Selsey all weather lifeboat 'Voluntary Worker' launched at 21:13 to assist and provide safety cover for Hayling Inshore Lifeboat which had launched on the limit of its operating conditions to assist a windsurfer in difficulty approximately 200 yards offshore from Chichester Harbour entrance.
Hayling ILB quickly recovered the casualty and returned him to the beach inside the harbour. There was now concern for another possible casualty approximately 200 yards offshore from Hayling Coastguard Station in Hayling Bay. This sighting was checked out by Coastguard helicopter 'Rescue 104', now on scene. This sighting proved to be an abandoned board and sail from a windsurfer who had managed to swim ashore to safety earlier.
Due to the extreme conditions Hayling lifeboat requested to return into the harbour before it got completely dark. 'Rescue 104' stayed in the vicinity and 'Voluntary Worker' continued towards the harbour entrance until at 21:40 Hayling lifeboat reported they were safely in the harbour. At this time all units were released to return to station. Selsey lifeboat arrived back at 22:22, rehoused straight away and was ready for service once more at 23:00.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), G.Mellett, W.Moir, C.Harvey, J.Reeves.
WIND: Southwest 8-9. SEA: Moderate. WEATHER: Cloudy-good visibility.