Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
2nd August 2008
39-Foot Yacht "Foxy Lady" Aground
 |
 |
Selsey inshore lifeboat launched at 1717 to assist the 39-foot yacht Foxy Lady aground on the Mixon Rocks with 2 male, 1 female persons on board. At 1724 the Selsey all weather lifeboat Voluntary Worker also launched to assist and arrived on scene at 1741 but was unable to get within about 50 metres of the casualty.
The ILB was on scene at approximately 1725 to find the casualty almost high and dry lying on her side and with over an hour to go till low tide. It was obvious that the yacht was not going to re-float until about 2100.
Crewmember Colin Pullenger was put aboard to assist. As the tide rose and the casualty started to lift on the waves the casualty’s mainsail halyard was attached to the towline of the ILB from the top of its mast. The inshore lifeboat then held the casualty on its side for over an hour as the tide rose to minimize damage to the keel. The casualty eventually floated off at 2130 after taking a considerable pounding and damaging its rudder. The ILB then towed it into slightly deeper water clear of the rocks before transferring the tow to the ALB. The casualty was towed to Chichester Harbour and safely placed on a mooring at 2330.
Due to tide and weather conditions the ALB was unable to rehouse until 0400 03.08.08.
ILB CREW: R.Archibald (Helm), I. Porter, S.Borg.
ALB CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), D.Lamdin, C.Pullenger, G.Mellett, J.Albery.
WIND: Southwest 6. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Cloudy.