ILB D533 ‘Peter Cornish’ launched at 0712 hrs to assist the 34-foot yacht ‘Peverall’ with 3 male persons on board which had run aground on the Mixon Rocks approximately 1 mile south of the Station.
The ILB was on scene at 0721 hrs and after trying various unsuccessful methods to try and get the casualty off the rocks it was left to the flood tide to do the work. At approximately 0820 hrs the casualty refloated and was towed into deep water by the ILB. After an inspection by the skipper it was discovered that the connection between the helm and the rudder had sheared, resulting in loss of steering. Now requiring a tow to a safe haven the ILB requested the assistance of the All Weather Lifeboat, ‘Voluntary Worker'.
At 0835 hrs AWL 47-031 'Voluntary Worker' launched to assist, arriving on scene at 0853 hrs. A towline was attached and a course set for Chichester Harbour. At 0905 hrs the ‘Peter Cornish’ was released to return to station. The 'Voluntary Worker' continued towing towards Chichester Harbour, reaching the entrance at 1020 hrs. Once inside the harbour the casualty was sprung alongside and by 1045 hrs was safely berthed in Sparkes Marina.
The 'Voluntary Worker' departed Sparkes at 1106 hrs, arriving back at station at 1145 hrs, rehoused at 1200 hrs and was ready for service by 1230 hrs.
CREW ILB: Richard Wiseman (Helmsman), Robert Archibald, Isabel Porter
CREW AWL: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Dave Lamdin (2nd Coxswain), Geoff Mellett (Mechanic), Max Gilligan, Sacha Borg, Craig Sergeant, Zoë Belcher
WIND: SW F2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Sunny.