AWL 47-001 ‘City of London’ launched at 2228 hrs to investigate reports of red flares seen in the vicinity of the Owers Light Buoy.
The dredger ‘Sand Serrin’ was passing close to the Owers at this time and reported a small target on their radar screen but had seen no sign of red flares. The contact on radar turned out to be a small yacht on passage. The ‘City of London’ closed alongside the yacht at 2300 hrs and spoke to the skipper who confirmed that he was alright and that he had not seen any red flares.
At 2315 hrs the ‘City of London’ started the first leg of a search plan created by Solent Coastguards and, shortly after at 2317 hrs, Solent called the ‘City of London’ and informed them that they could stand down and return to station; it had been confirmed that the origin of the red flares was inland in the Pagham area.
The ‘City of London’ arrived back at station at 0002 hrs on the 18th December but due to tidal conditions was unable to rehouse until 0250 hrs, ready for service at 0315 hrs.
CREW: Tony Delahunty (Coxswain), Max Gilligan (2nd Coxswain), Mechanic Phil Pitham, Colin Pullenger, Andy Jones, James Albery, Sacha Borg.
WIND: NW F1-2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Clear night.