Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 1901 to assist the 75 foot, 50 ton triple decked Thames passenger cruise ferry 'Mayflower Garden' which whilst on passage from Portland to the River Thames had lost drive to its propellors and was drifting with 3 male crew on board in a position approximately 2 miles southwest of the Owers light buoy, 8 miles south of the station. The vessel was on route back to start working the Thames summer cruising season after a refit.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1931 and a towline was attached. A course for Portsmouth Harbour was set and the slow tow commenced at 1939. At 2210 just before entering the main commercial shipping channel into Portsmouth the casualty was brought alongside in an abreast tow to enable safe manoeuvring within the harbour. Portsmouth Harbour entrance was temporarily closed whilst the casualty was brought through the narrow entrance. At 2328 with the assistance of the Haslar Marina workboat the Mayflower Garden was safely berthed alongside in Haslar Marina.
At 2339 Voluntary Worker departed Haslar Marina to return to station, arriving back at 0045 18.04.09 and rehousing straight away. At 0130 the lifeboat had been refuelled and was declared ready for service once more.
CREW: R.Archibald (Coxswain), D.Lamdin (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, P.Delahunty, G.Mellett, P.King.
WIND: Northwest 3. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Occasional showers.