The UK Coastguard requested the launch of the all-weather Lifeboat (ALB) to assist in the search for a small rigid inflatable craft that was missing after leaving Worthing beach on Saturday morning 21st August with two persons on board to go fishing. They were due to return around 8.00 p.m. and attempts to contact the pair were unsuccessful.
The ALB launched at 12.59 a.m. Sunday 22nd August and headed to a position south of Worthing to join Shoreham Lifeboats and the Coastguard helicopter Rescue 175. At this stage it was unknown where the persons had gone fishing, so the search area was initially south of Worthing including the Rampion wind farm. Shoreham and Littlehampton Coastguard rescue teams were conducting a shoreline search. The weather on scene was wind westerly force 4, sea state moderate with overcast sky.
As the time went on the search area was increased and Newhaven and Brighton Lifeboats joined the search. Rescue 175 returned to base to refuel and shortly after returning, just before 4.00 a.m., located the craft off of Brighton with both person in the craft. The Brighton Lifeboat proceeded to the position and came alongside the vessel. The two persons were OK apart from being wet and cold and said that they had run out of fuel and tried paddling ashore. The casualties were taken aboard the Shoreham ALB and taken back to Shoreham Lifeboat station and checked over. The Brighton Lifeboat took their vessel to safety. All other units were stood down to return to station.
The Selsey ALB arrived back at station at 5.30 a.m. and was recovered straight away, washed down, refuelled and made ready for service.
CREW: Rob Archibald (Coxswain), Jake Harnett (Mechanic), Craig Sergeant, Neil Hopcraft, Terry Healey and Tim Scott (Trainee).