Selsey Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) ‘Betty and Thomas Moore’ responded to a Coastguard call after the family of a surfer reported him to be in difficulties approximately half a mile offshore from Pagham Yacht Club.
The ILB arrived on scene at 5.05pm half a mile offshore but nothing was found. After a short search, however, the casualty was spotted closer into the shore. The lifeboat crew helped the man on board as he was suffering from an injury to his left shoulder, which prevented him reaching the shore against the tide under his own steam.
First Aid was offered to the casualty on board but refused. He was then transported to the beach at Pagham and handed over to his family. Littlehampton Coastguards arrived on scene shortly afterwards but as the casualty was refusing any other assistance the Inshore Lifeboat left the scene at 5.16pm to return to station, arriving back at 5.30pm recovering immediately and made ready for service once more at 5.55pm.
CREW: R.Archibald (Helmsman), Z.Belcher, C.Harvey.
WIND: North 2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Cloudy.
Selsey RNLI’s volunteer helmsman Rob Archibald commented: “The casualty was an experienced surfer wearing all of the right gear for this time of the year, but his shoulder injury was preventing him reaching the shore against the tide under his own steam.”