Charity's race to replace failing lifeboat tractor

1 hour ago

Hsin-Yi LoSouth East

Jo O'Hara, from PLIRB, said without a launch vehicle the charity could not operate its rescue services

Supplied A blonde woman wearing sunglasses is standing in front of a lifeboat rescue station. — Jo O'Hara, from PLIRB, said without a launch vehicle the charity could not operate its rescue services

A lifeboat charity in East Sussex is urgently trying to raise £30,000 to replace its launch vehicle.

Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat (PLIRB) said its tractor, which transports lifeboats to and from the water, was suffering severe mechanical failure and becoming increasingly difficult to repair.

Jo O'Hara, the charity's administrative operator, said they were "facing a real risk of not having a reliable and safe vehicle" to launch the lifeboat service.

"This is a critical priority for us, particularly as we are in the summer season and there has been an increase in calls," she added.

Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat said without a launch vehicle it could not carry out operations

Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat A blue launch vehicle stationed at a lifeboat station. — Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat said without a launch vehicle it could not carry out operations

O'Hara said the charity covered the coastline between Hastings and Camber and "could not afford not to respond" to people in trouble.

"We are the only lifeboat asset in the area that is continually and consistently on service," she added.

PLIRB took part in a rescue operation near Hastings Pier in July 2026

Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat Lifeboat volunteers carrying out a rescue operation — PLIRB took part in a rescue operation near Hastings Pier in July 2026

O'Hara said PLIRB had been in operation since 1971, had 30 volunteers and rescued between 30 and 60 people a year.

She added the charity could not transfer money from its protected new lifeboat fund to pay for the tractor, which would cost about £30,000 for a second-hand vehicle.

"We have looked at applying for grants but they normally take several months for any response," said O'Hara. "We can't wait that long.

"We understand it is a big ask and we are grateful to the community who has been so supportive of our efforts."

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