Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
6th June 2011
Launch to Assist 23-Foot Fishing Boat with a Fouled Propeller
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Selsey all weather lifeboat (ALB) Voluntary Worker was launched at 9.17am to assist a 23 foot fishing boat ‘Lady P’ disabled with her propeller fouled on fishing gear with two male crew on board approximately eight miles south-southwest of the lifeboat station.
The lifeboat arrived on scene to find the ‘Lady P’ brought up stern first in the tide with the fishing marker rope still attached to the sea bed. Second Coxswain Willy Pledger was transferred to the fishing boat with a set of grapnels and a long handled cutting tool.
After approximately 40 minutes the offending rope was cut free from the bottom. Unfortunately the rope was still tightly fouled round the propeller. A towline was therefore passed and a course set for Chichester Harbour, but within about 10 minutes of towing the rope freed itself. The tow line was then disconnected and once the ‘Lady P's’ skipper had established that there was no damage to his vessel he continued with his day's fishing.
At 10.51am Voluntary Worker was released to return to station, arriving back at 11.33am. She was rehoused straight away and made ready for service once more by midday.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), R.Archibald, G.Pearce, Z.Belcher, P.King.
WIND: Northeast 2. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Cloudy.