Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
20th April 2011
Launch to Assist Single-Handed Yachtsman Becalmed and Broken Down
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Selsey all weather lifeboat Voluntary Worker was launched at 2.27pm to go to the assistance of a single-handed yachtsman who had nearly completed a 600 mile non stop return passage between Brighton and the Scilly Isles. The skipper of Slippery K had been motoring in calm conditions when approximately 15 miles south-southeast of Selsey his engine failed; with no wind he was left becalmed and drifting with no option but to call for assistance.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 3.27pm and the 2nd Coxswain went aboard to assist the severely fatigued skipper. A tow was attached and at 3.41pm a course was set for Chichester Harbour. In the calm conditions a good speed of about 9 knots was maintained and Chichester harbour entrance was reached at 6.05pm. Finally at 6.40pm Slippery K was safely berthed alongside in Sparkes Marina and the skipper left to get a good nights sleep.
Voluntary Worker departed Sparkes Marina at 6.45pm arriving back at station 7.40pm, rehoused straight away and was made ready for service once more at 8.15pm.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), S. Troughton-Smith, P.King, T. Watson, J.Reeves.
WIND: East 0-1. SEA: Calm. WEATHER: Sunny-Hazy.