CREW: W.Pledger (cox’n),D.Lamdin (2nd cox’n),G.Mellett (Mechanic),P.Pitham,C.Sergeant,Z.Belcher and G.Pearce.

WIND:Northeast F1. SEA:Slight.Weather:Sunny and clear

26’ YACHT “CELTIC WARRIOR” AGROUND


Selsey all weather lifeboat,"Voluntary worker", launched at 1900hrs to assist in the recovery of
the vessel, "Celtic Warrior",which had run aground West of the Selsey coastguard station.The persons aboard the yacht were not the rightful owners and had left the scene.Selseys’ ILB "Peter Cornish" which had also been tasked to the incident, arrived on scene at 1850hrs,skillfully negotiated
the confused waters close inshore and successfully towed the stricken vessel into deeper water with two coastguard team members aboard the yacht.
The tow was passed to "Voluntary Worker" at 1920hrs and a course set for Itchenor Jetty on the East side of Chichester Harbour, arriving at 2135 hrs.
The craft was handed over to the Sussex police for further investigation, the four persons who decamped from the scene earlier were apprehended and arrested by the police.
"Voluntary Worker" left Itchenor at 2215hrs. and returned to station at 2320hrs.She was
washed down,re-fuelled and ready for service at 2350hrs.

CREW:W.Pledger (cox’n),D.Lamdin (2nd cox’n),G.Mellett (mechanic),M.Gilligan,P.Pitham,Z.Belcher.

26’YACHT “CELTIC WARRIOR” AGROUND

Selsey ILB Peter Cornish launched at 1850 hrs.to assist the 26'yacht,"Celtic Warrior", which had run aground on the foreshore west of the Selsey coastguard station.Coastguard mobile units were in attendance and had boarded the vessel.They reported that 4 persons had left the yacht and decamped from the scene.
In the confused seas, close to shore, a towline was successfully passed by the ILB to the coastguard team aboard the yacht and it was towed clear into deeper water.
At 1920hrs. the tow was passed to Selsey all weather lifeboat, "Voluntary Worker", which towed the vessel to Itchenor Jetty in Chichester Harbour.
The ILB was released and returned to station at 2015hrs. and was washed down and ready for service at 2035hrs.

CREW:P.Delahunty (Helm),G.Pearce and B.Luke.

WIND: NW-F2/3 SEA: Moderate Weather: Dry and clear

REPORT OF UNMANNED FISHING BOAT 1.5 Nm SSW OF SELSEY BILL

Selsey inshore lifeboat Peter Cornish Launched at 1038 at request of Solent coastguard to investigate reports of an unmanned fishing boat approximately 1.5 miles SSW of Selsey Bill.The lifeboat located the vessel at 1058 and confirmed that no one was aboard. The boat was identified as a tender to a local fishing vessel and was secured to a line whilst the mother vessel was fishing locally.
The lifeboat made contact with the owner and confirmed that all was well and the lifeboat was released to return to station at 1107.
After returning at 1120 "Peter Cornish" was washed down,re-fuelled and ready for service at 1126.

CREW: P.Delahunty (Helmsman),S.Borg and W.Moir

WIND: North F3. SEA: Slight WEATHER: Sunny

REPORT OF RED FLARES SOUTH OF BOGNOR.

Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 0707 to investigate a report of sightings of two red flares and two white flares approximately 4 miles south of Bognor.

A local fishing boat had reported sighting the flares at 0608. The lifeboat searched two areas out to approximately 6 miles offshore coordinated by Solent Coastguards. At 0730 Selsey inshore lifeboat joined the search and approximately 30 minutes later Littlehampton inshore lifeboat also joined in. The two inshore lifeboats searched close inshore out to a distance of approximately 2.5 miles. At the same time Coastguard shore units were checking launch sites between Felpham and Pagham.

At 0930 both inshore lifeboats were released to return to station. “Voluntary Worker” continued searching until 1121 before returning to station at 1130, rehoused straight away and was ready for service once more at 1230.

CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), D.Lamdin (2nd Coxswain), G.Mellett (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, C.Pullenger, I.Porter, J.Albery.

WIND: East 3. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny & Clear.

REPORT OF RED FLARES SOUTH OF BOGNOR.

At 0730 Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” launched to join Selsey all weather lifeboat in an ongoing search after reports of red flares had been sighted by a local fishing boat.

An area out to approximately 2.5 miles offshore between Felpham and Pagham Harbour was the designated search area. At approximately 0800 Littlehampton inshore lifeboat joined them whilst ashore launch sites were being checked by Coastguard teams from Selsey and Littlehampton.

At 0930 both inshore lifeboats and the shore teams were released to return to station with Solent Coastguard confident the area had been thoroughly searched. Selsey ALB continued searching until 1121.

The “Peter Cornish” arrived back at station at 0950, recovered by 1000 and was ready for service once more at 1030.

CREW: R.Archibald (Helmsman), P.Pitham, Z. Belcher.

WIND: East 3. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny & clear.

REPORTS OF A PERSON ENTERING THE WATER.

Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” launched at 2023 to investigate reports of a suspicious green light just offshore at Bognor, this was coupled with reports of a person seen entering the water earlier. The lifeboat arrived on scene at 2040 and was conned on to the green light in amongst Bognor Rocks by the Littlehampton Coastguard unit from the shore. The light was attached to a surface marker buoy used by scuba divers. It transpired that a Polish scuba diver was spear fishing amongst Bognor Rocks and was not in need of any assistance. At 2048 the lifeboat was released to return to station, arriving back at 2106, recovering straight away and was ready for service once more at 2130.

CREW: C.Pullenger (Helmsman), D.Lamdin, P.Delahunty. WIND: Southwest 2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Clear night.

TWO PERSONS REPORTED IN THE WATER OFF OF PAGHAM Y.C.

Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” launched at 1328 to assist Pagham Yacht Club safety boats in searching for two persons reported to be in the water from a capsized Catamaran.

Two minutes into the service, before arriving on scene Solent Coastguards reported the two casualties had been recovered safe and well. At 1330 the lifeboat was released to return to station arriving back at 1335 and was ready for service once more at 1345.

CREW: P.Pitham (Helmsman), J.Craft, G.Pearce.

WIND: West 5. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sun & Cloud.

TWO TEENAGERS IN AN INFLATABLE DINGHY.

At 1612 Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” was requested to launch to the assistance of two teenagers in an inflatable dinghy offshore from the Medmerry beach west of Selsey Bill.
The ILB arrived on scene at 1622 and towed the inflatable with occupants back to the shore. The ILB was released from the incident at 1634 and returned to the station at 1645.It was refuelled and ready for service at 1700.

CREW: D.Lamdin (Helmsman),P.Pitham,J.Albery.

WIND: Southwest 2. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny.

“Voluntary Worker” launched at 0030 to assist the 21 foot yacht “Jackanie” with two male persons on board, the vessel was reported to have broken its rudder and was in a position approximately 2.5 miles south west of the station. The yachts VHF radio had become defective since the initial call and in conjunction with the coastguards previous direction finding information and the lifeboats radar, the anchored vessel was located at 0047.
Both male crew were fit and well aboard and a tow line was passed and secured whilst they recovered their anchor.
The yacht was towed to Chichester harbour and berthed at Hayling Island Sailing Club jetty at 0218.
The lifeboat returned to station at 0322 and rehoused straight away. The “Voluntary Worker” was made ready for service again at 0350

CREW: W.Pledger (Coxswain), R.Archibald (2nd Coxswain), G.Mellett. (Mechanic),D.Lamdin, P.Pitham, C.Pullenger,
C.Sergeant.

Wind: SW F2 Sea: Slight Weather: Dry and clear

At 1552 Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” was requested to launch to the assistance of two children missing from the beach at West Wittering.The ILB arrived on scene at 1615 and commenced a search.At 1633 the children were found safe and well on the beach and all units attending the incident were released.The ILB returned to station at 1645 and was re-fuelled and ready for service at 1700.

CREW: C.Pullenger (Helmsman),C.Sergeant,I.Porter.

WIND: Southwest 3. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny.

INVESTIGATION OF U.F.O.

Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” launched at 1155 to investigate reports of an “unidentified floating object” reported to be in a position half a mile south of the lifeboat station.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1200 and whilst keeping a safe distance (in case the object was any form of explosive device) relayed a description and a phone number written on the object to Solent Coastguard. Solent C.G. rang the number, which turned out to be an agency working for Southampton Institute of Oceanography, they identified the object as one of their data recording buoys and confirmed it was not dangerous in any way.

The lifeboat towed the buoy back to the beach where it was recovered to be collected by its rightful owners at a later date.

“Peter Cornish” was recovered at 1230 and was ready for service by 1255.

CREW: P.Delahunty (Helmsman), B.luke, Z. Belcher.

WIND: West-southwest 2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Sun and cloud.

20 FOOT YACHT “MOONFULL”.

Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” launched at 2211 to assist the 20-foot yacht “Moonfull” with 2 male persons on board and totally lost and poorly equipped with no radio, or lights.

The lifeboat found the casualty quickly approximately three quarters of a mile southwest of the station. The skipper had left Lymington bound for Chichester harbour and had missed the entrance to Chichester completely

The inshore lifeboat towed the yacht to safe water then requested the attendance of the all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” to take over the tow to continue towards Chichester Harbour.

The all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker launched at 2225, was on scene at 2232 and put a crew member aboard. A tow was attached and a course set for the harbour.

At 0025 11.08.07 the casualty was safely berthed in Sparkes Marina and handed over to the Hayling Coastguards. The lifeboat departed Sparkes at 0105 to return to station arriving back at 0150, rehoused 0205 and was ready for service at 0230.

CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), J.Albery (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, P.Pitham, I.Porter, G.Pearce.

WIND: Northwest 1-2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Clear night.

REPORTS OF RED FLARES.

At 2118 Selsey all weather lifeboat “voluntary Worker” had returned from a search and rescue demonstration off of Pagham Yacht Club and was about to rehouse when Solent Coastguard received two reports of a sighting of a suspected red flare seen from Pagham.

Rehousing was suspended pending interrogation of the two informants by Littlehampton Coastguards. At 2204 the lifeboat was tasked to a position some 5.5 miles southeast of the station to commence searching an area determined by Solent Coastguards. After searching for approximately 1.5 hours the lifeboat was released to return to station having found nothing untoward.

The lifeboat arrived back at 2340 rehoused straight away and was ready for service once more at 2400.

CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, R.Archibald, P.Delahunty, I.Porter, Z.Belcher. + Non-enrolled crew B.Jenkins, Laura Mariner.

WIND: North-northeast. SEA: Calm. WEATHER: Clear night.

SERIES OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING MISSING CHILDREN.

Whilst afloat during lifeboat day activities Selsey Inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” was tasked to search for two ten year old boys reported missing off the beach at West Wittering. After searching along the shoreline for approximately 15 minutes the two boys were found safely ashore.

Immediately the lifeboat was re-tasked to search for a 6-year-old boy also reported missing. This young boy was also found ashore. The ILB was released to return to station at 1404.

At 1408 on the return journey the lifeboat was tasked to return to West Wittering to assist in the search for a missing 7-year-old girl. After 15 minutes searching along the shoreline the girl was found safe and well by local coastguards after having wandered off along the beach.

At 1603 the “Peter Cornish” was launched again to assist in a search for two young girls reported to have been missing for approximately two hours from the beach at Shore Road, Bracklesham. Ten minutes after launching the girls were found safe and well and the lifeboat was released to return to station. Arriving back at station at 1618 rehousing straight away and was ready for service once more at 1645.

CREW: P. Delahunty (Helmsman), R.Archibald, I.Porter, W.Moir.

WIND: Southeast 1-2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Hot & sunny.

TWO PERSONS IN DIFFICULTY IN INFLATABLE.

At 1320 Solent Coastguard paged the crew in response to a 999 call from a member of the public who had seen a man and 10-year-old boy in difficulties off of the Bill Point.

The two persons had launched an inflatable dinghy and as soon as they got into the tide chop on the point the young boy was thrown out of the dinghy. Luckily both casualties made it ashore before the inshore lifeboat had launched. The crew were stood down at 1323.

CREW: N/A.

WIND: Southwest 2-3. SEA: Calm. WEATHER: Sunny.

TWO PIRATES IN INFLATABLE DINGHY.

Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” launched at 2118 to assist two drunks adrift in an inflatable dinghy off of Medmerry Beach approximately half a mile west of the Bill Point.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 2123. The two young men who were dressed as pirates were transferred to the lifeboat complete with weapons (a cutlass and pistols), and a bottle of Rum.

The inflatable was towed to the beach and the pirates were handed over into the custody of the Coastguards and local police.

The lifeboat was released at 2133 on the return journey they came across a small angling dinghy with two men on board which was broken down. The dinghy and occupants were towed to the shore.

“Peter Cornish” arrived back at station 2146 and was ready for service once more at 2203.

CREW: D.Lamdin. (Helmsman), R.Archibald, P.Delahunty, J.Craft.

WIND: South south-west. SEA: Calm. WEATHER: Clear night.

N.B. The two pirates were arrested by the police for carrying an offensive weapon, as the cutlass was real.

TWO PERSONS IN THE WATER OFF WARNER ROAD.

At 1319 Solent Coastguards requested the immediate launch of the Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” in response to two 999 calls from members of the public reporting two persons in the water and in difficulty to the west of Selsey Bill, off Warner Road.

Coastguard Rescue officers were immediately sent to the scene as well as scrambling the Coastguard Rescue helicopter “Victor Alpha”
On arriving at the scene at 1327 Selsey ILB quickly recovered a man from the water, in a critical condition. The crew elected to return to the lifeboat station with the casualty whilst requesting immediate medical assistance.

A young lady was helped ashore by the Coastguard Rescue team and members of the public and taken to St Richards Hospital suffering from shock.

After intensive first aid from lifeboat crew and ambulance staff Rescue Helicopter “Victor Alpha” landed on the beach and evacuated the man by stretcher to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth where he was pronounced dead.

The accident apparently happened as the couple were walking along the rocks above the beach when the woman – who could not swim – lost her footing. Her boyfriend tried to rescue her, but slipped and banged his head on the rocks as he fell into the water.

CREW: Colin Pullenger (Helmsman), R.Wiseman, P.Delahunty.

WIND: Southwest 3-4. SEA: Slight. Weather: Sunny.

YACHT “BURLESQUE” WITH FOULED PROPELLOR

Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 1512 to assist the yacht “Burlesque” with two persons on board in a position approximately half a mile southeast of the station.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1515 to discover that the casualty had fouled its propeller on fishing gear. As a towline was being prepared the “Burlesque” crew managed to free their vessel with no damage incurred. After escorting the casualty for approximately five minutes to ensure everything was all right the yacht continued on her passage to Brighton.

“Voluntary Worker” was released to return to station at 1530 arriving back at 1535, rehoused straight away and was ready for service once more at1600.

CREW: D.Lamdin (Coxswain), R.Archibald (2nd Coxswain), J.Albery (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, P.Pitham, P.Delahunty, C.Pullenger.

WIND: Southwest 5. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny.

YACHT “SHANTIE”.
“Voluntary Worker” launched at 1458 to assist the 33 foot yacht “Shantie” with four male persons on board, the vessel was reported to have broken its forestay and was in a position approximately 2 miles south east of the station.

Shortly after launching it was confirmed that all was well on board the yacht and the skipper stated that he no longer required assistance. The lifeboat returned to station at 1503 and re-housed straight away. The “Voluntary Worker” was made ready for service again at 1550.

CREW: W. Pledger (Coxswain), R. Archibald (2nd Coxswain), G. Mellett (Mechanic), M. Gilligan, P. Delahunty, C. Pullenger, S. Borg.

Wind: SW. F7 Sea: Moderate Weather: Dry and clear

Search for Man Over Board.
Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 08:01 to search for a man over board from the MV Delia in a position 23 miles South South East of Selsey Bill. “Voluntary Worker” arrived on scene at 09:20.

A search was made of the area along with the Bembridge Lifeboat and Portland Coastguard Helicopter “Whiskey Bravo”. After searching for 6 hours in deteriorating weather conditions the search was called off at 15:31, with nothing being found.

At 15:32 Voluntary Worker returned to station, rehoused at 16:25 and was ready for service once more at 16:50.

CREW: W. Pledger (Coxswain). R. Archibald (2nd Coxswain), G. Mellett (Mechanic), Phil Pitham, J. Albrey, C. Sergeant,
G. Pearce.

WIND: West Force 8. SEA:Rough. WEATHER: Heavy Rain showers.

40 FOOT YACHT “PETREL” AGROUND ON BOGNOR ROCKS.

Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 0210 to go to the assistance of the 40 foot yacht “Petrel” with one male person on board which was aground on Bognor Rocks and reported to be taking on water.

We arrived on scene at 0238. Both Littlehampton’s inshore lifeboats were alongside the casualty, which was still aground. Selsey lifeboat stood by in case of the need for more salvage pumps as and when the “Petrel” refloated on the rising tide. At approximately 0330 the yacht refloated it was found to not be badly damaged so Littlehampton lifeboat towed the casualty to the harbour.

At 0344 Voluntary Worker was released to return to station arriving back at 0400, rehousing at 0407 and was ready for service once more at 0430.

CREW: M.Rudwick. D.Lamdin (Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), R.Archibald, I.Porter, P.delahunty, Z.Belcher.

WIND: Northeast 1-2. SEA: Calm. WEATHER: Clear night.

TO ASSIST 29 FOOT YACHT “PAKAA”.
Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker “ launched at 2145 to go to the assistance of a 29-foot yacht “Pakaa” with two male persons on board in a position approximately 18.5 miles southwest of the station. The casualty having left Cherbourg earlier was experiencing 50-60 knot head winds and was suffering with intermittent engine failure, and as a result of the conditions was making little headway.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 2245 with conditions of the wind gusting to storm force 10 rough seas and torrential rain it was decided that the safest option was to escort the casualty towards Chichester Harbour. After about an hour it was evident that the casualty was making no headway and was being driven to the west towards the shore of the Isle of Wight. A decision to put the 2nd Coxswain aboard to assist in attaching a tow had to be aborted due to the risk of personal injury and damage to the casualty vessel. In difficult and dangerous conditions on a severely pitching foredeck the Skipper of “Pakaa” managed to receive and connect a towline unfortunately this parted within minutes.

With conditions worsening it was decided to alter course to the northwest and try and gain some shelter from the cliffs at Dunnose Head. At 0120 about half a mile offshore from Ventnor I.O.W. in slightly smoother conditions the 2nd Coxswain was put aboard the casualty to help attach another towline. Finally a course directly into the wind at slow speed was set for Chichester harbour. Unfortunately at 0445 roughly 1 mile southwest of the Nab Tower the tow parted again and had to be reconnected.

At 0700 over 8 hours since arriving on scene with the casualty the entrance to Chichester Harbour was reached. Even in the Shelter of the harbour conditions were still too rough to bring the casualty alongside and tow into Sparkes Marina. The tow had to continue another 2 miles further into the harbour to Itchenor where finally it was sheltered enough to bring the casualty alongside and safely berth her on the visitors jetty. This was at last achieved at 0745 much to the relief of all involved.

The lifeboat departed Itchenor at 0810 to return to station arriving back at 0859, rehousing at 0910 and was made ready for service once more at 1000 some 12 hours after launching.

CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), G.Mellett (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, C.Pullenger, P.Pitham, J.Albery.

WIND: Northwest to North gale force 9 – storm 10.
SEA: Rough. WEATHER: Torrential rain.

INCIDENT ABOARD YACHT “LADY DEMETER”.
The lifeboat crew were first paged at 2029 in response to a request from Solent Coastguard to transport 3 policeman to a 28 foot yacht “Lady Demeter” with 3 persons on board whose Skipper had reported an alleged drunken and violent incident taking place between the owner and his female partner. Unfortunately the police were not able to obtain permission to travel aboard the lifeboat so after some discussion between Coastguards and the Police the crew were stood down at 2100 with the incident apparently ongoing.
At 2219 the crew were paged once more; the skipper of the yacht had reported the owner and his partner were locked below in the cabin after the male had allegedly assaulted the woman. The skipper was worried about his safety in more ways than one, apart from the physical risk he couldn’t access any of the navigational instruments, VHF radio or switch the vessels lights on now it had got dark so was sailing blind and unlit.
At 2240 after further discussion between the coastguard and police Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched to find and assist the casualty. At 2330 the “Lady Demeter” was located by using radar approximately 3 miles southeast of Littlehampton Harbour. After obtaining permission from the owner and the skipper 2 lifeboat crewmen (W.Pledger & R.Archibald) were put aboard the casualty and calmed the situation. The skipper immediately requested to be taken off and was brought aboard the lifeboat. A towline was attached to the vessel and a course set for Littlehampton. At 0045 the casualty was safely berthed alongside and was met by Police and Coastguards. The owner was arrested and taken away for questioning.
The lifeboat departed at 0116 to return to station arriving back at 0215 unable to rehouse until 0523 and was made ready for service at 0600.

CREW: M.Rudwick (Cox’n), W.Pledger (2nd Cox’n), G.Mellett (Mechanic), R.Archibald, P.Delahunty, I.Porter, W.Moir, C.Sergeant, G.Pearce.

WIND: Northeast 1-2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Clear night.

BROKEN DOWN DIVE BOAT “PHOENIX”.
Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” launched at 1540 to go to the assistance of the local dive boat “Phoenix” which had broken down just offshore in Bracklesham Bay with 3 persons on board after running out of fuel.

On passage to the casualty the lifeboat went ashore at Puma Safety’s base at Bracklesham and took them up on their offer of 20 litres of fuel. The fuel was transported to the casualty. At 1555 the ILB was on scene and the crew assisted in refuelling the “Phoenix”. Within 10 minutes the casualty was underway again and continued to her mooring at Itchenor unaided.

The ILB was released to return to station arriving back at 1624 recovering straight away and was made ready for service once more at 1645.

CREW: C.Pullenger (Helmsman), R.Archibald, P.Pitham.

WIND: Southwest 2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Sunny.

STAND BY FOR POSSIBLE MISSING PERSON.

Crew pagers were activated at 1513 on arrival at the boathouse Solent Coastguard requested the inshore Lifeboat “Peter Cornish” to be brought to immediate readiness.
A 51-year-old female had absconded from a secure unit in Weymouth, Dorset earlier in the day and was thought to have made her way to Selsey. A woman fitting her description was thought to have been spotted on CCTV making her way towards the East Beach area. The woman had a past history of walking into the sea; therefore the Police in charge of the search operation had requested the ILB.
The lifeboat and crew remained at immediate readiness for just over an hour until 1625 before being stood down by Solent Coastguard.
CREW: D. Lamdin (Helmsman), R. Archibald, Z. Belcher.
WIND: Southwest 5-6. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny.

25 FOOT YACHT “SUNBIRD” AGROUND.
Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 2243 to assist a 25-foot yacht “Sunbird” with two male crew aboard reported to have run aground and be taking in water in the vicinity of Selsey Bill.

At 2253 the lifeboat found the casualty still aground on the Mixon Rocks approximately 1.2 miles south of the station. Unable to close the vessel the assistance of the inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” was requested. The ILB arrived on scene at approximately 2310. An assessment of the ingress of water was made and found to be negligible so a towline was attached and the casualty was pulled into safe waters. The casualty was then handed over to the “Voluntary Worker” and the “Peter Cornish” was released to return to station. A crewman M.Gilligan was put aboard to assist the two crew of “Sunbird” who were shaken by their experience.

At 2340 a tow to Chichester Harbour was got underway, two hours later at 0140 the casualty was safely berthed in Sparkes Marina where she was met by Hayling Coastguards, who arranged a crane to lift the vessel from the water.

At 0225 the lifeboat departed Sparkes Marina to return to station, arriving back at 0315, rehousing at 0400 and was made ready for service once more at 0430.

CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), D.Lamdin (2nd Coxswain), G.Mellett (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, C.Pullenger, I.Porter, P.Pitham.

WIND: Northeast 1-2. SEA: Calm. WEATHER: Clear night.

MISSING FISHERMAN.

“Voluntary Worker” was tasked at 13:46 hrs. to search for a fisherman suspected to be lost overboard from the Littlehampton fishing vessel “Breadwinner”, approximately 2.5 miles S.S.E of Littlehampton harbour entrance. The 18-foot boat had been discovered by a passing vessel with its nets over the side, brought up stern first in the tide with nobody aboard.

The alarm was raised at 11:43 hrs.both lifeboats from Littlehampton were launched. A Mayday relay was broadcast by Solent Coastguard to which 2 naval vessels responded-H.M.S.Severn and H.M.S.Tracker.These vessels headed for the scene and launched their R.I.B.’s

At 14:14 hrs ”Voluntary Worker” was on scene and carried out a thorough search until 17:45 hrs when unfortunately with nothing being found the lifeboat was released to return to station.

It transpired that the missing fisherman was a Mr.John Healey aged 47.

CREW: W. Pledger (Coxswain), R. Archibald (2nd Coxswain/Mechanic), M. Gilligan, P. Delahunty, W. Moir, C. Sergeant, Z. Belcher.

WIND: SW 6-7. SEA: Moderate. WEATHER: Sunny.

POSSIBLE ‘ ELECTRONIC POSITION INDICATOR RADIO BEACON ACTIVATION’ EAST OF SELSEY LIFEBOAT STATION

At 18:22 hrs,just prior to a scheduled training exercise, Solent coastguard requested the launch of ILB “Peter Cornish” to assist in tracing a possible EPIRB distress beacon, East of Selsey.In company with Coastguard helicopter “India Juliet” a thorough search of the area was made. Additionally ALB “Voluntary Worker” was lowered out onto the slipway so the VHF direction finding equipment could be used to attempt to trace the source.
At 19:06 hrs, resources were stood down after finding nothing untoward.

Crew:-R.Archibald (Helm),C.Pullenger,G.Pearce and
P.Delahunty

Wind: SW 1 Sea: Smooth Weather: Clear night

2 PERSONS IN THE WATER OFF OF CLAYTON ROAD
Whilst on exercise, Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” was tasked by Solent Coastguard at 1924 to investigate reports of two persons fallen into the water from the shoreline in the vicinity of Clayton Road.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1930 to find that the two teenage females had been recovered safely to the shore, where paramedics checked them over. Although cold, wet and shaken they required no further medical attention.

It transpired that one teenager had originally fallen into the sea and her friend had tried to assist but had got into difficulties herself. A third male teenager summoned assistance.
The “Peter Cornish” was released at 1932 and continued the exercise.

CREW: D.Lamdin (Helmsman), I.Porter, B.Luke.

WIND: West 3. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Clear night