Uk Coastguard (Dover) requested the Selsey all-weather Lifeboat (ALB) launch to assist the 45-foot yacht 'Ocean Odyssey'. The two occupants of the yacht had reported that their main sail was jammed and that they were heading towards Littlehampton Harbour to effect repairs but they were low on fuel and might not be able to enter the harbour safely.
The volunteer crew were paged at 12.26 p.m. on Monday 28th November and the Tyne class Lifeboat, 'Voluntary Worker', launched at 12.38 p.m. with a crew of seven. 'Voluntary Worker' made at best speed to the last known position of the yacht which was four miles south west of Littlehampton. No updated position was available as the Coastguards had lost contact with the vessel since informing him that they were sending a Lifeboat to assist him.
The weather was wind easterly force 7-8, sea state rough in sunshine. When the ALB arrived on scene no vessel could be seen and so Littlehampton Coastguards were asked to check if the vessel had entered the harbour, which they confirmed was the case.
At 1.15pm the Lifeboat was released by the UK Coastguards and headed back to Selsey. On arrival back at station the conditions were too rough to rehouse safely so the ALB went around to the west of Selsey which was sheltered from the easterly wind. At 5.30 p.m. conditions improved enough to rehouse and the Lifeboat was washed down and re-fuelled by 6.05 p.m.
CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Colin Pullenger (2nd Coxswain), Phil Pitham (Mechanic), Max Gilligan, Dave Lamdin, Gary Pearce and Steve Somner.