UK Coastguards requested both the all-weather Lifeboat and the inshore Lifeboat launch to assist Selsey Coastguard and Sussex Police search for a man missing at West Wittering beach. The man had been drinking alcohol and was last seen in the water with just his underwear on.
The Lifeboats and their volunteer crew launched at 3.55 p.m. on Tuesday 16th Aug 2016 with the inshore Lifeboat heading straight to Wittering. The all-weather Lifeboat headed to a position half a mile west of the Bunn Leisure complex and started a search half a mile offshore towards Wittering. The weather on scene was wind south-east force 4, sea state calm in bright sunshine.
The other assets involved in the search were both Hayling RNLI Lifeboats and the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 104. At 4.25 p.m. the Coastguards reported that the man had been found and all units were stood down. Both Selsey Lifeboats returned to station at 5.10 p.m. and were rehoused, washed down and refuelled by 5.45 p.m.
AWL CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Willy Pledger (2nd Coxswain), Geoff Mellett (Mechanic), Max Gilligan, and Steve Somner.
ILB CREW: Dave Lamdin (Helmsman), Max Wiseman and Kristina Dolan (Trainee).