A lifeboat has narrowly avoided being capsized by intense waves caused by Storm Ciara while on a rescue mission off the coast of Sussex.
The dramatic footage was reportedly captured by onlooker Paul Hogg and sees the boat almost completely tip over before a timely breaker hits the other side of the boat returning it to an upright position.
According to the RNLI none of the volunteers from Hastings were hurt during the incident and managed to retrieve the surfer they were rescuing and returned to shore safely.
Incredible @Hastingsrnli footage captured today by a member of public. Everyone onboard is safe and well. Casualty… https://t.co/kdab4zUDJb— RNLI (@RNLI) 1581273129
Although the surfer managed to come away from the moment unscathed, people have been critical of the man, who was seen attempting to catch the waves in 92mph gales as Storm Ciara battered the UK on Sunday afternoon.
@RNLI @Mousehole1 @Hastingsrnli This really upsets me to see the conditions you all had to deal with today. Surely… https://t.co/D61vVnKbMT— Alana Cowell (@Alana Cowell) 1581274390
@RNLI @Hastingsrnli Makes me mad when people put others at risk, knowing the risks due to the storm..So so brave.— Hayley Parker (@Hayley Parker) 1581274003
@RNLI @Hastingsrnli Why on earth would anyone go surfing in that? He put lives at risk.— Keir Hamilton Ltd (@Keir Hamilton Ltd) 1581284103
@RNLI @Hastingsrnli Hope this person, makes a sizeable donation for their rescue. Good to hear all have returned safely.— Alison George 💙 ✡ (@Alison George 💙 ✡) 1581273794
Storm Ciara has so far left more than 20,000 homes without power, as some areas experienced a month and a half of rainfall in a day.
In the wake of the storm parts of the country are expected to be hit by blizzards and 20 centimetres of snow.
HT Daily Mail