Selsey inshore lifeboat (ILB) Betty and Thomas Moore launched at 5:04pm to investigate a report of a capsized small boat just offshore to the east of Pagham Yacht Club by a member of the public.
The ILB crew arrived on scene at 5:12pm having kept a lookout for possible persons in the water on their way. The ILB continued searching close inshore as far as Barn Rocks before turning back towards Pagham.
At approximately 5:25pm the ILB crew spotted an upturned boat on the beach and went ashore to investigate further. At almost the same time a phone call from another member of the public was received back at the lifeboat station explaining that he had witnessed earlier that afternoon 4 males in ‘good spirits’ trying to launch the boat unsuccessfully and when it capsized they abandoned it and went back to their bungalow at the top of the beach to continue merry making. Meanwhile the ILB crew had gone ashore to be met by the owner who substantiated events and also confirmed that no one was missing or injured.
At 5:30pm the ILB and crew were stood down, departed the scene at 5:34pm and arrived back on station at 5:43pm. Betty and Thomas Moore was rehoused straight away and made ready for service once more by 6:10pm.
CREW: C.Pullenger (Helmsman), A.Lee, M.Pledger.
WIND: East-southeast 3. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny.