The UK Coastguards paged the Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) to request the launch of the all-weather Lifeboat (ALB). A 23-foot fishing vessel with two persons aboard had called the Coastguard reporting machinery failure 2 miles south west of Selsey Bill.
The Shannon class relief Lifeboat 13-12 'Cosandra' launched at 6.34 p.m. and proceeded to the reported position which was close to the Looe channel buoys. The Coastguards informed the Lifeboat that the vessel AWB44 had heard the call for assistance from the 'Pegasus' and was proceeding to the position but was to the east of Selsey at the time. Whilst the Lifeboat was proceeding the AWB44 skipper called up the Lifeboat and said that he was heading into the Solent and would be willing to tow the 'Pegasus' to Langstone Harbour, their home port.
The Coxswain agreed that this would be the best option and said that the Lifeboat would continue to locate the casualty and standby until the arrival of AWB44. The Lifeboat arrived on scene at 7.05 p.m. and confirmed that the two persons were OK and informed them that the AWB44 would be towing them. The weather on scene was wind south west force 2-3 sea state smooth with overcast sky. When the AWB44 arrived on scene at 7.15 p.m. they started setting up a tow.
Once the tow was established the Lifeboat was released by the Coastguards and the tow commenced towards Langstone Harbour. The AWB44 is a British Army workboat and was on passage to Southampton. The Lifeboat conducted some training before returning to station.
CREW: Dave Lamdin (Coxswain), Phil Pitham (Mechanic), Max Gilligan, Kristina Dolan, Harry Emmence and Terry Healey.