‘CITY OF LONDON’ launched at 0040 hrs to assist the 11 metre German yacht ‘Stella’ with two male persons on board in a position approximately half a mile southwest of the ‘Outer Owers Buoy’ with their propeller fouled by fishing gear.
The casualty was brought up stern first to the weather and tide, unable to free themselves. The Skipper was expressing some concern since the forecast was for a marked deterioration in the weather.
The ‘CITY OF LONDON’ arrived on scene at 0113 hrs and the 2nd Coxswain was put aboard with a grapnel and a long-handled cutting tool. A second crewman (Robert Archibald) was also put aboard to assist and by 0131 hrs the offending fishing gear was cut free. It transpired that the casualty’s propeller shaft had been sheared in the incident so a tow was quickly connected and a course set for Chichester Harbour.
At 0402 hrs, without further incident, the casualty was safely berthed in Sparkes Marina, Chichester Harbour. At 0415 hrs the ‘CITY OF LONDON’ departed Sparkes Marina to return to station, arriving back at 0505 hrs and commenced rehousing immediately. The ‘CITY OF LONDON’ was made ready for service at 0530 hrs.
CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Willy Pledger (2nd Coxswain), Tony Delahunty (Deputy 2nd Coxswain), Keith Lintott (Mechanic), Max Gilligan, Robert Archibald, Geoff Mellett.
WIND: North West F3-4. WEATHER: Clear night.