Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
19th August 2022
Selsey RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Launched to Check the Welfare of Yacht Skipper
.jpg "Lone Yachtsman") |
.jpg "Lone Yachtsman") |
The UK Coastguard requested the launch after receiving a call from the RNLI lifeguards at Bognor Regis; they were concerned for the welfare of the lone sailor on a small yacht close inshore to the beach.
The inshore Lifeboat (ILB) launched at 3.03 p.m. and headed to the area between Bognor Pier and the Butlins complex. At 3.16 p.m. the ILB arrived on scene to find the yacht at anchor with the sole elderly male retrieving it. The weather on scene was wind north westerly force 3-4, sea state moderate in sunshine. The skipper of the yacht declined all offers of help retrieving the anchor and was insistent that he would be making his own way to Littlehampton Harbour.
The information was passed to the UK Coastguard who requested that the ILB escort the yacht towards Littlehampton. At 3.55 p.m., after consultation between the Coastguards and the Launch Authority at Selsey RNLI, the ILB was released to return to station.
The ILB arrived back at Selsey at 4.49 p.m. and was recovered straight away, washed down, refuelled and made ready for service.
CREW: Harry Emmence (Helmsman), Craig Sergeant, and Neil Hopcraft.