Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 0707 to investigate a report of sightings of two red flares and two white flares approximately 4 miles south of Bognor.
A local fishing boat had reported sighting the flares at 0608. The lifeboat searched two areas out to approximately 6 miles offshore coordinated by Solent Coastguards. At 0730 Selsey inshore lifeboat joined the search and approximately 30 minutes later Littlehampton inshore lifeboat also joined in. The two inshore lifeboats searched close inshore out to a distance of approximately 2.5 miles. At the same time Coastguard shore units were checking launch sites between Felpham and Pagham.
At 0930 both inshore lifeboats were released to return to station. “Voluntary Worker” continued searching until 1121 before returning to station at 1130, rehoused straight away and was ready for service once more at 1230.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), D.Lamdin (2nd Coxswain), G.Mellett (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, C.Pullenger, I.Porter, J.Albery.
WIND: East 3. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny & Clear.