Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches

27th July 2021

Selsey RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat Launched After Yacht Loses Navigation Aids During Thunderstorm

Phase 2 Phase 2
Phase 2 Phase 2

The 37-f00t sailing catamaran with three persons on board reported to UK Coastguards that they had lost all navigation aids, had ripped sails and rigging after experiencing strong winds including an 87-knot gust and rough seas during a thunderstorm in a position 5 nautical miles southeast of Selsey Bill.

The all-weather Lifeboat (ALB) launched at 2.52 a.m. with a volunteer crew and made best speed towards the given position. Whilst on passage the skipper of the yacht reported that one crewmember had sustained a minor head injury but was OK. At 3.19 a.m. the ALB arrived on scene and, after an assessment was made by the Coxswain, it was decided that a tow to Chichester Harbour would be the best option. The weather on scene was wind westerly force 3-4, sea state moderate in squally showers. The tow was established between the two vessels at 3.28 a.m. and a course set for Chichester Harbour.

At 3.50 a.m. the skipper of the yacht reported that another crewman had sustained a serious head injury and so the Coxswain decided to drop the tow immediately and transfer a casualty care trained Lifeboat crewman to the yacht to assess the injury. Once the Lifeboat crewman was aboard the yacht the injured crewman was checked and the injury was dressed. There was no requirement for immediate evacuation so the tow was established once again at 4.02 a.m. and a course set for Chichester Harbour with the casualty who had the head injury being monitored at all times. The Lifeboat requested that an ambulance meet them on arrival at the harbour.

At 5.10 a.m. the Chichester Harbour entrance was reached and the tow continued into the harbour. At 5.50 a.m. the vessel was safely berthed alongside at Sparkes Marina with the assistance of Hayling Coastguard rescue team. The ALB was released by the UK Coastguard and departed Sparkes Marina at 6.09 a.m.

The ALB returned to station at 6.45 a.m. and was recovered straight away, washed down, refuelled and made ready for service.

CREW: Rob Archibald (Coxswain), Andy Lee (Mechanic), Colin Pullenger, James Albrey, Harry Emmence and Neil Hopcraft.