AWL 47-031 'Voluntary Worker' launched at 1610 hrs to assist the 38-foot yacht ‘Longbow’ in position N 50° 42.50 W 000° 49.58 approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the station. The casualty had 11 persons on board, her Spinnaker sail was jammed and her propeller was fouled, resulting in the casualty being blown towards shoal ground.
'Voluntary Worker' arrived on scene at 1630 hrs to find the casualty anchored approximately 100 yards short of running aground on the Inner Owers. A tow was quickly passed and the vessel towed into safe waters. Due to the deep draught of the casualty and the low tide approaching, Chichester harbour was inaccessible and so a course was set for Portsmouth. After a slow tow the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour was reached at 1845 hrs. At 1900 hrs the ‘Longbow’ was safely berthed alongside the visitors’ pontoon in Haslar Marina.
'Voluntary Worker' departed Haslar Marina at approximately 1910 hrs, arriving back at station at 2010 hrs and rehousing straight away. 'Voluntary Worker' was ready for service at 2100 hrs.
CREW: Willy Pledger (Coxswain), Max Gilligan (Acting 2nd Coxswain), Geoff Mellett (Mechanic), Peter Delahunty, Phil Pitham, Colin Young.
WIND: SW F6. SEA: Moderate. WEATHER: Sunny.