ILB D533 ‘Peter Cornish’ launched at 1324 hrs in conditions at her uppermost operating limits after Solent Coastguard had received two 999 calls reporting a windsurfer in trouble approximately 600 yards offshore from Pagham Harbour.
Arriving on scene at 1335 hrs the crew quickly found a board and kite in the water but no sign of the casualty. The Helmsman immediately requested the assistance of the AWL 47-001 ‘City of London’ as conditions had worsened and the ILB was struggling to search in the prevailing conditions. At 1342 hrs, and before the 'City of London’ had arrived on scene, the kite surfer was reported to be safely ashore. All search units were stood down at this time.
The ILB remained in the relative shelter of Pagham Bay and was met by the ‘City of London’ who then accompanied her back to station. Both boats arrived back at station at 1418 hrs but due to conditions the ILB was unable to recover until 1555 hrs. Ready for service at 1615 hrs.
CREW: Robert Archibald (Helmsman), Dave Lamdin, Phil Pitham.
WIND: SW F6. SEA: Moderate. WEATHER: Sunny.