Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
29th June 2014
Selsey Lifeboat Assists Yacht with No Wind and Engine Failure
The Selsey RNLI Volunteer Crew were paged at 7.39 p.m. on Sunday 29th June after a request from Solent Coastguard. The 30-foot yacht 'Tanya' made an emergency call to them saying that she had engine failure and no wind to sail.
The Tyne class Lifeboat 'Voluntary Worker' launched at 7.50 p.m. and proceeded to a position 3 miles south-east of the Lifeboat station. 'Tanya' had a man and woman on board who were able to rig the tow without assistance and once, a tow was established between the yacht and the Lifeboat, a course was set for Chichester Harbour.
The weather on scene was very little wind and a calm sea with heavy rain showers at times. This launch came just forty minutes after a large water spout was seen in the same area as 'Tanya' had been when the engine failed. When asked if they had seen it the skipper said he had been busy checking the engine.
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Chichester Harbour entrance was reached at 10.10 p.m. and, once inside the harbour, 'Tanya' was secured alongside 'Voluntary Worker' for the short distance to Sparkes Marina. The yacht was safely berthed alongside with the assistance of Hayling Island Coastguard Team who were there on the Lifeboat's arrival.
'Voluntary Worker' was released to return to station at 10.26 p.m. and arrived back at Selsey Lifeboat Station at 11.10 p.m. Re-housing and washing down was completed by 11.50 p.m.
CREW: Geoff Mellett (Coxswain), Max Gilligan (2nd Coxswain), Phil Pitham (Mechanic), Craig Sergeant, Pip Skeet (Trainee), Kristina Dolan (Trainee), Max Wiseman (Trainee).