Selsey inshore lifeboat “Betty and Thomas Moore” launched at 13:51 after a report from a member of the public to say a kayaker had capsized approximately 300 yards offshore from the end of Grafton Road and was being swept to the west by the tide.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 14:00 and quickly located the kayak. There was no sign of the occupant so the helmsman immediately commenced a sector search using the kayak as a datum. At this time the Coastguard helicopter “Rescue 104” arrived on scene and soon spotted a man in the water. The ILB went straight to the position and recovered the man from the water. The man was only dressed in swimming trunks and a singlet; he wasn’t wearing a lifejacket, was tired, cold and had ingested some sea water. Had he not been located quickly there was a serious risk of him drowning. The ILB quickly transported the man back to the lifeboat station where he was met by the local Coastguard team and Paramedics. The casualty admitted to having been drinking and as he was vomiting it was decided to take him to hospital as there was possibly a risk of secondary drowning.
The ILB went to recover the mans kayak but due to adverse conditions this was abandoned. The ILB returned to station at 14:22 rehoused and was ready for service at 1500.
Crew: P.Delahunty (Helmsman), R.Archibald, G.Pearce.
WIND: South-Southwest 6. SEA: Moderate. WEATHER: Cloudy.