Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 15.53 to assist the Dutch yacht “Vryheid” in a position 4 miles South of Selsey Bill.
The yacht with 2 people on board was experiencing intermittent engine failure and struggling in the weather conditions.
Communication with the crew of the “Vryheid” was difficult and at one stage radio contact was lost completely. Solent Coastguard managed to raise the skipper of the yacht after calling several times. The lifeboat crew then used radio direction finding equipment to locate the “Vryheid” as she was unable to pass an accurate position.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 16.20 and began to escort the yacht towards Chichester Harbour. Although a tow was made ready for use this was not needed and Harbour was reached at 17.35. The incident was handed over to the Harbour master and the lifeboat returned to station re-housing at 18.20.
WIND: South West F 6-7. SEA STATE: Moderate- Rough. WEATHER: Clear
CREW: D.Lamdin (COX) P.Delahunty, P.Pitham, J.Albrey, G.Pearce, P.King, A.Lee.