Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 1438 at the request of Solent Coastguard to go to the assistance of a 37-foot ketch “Red Setter” with two persons on board, experiencing engine failure and struggling to make headway in the weather conditions.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1456 in a position approximately 3.5 miles southwest of the station. A tow was quickly connected and a course set for Chichester Harbour. At 1609 once inside the harbour and also due to the fact that there were no berths available in Sparkes Marina the casualty was handed over to the Chichester Harbour Patrol who continued towing the casualty further up the harbour to a mooring at Itchenor.
The “Voluntary Worker” was released to return to station at 1609, arriving back at 1657, rehoused straight away and was made ready for service once more at 1745.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), R.Archibald (2nd Coxswain) P.Pitham (Mechanic), J.Albery, W.Moir, G.Mellett, C.Sergeant.
WIND: Southwest 6. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Cloud/Sun.