Selsey RNLI inshore Lifeboat was requested to launch on Friday 12th September 2014 at 6.35 p.m. Solent Coastguard had received reports from the shore of a small boat that appeared to be in difficulties. The position given was off West Sands caravan park, Selsey 1.5 miles from the Lifeboat Station.
The 'D' class Lifeboat 'Betty and Thomas Moore' was on scene at 6.40 p.m. but the volunteer crew reported that no vessel of the description given could be seen in the general area. The weather on scene was wind force 1-2 and a calm sea with good visibility. Solent Coastguards then requested the inshore Lifeboat to proceed a further 4 miles to the west to search for the boat.
When the lifeboat arrived at the position off of West Wittering the crew quickly located the 10-foot dingy with one male on board. He had been unable to make way against the tide. The dinghy was towed to the beach at Bracklesham Bay where the man had launched from and left in the care of the Selsey Coastguard team.
The inshore Lifeboat was released from the incident and returned to station, arriving back at 7.40 p.m. and rehousing straight away.
CREW: James Albery (Helmsman), Craig Sergeant, and Andy Lee.