Amphibious rescue Eastbourne - South East Division The Director of the RNLI has sent a letter of appreciation to two Eastbourne brothers after an unusual shore-boat service in which their amphibious vehicle helped a fishing boat, while Eastbourne's D class inflatable lifeboat stood by.

At about 1540 on 12 April 1988 the fishing boat Searcher reported by radio that she was anchored offshore at Eastbourne with gearbox trouble, and was dragging her anchor in a NE by E Force 6 wind. She was about a quarter of a mile beyond the 6ft surf breaking on the beach and the two crew asked the local boatyard for assistance - Eastbourne's Rother class lifeboat being unable to launch at low water.

Heavily laden Brothers Brian and Colin Allchorn agreed to launch their amphibious DUKW, despite being heavily laden with 130 fathoms of chain for the Rother's low water launching gear, provided the D class stood by.

The DUKW launched successfully and made fast alongside Searcher. Although the DUKW was shipping water in the heavy seas the Allchorn brothers were able to buoy the fishing boat's anchor and return the boat to the beach through the surf at 1608.

Brian and Colin Allchom subsequently wrote to the helmsman of the D class thanking the crew for standing by during the rescue.

The Director's letter thanked the brothers for carrying out the operation in a 'professional and seamanlike manner' and expressed gratitude for their continuing help to the RNLI in such matters as the laying of the hauling-off gear..