon, director of the Institution, was sent to Alderman Cecil Frank Baker, station honorary secretary Eastbourne, and a letter signed by Captain Dixon thanking Police Constable Anthony Kemp was sent to the Chief Constable of Sussex Police..