Selsey all-weather lifeboat tows motor boat to safety.

They had received a radio call from the crew of a 26ft motor boat reporting machinery failure. The casualty vessel was 3.5 miles south east of Selsey Bill with fog sometimes reducing visibility down to 30 metres and a smooth sea state.The lifeboat arrived on scene at 12.30pm and after checking the welfare of the two persons and one dog aboard the boat a line was passed to them. Once the tow had been established between the two vessels a course was set for Chichester harbour.

The harbour entrance was reached at 1.50pm and shortly after the motor boat was brought to an alongside tow to continue into Sparkes marina. At 2.15pm the vessel was safely berthed alongside in the marina. After taking details the lifeboat departed Sparkes and arrived back at Selsey at 3.20pm and was recovered straight away. The lifeboat was washed down refuelled and made ready for service by 5.00pm. The crew today were Coxswain Rob Archibald, 2^nd Cox Colin Pullenger, Mechanic Phil Pitham, Andy Lee, Harry Emmence and Neil Hopcraft.

Notes to editors

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.