Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
18th August 2006
Dismasted Yacht ‘Enshaiallah’
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AWL 47-031 'Voluntary Worker' launched at 1357 hrs to assist the 32-foot yacht ‘Enshaiallah’ with 2 male persons on board, dismasted approximately 1.5 miles south of the Lifeboat Station.
The 'Voluntary Worker' arrived on scene at 1406 hrs to find the casualty rolling heavily with its mast still attached but at 90° to the hull and horizontal with the sea. Two Lifeboat crew were put aboard, Dave Lamdin and Peter Delahunty, to assess the situation and attach a towline, as the casualty was being blown rapidly towards the Mixon Rocks. It was decided that due to the rough sea conditions and the stress and weight on the rigging it was too dangerous to try and release the mast.
Towing continued towards Chichester Harbour at very slow speed with the top of the mast continually dipping into the sea adding extra stress to the rigging. This eventually led to the mast snapping and folding back along the hull, which was actually a great relief to all on board the casualty as most of the stress was now relieved and the mast was no longer trying to tear the deck apart. Slow progress was continued towards Chichester Harbour.
At 1650 hrs, once inside the harbour, the casualty was brought alongside and the 40-foot mast secured before entering Sparkes Marina. The casualty was safely berthed in Sparkes at 1730 hrs.
Unable to rehouse due to tide the 'Voluntary Worker' remained at Sparkes until 2020 hrs, arriving back at the Station at 2120 hrs, rehoused at 2130 hrs and was ready for service at 2200 hrs.
CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Dave Lamdin (2nd Coxswain), Robert Archibald Deputy 2nd Coxswain), Geoff Mellett (Mechanic), Peter Delahunty, Phil Pitham, James Albery.
WIND: SSW F6-7. SEA: Moderate. WEATHER: Sunny.