AWL 47-001 ‘City of London’ launched at 2054 hrs to go to the assistance of a 10-metre yacht ‘A.W.O.L.’ with 5 male persons on board, which had fouled its propeller and rudder in a position approximately 13 miles south-south-west of the station.
The ‘City of London’ arrived on scene at 2145 hrs by which time the crew of the yacht had managed to partially free the rudder and had regained some steering, although the propeller was still well and truly fouled. The crew managed to sail the vessel towards Portsmouth Harbour with the ‘City of London’ in attendance as escort. At 0015 hrs, when the shelter of the Solent had been reached, the ‘A.W.O.L.’ dropped her sails and a tow was attached for the entering of Portsmouth Harbour. Once inside the harbour the casualty was brought alongside the ‘City of London’ and at 0105 hrs was safely berthed in Haslar Marina.
Unable to rehouse due to tidal conditions the ‘City of London’ remained in Portsmouth until departing at 0200 hrs, 17th September, arriving back at the station at 0310 hrs, rehousing immediately and was ready for service at 0340 hrs.
CREW: Willy Pledger (Coxswain), Max Gilligan (Acting) 2nd Coxswain, Andy Jones (Mechanic), Colin Pullenger, Dave Lamdin, Peter Delahunty, Phil Pitham.
WIND: North F6. SEA: Moderate. WEATHER: Clear night.