AWL 47-001 ‘City of London’ launched at 1418 hrs to assist the 34-foot motorboat ‘Impetus’ which had broken down with 3 male persons on board.
The casualty had been on passage from Weymouth heading for London when both engines failed in position N 50°45.50 W 000° 37.80 approximately 3 miles south-southeast of Littlehampton Harbour. The ‘City of London’ arrived on scene at 1453 hrs and a towline was quickly connected. Due to the low tide at Littlehampton Harbour the casualty could not be towed there and so a course was set for Shoreham Harbour and the ‘CITY OF LONDON’ and the casualty progressed at a speed of 10 knots.
At 1625 hrs the ‘City of London’ and the casualty entered Shoreham Harbour. At 1641 hrs the casualty was handed over to a Shoreham Port Authority vessel that proceeded through the lock into Shoreham Marina and safely berthed the vessel. The ‘City of London’ departed at 1645 hrs to return to station, arriving back at 1815 hrs, rehousing was delayed as reports of red flares in Bracklesham Bay were being investigated by Solent Coastguard but these turned out to be unfounded. The ‘City of London’ rehoused at 1825 hrs and was ready for service at 1900 hrs.
CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Willy Pledger (2nd Coxswain), Mechanic Phil Pitham, Tony Delahunty, Robert Archibald, Peter Delahunty, James Albery.
WIND: NW F2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Cloudy.