The ILB launched at 0720 hrs to investigate several reports of sightings of a red parachute flare close to the shore between the lifeboat station and Pagham Harbour. The ILB searched close in, parallel to the shoreline, in excellent conditions as far as Aldwick without sighting anything. At approximately 0800 hrs the local coastguards, who were carrying out a beach search, discovered a flare parachute lying on the beach. At this point it was decided that the most likely outcome was that the red flare had been fired onshore as a hoax. The ILB was released to return to station, arriving back and being recovered at 0820 hrs and was made ready for service once more at 0835 hrs.
CREW: Colin Pullenger (Helmsman), Robert Archibald, Andy Jones.
WIND: North East F3. WEATHER: Clear and sunny.