Both Selsey RNLI lifeboats assist yacht
Shortly after 8.00am the coxswain contacted the UK Coastguards with concerns for a small yacht which was on a course that would possibly put the yacht in danger of running aground.
After approximately 40mins the coxswain informed the Coastguard he could no longer see the casualty and it was decided to send both the inshore lifeboat (ILB) and the Selsey Coastguard team to locate the vessel on the west side of Selsey Bill out of view from the boathouse. On Tuesday 9 June at 9.09am the inshore lifeboat launched and at 9.16am located the yacht approximately 1.2 miles SSW of the station. The weather on scene was wind southerly force 3-4 sea state moderate in sunshine.
After speaking to the sole occupant of the yacht he confirmed he had grounded several times and that his engine had failed. The Helmsman decided to tow the vessel into deeper water and requested the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) to tow the yacht to Chichester harbour. The skipper reported he was unable to sail due to rigging problems and confirmed there was no ingress of water. At 9.46am the all-weather Shannon class lifeboat launched and rendezvoused with the ILB at 10.03am. A tow was established between the ALB and the yacht and a course set for Chichester harbour. The ILB was released to return to station at 10.17am
The ILB crewmember that went aboard the yacht to rig the tow stayed aboard for the passage to Chichester and at 1130am reported that the yacht had water ingress and a salvage pump was required. The vessel was brought alongside the lifeboat where the salvage pump suction pipe could reach into the bilge of the yacht. This was successful in reducing the water level. Chichester harbour entrance was reached at 12.05pm and the yacht was safely berthed alongside in Sparkes marina at 12.20pm.
The lifeboat was released at 12.25pm and returned to Selsey at 1.00pm. The ALB was recovered washed down refuelled and made ready for service by 2.30pm. The crews today were ILB: Helmsman James Albrey, Harry Emmence and Neil Hopcraft
ALB: Coxswain Rob Archibald, Mechanic Andy Lee, Max Gilligan, Max Wiseman, Pip Skeet and Terry Healey.
Key facts about the RNLI
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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