At 0019 Solent Coastguard requested the launch of Selsey Inshore Lifeboat “Betty and Thomas Moore” to assist in the search for a missing 40-year old male who had set alight to his house before threatening to kill himself in the sea.
The ILB launched at 0025 and was on scene approximately half a mile east of the station at 0028. A search close to the shoreline was carried out between Drift Road and Pagham Harbour entrance.
At 0045 Solent Coastguard requested the added assistance of the all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” which launched at 0054. The ALB searched an area close inshore between Drift Road and Park Lane leaving the ILB to concentrate on the shallower areas between Park Lane and the entrance to Pagham Harbour. The sea area was searched using searchlights and illuminating flares whilst Coastguard units searched the foreshore on foot. At 0215 the man was discovered ashore and all search units were released to return to station. Due to adverse conditions the ALB rehoused first at 0227 whilst the ILB waited until some of the ALB crew were to assist them, this was completed at 0245 and both boats were ready for service once more by 0310.
ILB CREW: D.Lamdin (Helmsman), R.Archibald, G.Pearce.
ALB CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, C.Pullenger, J.Albery, W.Moir, Z.Belcher.
WIND: Southwest 6-7. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Rain.