Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
22nd August 2009
23-Foot Motor Boat “Martinique” Sinking
 |
 |
 |
Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 1919 to assist a 23-foot motorboat Martinique reported to be sinking with a family of three, dad, mum and a two-year-old boy on board.
The lifeboat arrived on scene in a position approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the station at 1934 to find the two adults frantically bailing out water and the vessel listing quite badly. The mother and young boy were taken aboard the lifeboat immediately. Two crew were put aboard the Martinique along with a portable salvage pump. The pump soon lowered the water to a safe level but it was obvious that the vessel wouldn’t remain afloat without it running almost constantly.
At 2000 a slow tow to Chichester Harbour commenced. The harbour entrance was reached at 2130 at this time a distress message was received from a vessel aground just west of the harbour entrance. Unable to reach them Voluntary Worker remained as close as possible and illuminated the stranded vessel with searchlights until Hayling Island lifeboat arrived on scene.
Voluntary Worker continued towing the Martinique into Sparkes Marina where a crane had been arranged to lift her out of the water. Hayling Island inshore lifeboat was tasked to assist in getting the casualty into the slings of the crane.
At 2235 Voluntary Worker departed Sparkes Marina to return to station, arriving back at 2325 rehousing straight away and was ready for service 0130 23.08.09.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), C.Pullenger (2nd Coxswain), J.Albery, P.Pitham, G.Pearce, P.King, J.Reeves.
WIND: Southwest 2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Sunny.