AWL 47-001 ‘CITY OF LONDON’ launched at 2113 hrs to assist the Selsey ILB D533 ‘PETER CORNISH’, which had successfully towed the 24 foot yacht ‘Curved Air’ with 2 persons on board (1 male, 1 female) off of the Mixon Rocks. The crew of the casualty had been severely shaken by their experience and the female had been seasick for most of the day. The casualty had been in company of another yacht, the 35 foot ‘Andraxi II’ with 1 male and 2 female crew aboard. After the grounding neither crew felt confident any longer and were unsure of entering Chichester Harbour in the dark.
The ‘CITY OF LONDON’ arrived on scene at 2124 hrs whereupon the 2nd Coxswain Tony Delahunty, along with some spare fuel, was transferred by the ILB on to ‘Andraxi II’ to give support and guidance into Chichester Harbour. ILB crewman Colin Pullenger remained aboard ‘Curved Air’ for the same reason. The ILB was released at this point to return to station whilst the ‘City of London’ continued escorting the casualties. At 2158 hrs, due to the slow progress of ‘Curved Air’, a tow was attached and better progress made. The ‘CITY OF LONDON’ and both casualties reached the harbour at 2305 hrs and by 2320 hrs both yachts were safely berthed in Sparkes Marina. The ‘CITY OF LONDON’ departed at 2330 hrs to return to station, arriving back 0030 hrs and rehousing straight away.
Ready for service at 0100 hrs.
CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Tony Delahunty (2nd Coxswain), Andy Jones (Mechanic), Max Gilligan, Dave Lamdin, Phil Pitham, Sacha Borg.
WIND: North West F2-3. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Clear moonlit night.