Selsey RNLI inshore lifeboat recues two from the water
The UK Coastguard requested the immediate launch of the inshore lifeboat after receiving a 999-emergency call from a member of the public reporting two people in the water close to a brightly coloured kayak 800 metres off the entrance to Pagham harbour.
At 3.09pm on Friday 17 June the D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched and made best speed to the area. At 3.14pm the ILB spotted the pink kayak and at 3.15pm the male and female were being pulled from the water by the ILB crewmen. Once the two casualty’s were safely aboard the ILB a welfare check was made, both were cold but otherwise unhurt. The kayak capsized after the watertight locker was opened and while trying to retrieve something from the locker the kayak capsized and consequently filled with water.
The Kayak was brought alongside the ILB, and the lifeboat crewmen were able to right the craft and empty the water out of it. The weather on scene was wind slight breeze sea state smooth in sunshine. At 3.44pm the casualty’s and kayak were landed on the beach at Aldwick and met by the Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team. The ILB was stood down at 3.55pm and made the journey back to Selsey arriving at 4.13pm and the ILB was recovered straight away washed down refuelled and made ready for service. The crews today were ILB crew Helmsman Colin Pullenger, Max Wiseman, and Neil Hopcraft. And the Shore crew Richard Wiseman, Frank Corby, Chris Bowling, Mark Penny and Richard Brady.
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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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