In the early hours of Tuesday 9 April volunteer crews from Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat station were requested by HM Coastguard to assist in the evacuation of properties affected by flooding on the western side of the river Arun in Rope Walk and Ferry Road.
One of the highest tides of the year for Littlehampton was anticipated during the night of 8 – 9 April. Combined with a low pressure system associated with the named storm Kathleen and strong gale force southerly winds the river Arun overtopped the western bank with flood waters threatening business and residential premises.
At approximately 1am the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Renee Sherman was launched with crews joining a co-ordinated assistance and rescue operation in conjunction with Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
The RNLI lifeboat crew undertook river search operations to ensure no persons or animals had been caught in the fast-flowing current. Additional RNLI crew members walked to the scene and assisted with the evacuation of people and animals from affected residences in Rope Walk. Once it was ascertained that any immediate risk to life had been averted the RNLI volunteers were stood down, returning to the boathouse at Fisherman’s Quay by 4am.
Nick White, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Littlehampton lifeboat station, said: “It has been a very difficult night for those with homes and businesses affected by this weather event and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time. With the lifeboat station being next to the river Arun the RNLI crews are very familiar with the dangers that the high tidal range and fast flowing waters can pose to people and property. Co-ordinating with colleagues from several emergency response organisations we were able to assist with the evacuation of residential premises and provide safety cover in the vicinity of the river to personnel involved in the operation.”
