The lifeboat crew were first paged at 2029 in response to a request from Solent Coastguard to transport 3 policeman to a 28-foot yacht “Lady Demeter” with 3 persons on board whose Skipper had reported an alleged drunken and violent incident taking place between the owner and his female partner. Unfortunately the police were not able to obtain permission to travel aboard the lifeboat so after some discussion between Coastguards and the Police the crew were stood down at 2100 with the incident apparently ongoing.
At 2219 the crew were paged once more; the skipper of the yacht had reported the owner and his partner were locked below in the cabin after the male had allegedly assaulted the woman. The skipper was worried about his safety in more ways than one, apart from the physical risk he couldn’t access any of the navigational instruments, VHF radio or switch the vessels lights on now it had got dark so was sailing blind and unlit.
“Voluntary Worker” launched to find and assist the casualty. At 2330 the “Lady Demeter” was located by using radar approximately 3 miles southeast of Littlehampton Harbour. After obtaining permission from the owner and the skipper 2 lifeboat crewmen (W.Pledger and R.Archibald) were put aboard the casualty and calmed the situation. The skipper immediately requested to be taken off and was brought aboard the lifeboat. A towline was attached to the vessel and a course set for Littlehampton. At 0045 the casualty was safely berthed alongside and was met by Police and Coastguards. The owner was arrested and taken away for questioning.
The lifeboat departed at 0116 to return to station arriving back at 0215 unable to rehouse until 0523 and was made ready for service at 0600.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Cox’n), W.Pledger (2nd Cox’n), G.Mellett (Mechanic), R.Archibald, P.Delahunty, I.Porter, W.Moir, C.Sergeant, G.Pearce.
WIND: Northeast 1-2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Clear night.