Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 1828 to assist in a search for a missing male who had rung the police threatening to kill himself. The police had heard the sound of what they thought were waves in the background of the conversation and the call had been traced to the Bracklesham/Wittering area.
Selsey lifeboat arrived offshore at the Windmill Selsey at 1840 and started searching to the west parallel to the shore approximately 200 yards off the beach. The Coastguard helicopter and Hayling Island lifeboat were also on scene although surf conditions close in were too great for the Hayling Island Atlantic Lifeboat to operate safely, Selsey Coastguard team carried out a search of the beach. “Voluntary Worker” and the helicopter searched amongst the heavy surf for just over an hour until at 1935 all units were stood down as the casualty was found ashore at Bosham.
Unable to rehouse, the Selsey lifeboat went into Sparkes Marina, Chichester Harbour, to wait until the low water. Hayling crew invited us to join them at their boathouse; where we stayed until midnight. Voluntary Worker left Sparkes Marina at 00:15 to return to station, arriving back at 01:35 Sunday 29th and rehousing at 02:00. Ready for service at 02:45.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), J.Albery (Mechanic), D.Lamdin, P.Delahunty, G.Mellett, G.Pearce.
WIND: South 9-10. SEA: Rough. WEATHER: Squally/heavy rain.