Hastings RNLI Crew Member Dies After 'Medical Incident' as Station Appeals for 'Privacy'

A member of the Hastings RNLI lifeboat crew has died following a medical incident at the station in East Sussex.

Hastings Lifeboat Station announced the death on Thursday morning, saying it was 'devastated' by the loss of a 'much-loved crew member'. The station asked for privacy for the person's family and friends as colleagues dealt with the death.

Emergency services attended the lifeboat station on the evening of 30 September following the incident. Sussex News reported that South East Coast Ambulance Service, Sussex Police and the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance were among those responding.

RNLI Asks for Privacy After Crew Member Dies

Hastings RNLI said the crew member died following the medical incident at the station on Wednesday evening. In a statement published on social media, a spokesperson said: 'We are devastated that one of our much-loved crew members died following a medical incident at Hastings RNLI lifeboat station last night.'

The statement added: 'Please respect our privacy, and that of our family and friends, at this awful time.'

No personal details about the crew member, including their name, age or position at the station, have been released.

The circumstances surrounding the medical incident have also not been disclosed. The RNLI has not said whether the crew member was on duty when the incident occurred or provided details about what happened before emergency services arrived.

Emergency Services Attended Hastings Station

Emergency services were called to Hastings Lifeboat Station on The Stade on Wednesday evening following reports of a medical incident.

Local news reported that South East Coast Ambulance Service, Sussex Police and the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance attended. No further details about the emergency response have been publicly released.

The limited information released following the death comes as Hastings RNLI asks for privacy for those affected. Neighbouring Eastbourne RNLI also responded to the announcement, saying it was 'deeply saddened and shocked' by the death of a member of the Hastings crew.

Hastings Station Relies on Volunteer Crew

Hastings Lifeboat Station has operated on the East Sussex coast since 1858 and forms part of the RNLI's volunteer-led search-and-rescue network.

The station operates both all-weather and inshore lifeboats. Its current Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat, Richard and Caroline Colton, has been based at Hastings since 2018, while the station also operates a D-class inshore lifeboat.

The RNLI says Hastings crews have received more than 30 awards for gallantry during the station's history.

The station remains an active training base for its volunteer crew. In September, seven crew members gained new qualifications following months of training, including qualifications for operating and supporting its inshore lifeboat.

Hastings lifeboat operations manager Jo Mayne said at the time that the qualifications strengthened the station's operational capability and reflected the commitment of its volunteers.

The station also has a significant public presence in Hastings. RNLI figures show more than 21,000 people visited during 2025, when volunteers gave members of the public an insight into its lifesaving work.

The RNLI has not announced any changes to the station's operations following the death. Hastings RNLI has asked that the privacy of the crew member's family, friends and colleagues be respected.