Selsey inshore lifeboat “Betty and Thomas Moore” launched at 17:52 to assist the 32 foot catamaran “Cariad” which was being driven ashore with two male Crew aboard, approximately 500 yards west of the Embassy Club, West Sands Caravan Park. The catamaran had suffered engine failure when approaching the “Looe Channel” and for whatever reason the two male Crew couldn’t sail the yacht and were quickly blown in amongst heavy breaking surf in shallow water between the “Hound Gate” and “Street’s” reefs.
The ILB arrived on scene at approximately 18:00 to find the casualty aground 200 yards offshore. At this time the helmsman requested the assistance of the all weather boat. He then beached the ILB and waded back out through the surf to check on the casualties and assess the situation. It was thought that with the rising tide just after low water the safest option was to try and tow the casualty yacht back out to sea. A bridle was rigged then the helmsman returned to the ILB and brought her alongside the casualty to connect the towline. Using full power after 8-10 minutes the casualty was eventually pulled afloat and was towed slowly seaward through 4 metres high breaking surf.
At 18:05 Selsey all weather lifeboat “Voluntary Worker” launched to assist the ILB arriving on scene at approximately 18:20 to find the ILB struggling to face up to the breaking seas whilst towing the casualty, only exceptional helming and the training of the other two Crew throwing themselves forward when necessary prevented a backwards capsize. The Coxswain of the ALB immediately requested the presence of the Coastguard Helicopter “Rescue 104” to cover the ILB and to escort them home. It was imperative to relieve the ILB of the tow so she could regain manoeuvrability in conditions now beyond her safe operational limits.
With less than 4 feet of water showing on the sounder the ALB was quickly placed alongside the casualty, Crewman Peter Delahunty leapt aboard and the ALB towline was thrown after him. Pete immediately sent the yachts Crewman back into the cockpit having been perched on the bow without a lifejacket. At the same time Peter attached the towline. Thus releasing the ILB and enabling them to deal with the sea conditions as they could now manoeuvre with ease.
Slow progress was made to gain sea room and depth of water. The ILB remained close to the ALB until helicopter “Rescue 104” arrived on scene. At this time the ILB was released to return to station accompanied by the helicopter. Voluntary Worker continued towing the casualty to Chichester Harbour arriving at the harbour entrance at 20:10. At 20:20 the casualty was handed over to the Chichester Harbour Master launch, and they continued towing the casualty into Sparkes Marina.
Voluntary Worker was released to return to station arriving back at 21:20, re-housed straight away and was made ready for service once more at 22:00.
ILB Crew: R.Archibald (Helmsman), J.Albery, C.Sergeant.
ALB Crew: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), D.Lamdin(2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, P.Delahunty, G.Mellett, C.Harvey.
WIND: Southwest 6 increasing 7-8. SEA: Rough. WEATHER: Sunny.