It was a terrifying sight off the coast of East Sussex — a lone skipper battling for survival as his yacht was tossed around like a toy in raging waters.
Waves crashed violently over the cockpit while strong winds pushed the vessel closer and closer to the harbour wall.
From the shore at Newhaven, National Coastwatch Institution volunteers could see the yacht was in serious trouble, but no lifeboat or land-based rescue team could reach him.
A Desperate Call for Help
With no other option, Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 163, based in Lydd, Kent, was scrambled into the skies.
The crew knew the situation was dire. As their helicopter hovered above, the drama unfolded in real time.
One rescuer could be heard urging his team: “We need to give this guy some help, he’s getting hammered. We’re literally the only people who can get him.”
Fighting Against the Waves
Onlookers gathered on the shore, watching helplessly as the small yacht was nearly capsized by a massive wave.
A voice from the crew warned: “Monitor for big waves, because he’s going to go any second.”
Moments later, the vessel lurched dangerously.
Another crew member shouted: “There we go… that’s him. Okay, let’s go in closer please.”
The helicopter’s winch paramedic prepared to descend, but the risks were enormous.
One rescuer cautioned: “If he comes off there, Chris, he’s going to die.”
It was a race against time.
A Daring Rescue
While the preview clip only hints at the chaos, the full episode of Coastguard: Search & Rescue SOS reveals the dramatic conclusion.
Against all odds, the skipper was successfully lifted to safety along with the paramedic who reached him.
He had suffered multiple injuries, including broken bones, and was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
After treatment, he was discharged and lived to tell the tale.
Coastguard Heroes on Screen
The gripping rescue will feature in the brand-new third series of Coastguard: Search & Rescue SOS, airing on Channel 5 at 9pm.
Producers describe the moment as “one of the most daring and frightening rescues in recent memory.”
But that’s not all viewers will see.
The episode also showcases a high-tech surveillance mission, where a coastguard fixed-wing aircraft uses advanced cameras to monitor potential sources of marine pollution.
Another Crisis at Sea
The show also follows a separate emergency in the Irish Sea, where an 86-year-old ferry passenger suffered severe bleeding that could quickly become life-threatening.
Once again, a helicopter crew was deployed, racing to the vessel and winching the elderly passenger to safety so he could receive urgent medical care.
What’s Next
The series promises more real-life accounts of bravery, danger, and fast decision-making from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Each episode highlights the incredible skill and courage it takes to keep Britain’s seas safe — whether it’s rescuing sailors in peril, investigating incidents, or preventing environmental disasters.