Selsey All Weather Lifeboat 'Voluntary Worker' launched at 08:53 to assist Bembridge Lifeboat and the Coastguard Helicopter in a search for a missing seaman from the cruise ship 'MSC Opera'. When the 'Opera' docked at Southampton, at approximately 06:00, the crewman hadn't reported for his berthing duties. A search of the ship was conducted for him with nothing found. The ship played back the on-board CCTV footage which clearly showed the man going overboard at 02:25. A search was conducted based on the ship's position at the time of him going overboard. 'Voluntary Worker' arrived on scene at 10:19 to join Bembridge Lifeboat and the Coastguard Helicopter, which had been searching since about 07:00. An extensive search in good conditions was carried out until 11:40 when all search units were released to return to station with nothing found.
'Voluntary Worker' arrived back to station at 13:02, rehoused straight away and was ready for service by 13:45.
CREW: M.Rudwick (Coxswain), R.Archibald (2nd Coxswain), G.Mellett (Mechanic), M.Gilligan, C.Pullenger, W.Moir, C.Sergeant.
WIND: East F3. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny.