Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
27th March 2011
Launch to Assist Yacht 'Katrina' and Motor Boat 'Mottley Crew II'
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Selsey all weather lifeboat Voluntary Worker launched at 1518 to assist the inshore lifeboat by taking over the tow of the 29 foot yacht “Katrina” which had previously been aground on “Kirk Arrow” with the poor visibility and the casualty’s Skipper uncertainty of his position it was thought prudent to tow the casualty to the safety of Chichester Harbour.
The lifeboats rendezvoused at approximately 1525 half a mile south-southwest of the lifeboat station and at 1530 the tow was transferred to Voluntary Worker a course was set for Chichester Harbour. The harbour entrance was reached at 1640 and at 1655 when abeam of Hayling Island Yacht Club the casualty was released to continue to his mooring unaided.
No sooner had the Katrina been released when a motor boat the “Mottley Crew II” was spotted signalling for assistance. The boat had been moored up; the two crew had been angling and now couldn’t restart their engine due to a flat battery. A tow was attached and the casualty held stemming the tide whilst the Skipper changed over batteries. At 1720 he managed to restart his engine, the tow was released the casualty returned to Chichester Marina unaided and Voluntary Worker returned to station arriving back at 1830 rehoused straight away and was made ready for service once more at 1900.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), D.Lamdin (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), G.Mellett, J.Albery, G.Pearce, A.Lee.
WIND: South-Southwest 2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Sunny-Hazy, VISIBILITY: Less than one mile.
(With thanks to Martin Thomas for photos 3 - 6)