Selsey lifeboat called to vessel with machinery failure.
Selsey RNLI all-weather lifeboat (ALB) launched at 6.05pm on Tuesday 4th April. The UK Coastguard requested the launch after receiving a call from a 33ft yacht with two person aboard reporting they had machinery failure and had insufficient wind to make headway against the tide.
The Coastguards were concerned the vessel would drift on to the nearby Mixon reef. Selsey ALB arrived on scene at 6.12pm and quickly passed a line to the yacht and a tow was established between the two vessels. The weather on scene was wind southerly force 1-2 sea state smooth in sunshine. At 6.18pm a course was set for Chichester harbour and the tow commenced.
The harbour entrance was reached at 7.50pm and once inside the harbour the yacht was brought to an alongside tow for the passage to Sparkes marina Hayling Island. The yacht was safely berthed alongside with the help of Hayling Coastguard Rescue Team at 8. 10pm.The Selsey ALB was released by the UK Coastguards at 8.14pm to return to station.
The ALB arrived back at station at 9.00pm and was recovered straight away was down refuelled and made ready for service. The ALB crew tonight were Coxswain Rob Archibald, Mechanic Phil Pitham, James Albrey, Harry Emmence, Tim Scott, and Ian Ford. The Shore crew were Head launcher Simon Hutt, Driver Frank Corby, Mark Penny, Chris Bowling, Richard Brady, and Paul Fairbrass
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.