Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
24th March 2022
Selsey RNLI Respond to Emergency Call from Yacht Taking Water
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Uk Coastguards received an emergency Pan call from the crew of a 27-foot yacht saying that the vessel was taking
water and gave their position as approximately 2 miles southwest of Selsey Bill. The yacht had three persons on board
and one dog.
The Selsey all-weather Lifeboat (ALB) launched at 5.22 p.m. on Thursday 24th March and made best speed to the given position. Arriving on scene at 5.29 p.m. nothing could be seen but the Lifeboat had a target on the radar to the east of their position. After consultations with the coastguards the Lifeboat approached the radar target 2 miles to the east. Once on scene at 5.37 p.m. it was confirmed to be the casualty vessel, and a Lifeboat crew member was transferred to the yacht with a pump. The weather on scene was calm conditions in sunshine.
The Lifeboat crew member reported that there was water in the bilges of the yacht, but the ingress appeared to have stopped when the engine was stopped indicating it was possibly a water hose pumping water into the bilges. The Coxswain decided a tow would be the best option. At 5.50 p.m. a tow was established between the Lifeboat and the yacht and a course set for Chichester Harbour. During the tow the Lifeboat crew member aboard the yacht discovered that the stern gland was leaking. The water level was continually monitored during the passage to Chichester Harbour.
At 7.04 p.m. the entrance to the harbour was reached and once inside the yacht started their engine before dropping the tow. With the crew member and pump still aboard the yacht started making its way up the harbour to Itchenor. At 8.05 p.m. the lifeboat crew member and pump were recovered to the Lifeboat and the skipper of the yacht was happy to continue without the Lifeboat. The Coastguards were informed, and the Lifeboat was released to return to station.
The Lifeboat arrived back at Selsey at 8.45 p.m. and was recovered straight away. Washing down, refueling etc. was completed by 9.50 p.m.
CREW: Rob Archibald (Coxswain), Phil Pitham (Mechanic), Colin Pullenger, James Albrey, Sam Corcoran-Smith, Max Wiseman and Ian Ford.