Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
17th July 2012
Launched to Assist 10-Metre Yacht 'Anone' and Windsurfer
Selsey all weather lifeboat Voluntary Worker launched at 15:42 to assist the 10-metre yacht 'Anone' on passage from Cherbourg to Shoreham Harbour. The weather conditions had deteriorated drastically and when the sails blew out and their engine wouldn’t start the two male crew called for assistance.
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The original position given placed the casualty approximately 3.5 miles southeast of the station. The lifeboat arrived in the given position at 16:05 with no vessel in sight. A radio direction bearing was taken on the casualty which put them further out to sea; the lifeboat proceeded down the bearing passing the Owers light buoy which now put us approximately 7 miles southeast of the station. The casualty then gave a revised position which put them a further 6.5 miles further out to sea. With the wind increasing to southwest force 9 at times and a rough sea the lifeboat finally arrived on scene with the 'Anone' at 16:40 approximately 14 miles southeast of the station. The casualty was blowing out to sea with its mainsail still set and its foresail torn away dragging in the water. At 16:55 in difficult conditions the 2nd Coxswain was placed aboard the yacht to assist the weary crew. The foresail was pulled back aboard and a towline passed, the yacht was held into the wind to enable the mainsail to be lowered safely.
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At 17:07 a course was set for Chichester Harbour. After 20 minutes towing in poor sea conditions and the casualty being almost knocked flat twice it was decided to change course and run before the wind towards Shoreham Harbour despite being 7 miles further, this improved conditions on the casualty and better progress was made. As the lifeboat and casualty neared the coast line conditions improved slightly and the course was altered to look at the option of entering Littlehampton Harbour. When in a position approximately half a mile south of Littlehampton due to the weather conditions the Coxswain requested the assistance of Littlehampton lifeboat to enter the narrow entrance.
At 20:36 once inside the harbour the casualty was left with Littlehampton lifeboat. At this time Solent Coastguard tasked Selsey Lifeboat to assist a windsurfer in difficulties approximately 100 yards south of Bognor Pier. The lifeboat proceeded at full speed but thankfully the wind surfer made the shore safely unaided. At 20:54 the Voluntary Worker was released to return station arriving back at 21:25 rehoused straight away and was ready for service once more at 22:15.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), C.Pullenger, D.Lamdin, W.Moir, C.Harvey.
WIND: Southwest 8-9. SEA: Rough. WEATHER: Rain squalls poor visibility.