Selsey inshore lifeboat Betty and Thomas Moore launched at 21:53 to investigate a report from a member of the public of a canoe approximately 200 yards offshore from Pagham Yacht Club. The first informant was concerned that it was getting dark and the canoe hadn’t appeared to move in the last 40 minutes or so.
The ILB crew were on scene at 22:02 now totally dark and at 22:05 started a planned search of the area. At 22:07 the crew discovered the canoe with one male occupant aboard who was anchored and happily angling. The man was carrying all the necessary safety equipment including a hand held VHF radio. At 22:08 the ILB was released to return to station but as the man was about to terminate his angling session they remained on scene until the local coastguard unit reported him safely ashore.
At 22:12 the lifeboat returned to station arriving back at 22:23, rehoused straight away and was ready for service once more at 22:40.
CREW: D.Lamdin (Helmsman), S.Troughton-Smith, T.Watson.
WIND: West 2-3. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Clear night.
NB: This incident underlines the importance of informing the Coastguards of your intentions before setting out on any activities afloat.