Selsey inshore lifeboat (ILB) Betty and Thomas Moore launched at 4.50pm to investigate the report of a small open dinghy drifting apparently unoccupied approximately 150 yards offshore from the new launching ramp at East Beach, Selsey.
The ILB was on scene at 4.58pm and the volunteer crew searched the general area for about an hour without finding the dinghy.
At 6.40pm Selsey’s all weather lifeboat (ALB) Voluntary Worker launched to assist in the search and a pattern was created taking into account the wind direction. The dinghy was finally located at 7.20pm approximately 2 miles north-east of the lifeboat station.
The dinghy, which was obviously derelict, and had not been occupied recently was recovered aboard Voluntary Worker.
Voluntary Worker and Betty and Thomas Moore then returned to station with the ALB rehousing at 7.45pm followed by the ILB at 8pm. Both boats were once more made ready for service by 8.30pm.
ILB CREW: C.Pullenger ( Helmsman), C. Sergeant, C. Harvey.
ALB CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), R.Archibald, W.Moir, J.Albery, S. Troughton-Smith, J.Reeves.
WIND: West- southwest 3 SEA: Smooth WEATHER: Clear night.