Local Skipper Homelessness Once Again
PAUL McLAUGHLIN
The skipper of the stricken sloop, Maranatha, which ran aground off the Sussex coast, is locally born sailor, Justyn. After becoming homeless in Hastings two years ago, he has lived continuously aboard boats. An experienced mariner, Justyn knows the perils of navigating the English Channel, particularly along the Sussex coast.
Recounting the incident, Justyn explained that he had dropped anchor roughly 500 metres from the Goat Ledge restaurant and secured his mooring when the wind suddenly changed direction. He now regrets his decision to re-anchor. The windlass mechanism, which is used to safely raise, lower, and secure the anchor and chain failed, forcing him to manually crank the gear by hand. Despite his efforts, the sloop began to drift, and in desperation, he called HM Coastguard.
The coastguard responded promptly. Justyn initially refused to abandon ship, believing he could rescue her at high tide. However, in the early hours of Wednesday (5 August), the sloop began taking on water, and he was forced to bail out. Coastguard members bravely waded out to the vessel to ensure it posed no danger to other craft or to beachgoers.
The wreck has left Justyn homeless once more. He now sleeps on benches along the Grand Parade’s lower promenade, though he managed to salvage some of his possessions – and even the vessel’s engine – by rowing them ashore in his dinghy, no small feat given its size.
Justyn is philosophical about the loss, having weathered far greater traumas in his life. He is determined to return to sea, where he feels most at home. He plans to rest for a few days before sailing his dinghy to Rye for some recuperation along the Military Canal.
Friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Justyn get back on his feet: gofundme.com/f/needing-a-new-home-due-to-weather
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