Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 2232 to assist the 29 foot yacht “Nautiner Spirit” with two male and one female aboard. The yacht had suffered engine failure the Skipper was concerned that all electrical power would soon fail as well leaving them well and truly in the dark.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 2311 approximately five miles southwest of the station and advised them to set a course for Chichester Harbour. The lifeboat escorted the casualty until at 0011 when approximately 1.5 miles southeast of the harbour entrance the casualty reported a smell of burning. At this time all power was switched off and isolated. A tow was attached and the passage for Chichester Harbour continued. Once inside the harbour the casualty was lashed alongside to continue on into Sparkes Marina. At 0104 the yacht was safely moored alongside where it was met by Hampshire Fire Service. The fire officers carried out a thorough inspection of the vessel and considered it to be safe from risk of fire.
Selsey lifeboat departed Sparkes Marina at 0132 to return to station, arriving back at 0230, rehousing straight away and was made ready for service once more at 0320.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), D.Lamdin, W.Moir, C.Sergeant, P.King.
WIND: Southwest 6. SEA: Moderate. WEATHER: Cloudy.