Selsey Lifeboat Station

Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches

5th July 2022

Selsey RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Tasked to Person in the Water

The UK Coastguard had received emergency phone calls from people concerned for the safety of a person in the water approximately 800 metres off shore from Hillfield Road, Selsey.

The inshore Lifeboat (ILB) launched at 7.53 p.m. on Tuesday 5th July and made best speed to the area west of the Bill. The Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team were already on scene with the members of the public who had reported the person and were able to con the ILB on to the target. The weather on scene was wind north west force 2-3, sea state smooth in sunshine.

The ILB arrived on scene at 7.58 p.m. to find a free diver with an SMB surface maker buoy with a red and white flag. The ILB crew spoke to the man who was surprised to see them but also hadn't realised how far out he was. He said he was making his way back to shore and accepted the offer of a ride back to the beach at Marine Beach carpark. After dropping the man off at the beach the ILB was released by the Coastguards to return to station.

With the naked eye at that distance it was easy to suspect that one or two persons were possibly in difficulty and the members of the public were right to phone the UK Coastguard. The ILB returned to station at 8.15 p.m. and was recovered straight away.

CREW: James Albrey (Helmsman), Harry Emmence and Tim Scott