Littlehampton Harbour Board

27/05/2026

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published Accident Investigation Report 12/2026 -Man overboard from the potting vessel Wilaya (M36) with the loss of 1 life.

Please follow the link below to view the marine accident investigation report, which includes what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations to prevent such an event from recurring:

https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/man-overboard-from-the-potting-vessel-wilaya-m36-with-the-loss-of-1-life?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=dbaf9f9a-004f-4bc4-bd84-b0f4638d84bd&utm_content=weekly

Summary
At about 1330 on 1 May 2025, a deckhand on the UK-registered potting vessel Wilaya was dragged overboard by the deploying gear after his foot became caught in a bight of rope. The unresponsive deckhand was promptly recovered on board; however, he could not be resuscitated despite emergency first aid efforts.

12/05/2026

🚨 Important Safety Notice – Marine Distress Flares 🚨

⚠️ Please do NOT leave unwanted marine distress flares at the Harbour Office ⚠️

Distress and signal flares are explosives and cannot be safely stored or handled at the Harbour Office. Leaving them here places staff, visitors, and the general public at serious risk.

Someone recently abandoned this collection in a bin bag outside the visitor's ablutions.

🚫 Abandoning or illegally dumping flares is a criminal offence
⚠️ Flares not only pose a fire risk, but also a significant projectile hazard which could injur or kill someone standing many metres away
✅ Only use approved flare disposal schemes or collection events
✅ For information on the safe disposal of flares see here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disposing-of-unwanted-marine-flares

12/05/2026

Retrieving discarded crab nets is a regular and time-consuming task for our patrol teams, and we're very grateful for this assistance from the community!

https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-world/end-of-the-line-for-littlehampton-8516805 #

On Sunday 17th May from 5pm, Sussex Underwater, alongside local Freemasons and members of the Bognor Fishermen’s Association, will be carrying out a recovery of discarded fishing line from Littlehampton Harbour.

Volunteers will be using small boats and collective effort to retrieve metres of abandoned tackle. Once recovered, the material will be laid out on the harbour wall before being collected by Sussex Wildlife Trust for recycling as part of their work to reduce ghost gear in the marine environment.

Come along to show your support, cheer on the volunteers, and help spread the word by sharing this post. Together we can protect our harbour and marine life.

See the latest news from Your World at https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-world

11/05/2026

We’re proud to be working with and to support native oyster restoration in Littlehampton Harbour 🦪

A great example of how strong partnerships can help deliver meaningful improvements for our marine environment.

🔗 Read more on our website:

https://littlehampton.org.uk/working-together-for-healthier-waters-harbour-oysters-sussex-bay-littlehampton-harbourlhb-supports-native-oyster-project/

30/04/2026

Our popular event is back for 2026.
Join us on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of August for a weekend of nautical fun!

Our popular event is back for 2026. Join us on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of August for a weekend of nautical fun! The Littlehampton Waterfront Festival ...

14/04/2026

Experienced coxswain?
Join our team!

Littlehampton Harbour Board are recruiting for a Marine Operations Assistant - Coxswain to join our team!

14/04/2026

https://littlehampton.org.uk/were-hiring-seasonal-patrol-staff/

We are recruiting for patrol staff to join our summer team!

01/04/2026

💥 It may be April Fools’ Day, but flares are no joke.

Yesterday, our team responded to reports of potential flares found on the beach in Littlehampton.

Flares are designed for emergency situations to signal for help, but they contain small amounts of explosives and can be extremely dangerous if handled incorrectly. From time to time, they may wash up on beaches or be discovered in public places.

If you come across a flare:
• Do not touch or move it
• Keep a safe distance
• Contact the Coastguard immediately

It is also important to remember that it is illegal to dump flares, whether on land or at sea. Safe and proper disposal is essential to protect both the public and the environment.

For information on the safe disposal of flares see here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disposing-of-unwanted-marine-flares

For any emergency on the coast or out to sea call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

01/04/2026

Local Notice to Marines No 2 of 2026 - Seasonal Inshore Navigation Restrictions

Seasonal Inshore Navigation Restrictions

02/03/2026

LHB Concessions Policy – Applications Open 1 March!

LHB has approved a new Concessions Policy, creating a clear and transparent framework for how harbour dues concessions can be considered and awarded.

This policy allows for fee reductions or waivers for eligible not‑for‑profit initiatives that deliver real social or community benefit. It’s designed to support organisations and activities that make a positive difference, while ensuring fairness and consistency in how decisions are made.

All concessions will be granted at the discretion of the Harbour Master, and only if funds remain available within the annual concessions allocation.

- Applications open on 1 March for the following financial year.

Full details including the application form can be viewed here:

https://littlehampton.org.uk/lhb-concessions-policy/

NOTE: Requests will be reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis, so early submissions are strongly encouraged.

If your organisation is doing great things for the community and could benefit from support, we’d love to hear from you!