Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
21st August 2013
Search for Possible Missing Kayaker
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Selsey inshore lifeboat 'Betty and Thomas Moore' launched at 12:33 followed shortly after at 12:37 by the all weather boat 'Voluntary Worker' to commence a search for a possible missing kayaker. A small angling boat had reported finding an unmanned kayak just outside 'The Hounds', a group of rocks approximately half a mile offshore from West Sands caravan park complex.
With not a lot to go on as to where somebody had possibly fallen off the kayak, the search area was large, taking in most of Bracklesham Bay between the Coastguard Station at West Street, Selsey, and West Wittering, out to 3.5 miles offshore.
The search, involving both Selsey lifeboats, a Coastguard helicopter and Coastguard units ashore, took until 16:30 to complete, but then when nothing was found, the search was called off. Both lifeboats returned to station, with 'Voluntary Worker' arriving back at 17:00 followed by 'Betty and Thomas Moore' at 17:10. They were recovered straight away and made ready for service at 17:45.
ILB CREW: C.Harvey (Helmsman), J.Reeves, A.Ormiston.
AWL CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), W.Pledger (2nd Coxswain), P.Pitham (Mechanic), D.Lamdin, M.Gilligan, W.Moir, S.Troughton-Smith.
WIND: Southwest 2-3. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Sunny with good visibility.