RNLI heroes from Sunday’s launch among councillors at Wednesday’s full council meeting: from left, coxswain Mark Tewkesbury, Mike Eustace, Ashley White, Billy Sutton, Andy Doe and Tim Walsh (photo: HBC).

Lifeboat heroes acclaimed at council meeting

The crew of the Hastings lifeboat which launched in Sunday’s storm in search of a surfer were acclaimed for their bravery ahead of the meeting of the full council on Wednesday, as HBC Communications report. Photos by Kevin Boorman.

The crew of the Hastings lifeboat, RNLB Richard and Caroline Colton, received a standing ovation from members of Hastings Borough Council at its full council meeting on Wednesday 12 February.

The lifeboat launches.

The crew were publicly thanked by council leader Cllr Peter Chowney for their bravery when they launched to look for a missing surfboarder during Storm Ciara on Sunday 9 February. The video of the Shannon class lifeboat almost capsizing as it tried to return to shore made national news, and has received millions of hits on social media.

“It is only right that we recognise the incredible bravery of the crew,” Cllr Chowney said. “I listened as Coxswain Mark Tewkesbury gave a most dignified interview on World at One, refusing to comment on the surfboarder, making the point that their job is to go out and rescue anyone in trouble at sea.

“But the public do need to think about the consequences of their actions, as they do put the lives of the rescuers at risk.

“I would like to pay tribute to the crew, all volunteers, for their tremendous bravery on Sunday.”

The crew then received a standing ovation from all councillors, officers and members of the public at the meeting.

The lifeboat is almost lost to view in the raging sea.

[HOT understands that the surfboarder returned safely to shore under his own steam.]

Also in: Hastings People