An overnight operation on the water resulted in volunteers from an inshore rescue team saving both a crew member and his dog.

Newhaven RNLI were alerted at 10.13pm on Thursday, April 2, after reports came in of a person who had fallen and sustained injuries to their head and shoulder while on board their vessel anchored in Seaford Bay.

The person’s dog, Sky, was also on the boat at the time.

The man, later identified as Tony Mundy, expressed his gratitude to those who carried out the rescue.

Mr Mundy said the RNLI does vital work and makes the waters safer for everyone who uses them.

The team sent out their Severn Class All-Weather Lifeboat, the David and Elizabeth Acland, and found the 11-metre motor-powered sailing vessel near Splash Point at 10.50pm, establishing contact by VHF radio.

Alex Beckett, a volunteer crew member and coxswain of the ALB, said the casualty had hit their head with considerable force and appeared to have dislocated their shoulder, which meant they could not get to safety on their own.

Because of this, three crew members went out to provide medical help, after which they would take control of the boat and bring it back to port.

The team boarded the casualty’s vessel in difficult conditions, with wave heights of between 1.25 and two metres and a moderate south-westerly wind causing the craft to pitch and roll.

Despite the rough seas, they managed to get aboard and treat the injured person.

They brought up the anchor and steered the boat back to Newhaven Marina at a steady five to six knots, accompanied by the lifeboat.

Mr Beckett said the operation was challenging due to the sea conditions at night.

He noted that they were able to execute their plan successfully and bring both the casualty and his beloved dog Sky safely back to shore.

The crew handed the man over to ambulance staff before returning to the station to get the All-Weather Lifeboat ready for any future emergencies.