Selsey RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched to person in the water at Bognor Pier

The Selsey Shannon class lifeboat Denise and Eric with six volunteers on board launched at 2.05pm and made best speed to the Pier. The weather on scene was wind south westerly force 8-9 in rain showers, sea state rough. Also on scene was the Coastguard helicopter Rescue 175 and both Selsey and Littlehampton Coastguard teams.

The area was comprehensively searched by all the assets. At approximately 3.30pm two surfers who had been surfing earlier in the day made themselves known to the Police on scene after hearing the search was going on.

After comparing times it was concluded these were the two persons reported and at 3.36pm all units were stood down. Both Selsey ALB and Coastguard unit were re-tasked while returning to Selsey to investigate a windsurfer down in the water off Bracklesham bay but were stood down on route.

The all-weather lifeboat returned to station at 4.11pm and was rehoused washed down and made ready for the next launch by 5.15pm.The crew today were Coxswain Martin Rudwick,

2^nd Coxswain Dave Lamdin, Mechanic Gary Pearce, Willy Pledger, Max Gilligan and James Albery.

• RNLI media contacts
• Max Gilligan Selsey RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
  07956 415429 [email protected]
• Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer (South East)
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• Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer(London/South East/East
• 0207 6207416/07786 668825/ [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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