AWL 47-031 'Voluntary Worker' launched at 0940 hrs to go to the assistance of the 36-foot Dutch yacht ‘Sifra’ with two persons on board which had fouled its rudder on fishing gear and was being held fast stern first to the tide.
The 'Voluntary Worker' arrived on scene at a position approximately 2.5 miles south of the station at 0954 hrs. The 2nd Coxswain and Acting 2nd Coxswain, Dave Lamdin, were put aboard the casualty with a grappling iron and a long-handled cutting tool. The offending rope was soon pulled to the surface and cut away. By 1015 hrs the ‘Sifra’ was able to continue her passage to Eastbourne.
At this time the 'Voluntary Worker' was released to return to station arriving back at 1035 hrs, rehousing straight away and was ready for service at 1100 hrs.
CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Willy Pledger (2nd Coxswain), Geoff Mellett (Mechanic), Robert Archibald (Acting Coxswain), Dave Lamdin (Acting 2nd Coxswain), Max Gilligan, James Albery
WIND: E F2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Hot and sunny.