Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched at 1645 to assist the 10 metre angling boat Sarah Louise broken down suffering engine failure with two male persons on board approximately 4 miles south of Littlehampton. Littlehampton inshore lifeboat had been launched at the same time.
At 1724 Voluntary Worker arrived on scene in a position now approximately 3 miles south of Littlehampton to find Littlehampton lifeboat towing the casualty towards the harbour. Due to the quickly falling tide and the possible lack of depth of water at the entrance to Littlehampton Harbour it was decided not to waste time transferring the tow to Selsey lifeboat. Littlehampton continued towing the casualty with Selsey escorting.
At 1746 with Voluntary Worker unable to proceed any further in towards the harbour Littlehampton lifeboat managed to cross the Bar into Littlehampton Harbour with inches to spare under the casualty. Voluntary Worker was released to return to station, arriving back at 1810, rehousing straight away and was ready for service once more at 1845.
Crew: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), R.Archibald, W.Moir, Z.Belcher, S.Troughton-Smith.
WIND: North-northwest 1-2. SEA: Smooth, WEATHER: Clear night.