Selsey all weather lifeboat ‘Voluntary Worker” launched at 1541 to assist the 35 foot yacht “Shearwater” disabled with a fouled propeller and becalmed, two males on board in a position 400 metres south of the Looe Channel buoys approximately 2.75 miles southwest of the station.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1558 and put 2nd Coxswain aboard to assist. A tow was quickly established and at 1605 towing commenced towards Chichester Harbour.
At 1702 when approximately half a mile south of Chichester Bar Beacon the 2nd coxswain called the lifeboat from the casualty saying he thought the line fouling the propeller had dropped clear during the towing. The tow was disconnected and the skipper of the “Shearwater” tried his own propulsion. All appeared to be working fine so W. Pledger was retrieved from the casualty which continued on its way to Langstone Harbour under her own power whilst the ‘Voluntary Worker’ headed for home.
‘Voluntary Worker’ arrived back at the station at 1745, rehoused straight and was ready for service once more at 1803.
CREW: M. Rudwick (Coxswain), W. Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P. Pitham (Mechanic), D. Lamdin, M. Gilligan, G. Pearce, M. Pledger.
WIND: Northwest 0-1. SEA: Glassy calm. WEATHER: Misty