AWL 47-031 ‘VOLUNTARY WORKER' launched at 1105 hrs to take over escort duties from Shoreham lifeboat of the cruise liner ‘Calypso’. The ‘Calypso’ was being towed to Southampton by the coastguard tug ‘Anglian Monarch’ after suffering a serious engine room fire which had been dealt with by fire crews from East Sussex flown out by helicopter in the early hours of this morning in a position approximately 20 miles south of Beachy Head.
The ‘VOLUNTARY WORKER' arrived on scene at 1212 hrs in a position 20.5 miles east-south-east of the station. ‘VOLUNTARY WORKER' took up station just astern of the ‘Calypso’ which was being towed at a speed of 10 knots. At 1410 hrs, in a position approximately 5 miles south of the station, the ’VOLUNTARY WORKER' rendezvoused with Bembridge lifeboat who took over escort duties onwards into the Solent.
The ‘VOLUNTARY WORKER' was released to return to station arriving back at 1450 hrs and rehousing. Ready for service 1515 hrs.
CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Willy Pledger (2nd Coxswain), Phil Pitham (Mechanic), Max Gilligan, Robert Archibald, Dave Lamdin, James Albery.
WIND: NE F1. SEA: Calm. WEATHER: Overcast.