Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
1st August 2012
Launch to Assist 10-Metre Yacht 'Lupus Magnus'
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Selsey all weather lifeboat Voluntary Worker launched at 05:45 to go to the assistance of a 10-metre Dutch Yacht 'Lupus Magnus' which had fouled its propeller on fishing gear. The two male crew had managed to cut the line attached to the seabed but their propeller was still fouled and without propulsion they were concerned about entering a harbour safely.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 06:06 and as the yacht was sailing well it was decided to escort her towards Chichester Harbour. At 07:30 approximately two miles southeast of the harbour entrance the crew of 'Lupus Magnus' lowered their sails to enable the 2nd Coxswain to be put aboard to see if the offending fishing gear could be cut free. The skipper of the yacht went below to try and rotate the propeller shaft by hand to try and wind the rope out of the propeller. He was unable to do this and also reported that there were some bolts on the shaft which had moved and come loose. It was decided that the safest option was to tow the casualty into Sparkes Marina to enable them to effect repairs.
The tow into Chichester Harbour commenced at 07:43 and proceeded without further incident. The casualty was safely berthed alongside in Sparkes Marina at 08:30. At 08:34 Selsey lifeboat departed Sparkes to return to station arriving back at 09:20; rehoused straight away and was made ready for service once more at 10:00.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), G.Mellett (Mechanic), P.Pitham, D.Lamdin, C.Sergeant, R.Reeves.
WIND: South-southwest 2-3. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Sun/cloud.