Selsey RNLI lifeboat launched to assist fishing vessel drifting close to shore
The Selsey all-weather lifeboat (ALB) launched at 4.25pm on Tuesday 28 March after the UK Coastguards received a report of a 12m motor fishing vessel (MFV) drifting two miles south west of Bognor.
The ALB was requested to find the casualty vessel and make an assessment as to what assistance was required. The lifeboat arrived on scene with the MFV at 4.32pm to find the vessel now under a mile off the beach at Aldwick and rapidly moving towards the beach with an onshore wind of southerly force 6-7 with a moderate to rough sea state. The two crew on the MFV reported a fuel line had fractured and they were unable to repair it.
The Coxswain decided the 80-ton vessel was in danger of running aground on the beach and the best course of action was to pass a line to the vessel and establish a tow between the ALB and the MFV. At 4.48pm the tow was established, and a course was set for Portsmouth Harbour as this was the most suitable port of safety. Due to the sea conditions the first five miles of the tow the speed was reduced to three knots but once the Looe channel buoys were passed the conditions moderated and five knots was reached with the tide helping.
Portsmouth Harbour entrance was reached at 11.15pm and the MFV was safely berthed alongside at Haslar Marina with the assistance of Hilhead Coastguard Rescue team at 11.35pm. The UK Coastguard released the ALB at 11.45pm and the ALB departed Portsmouth and arrived back at station at 12.30am and was recovered straight away washed down refuelled and made ready for service.
The lifeboat crew tonight were Coxswain Dave Lamdin, Mechanic Phil Pitham, Colin Pullenger, Max Wiseman, Harry Emmence, Neil Hopcraft. Shore crew Head Launcher Chris Bowling, Driver Richard Wiseman, Simon Hutt, Melisa Fletcher, Mark Penny, Richard Brady.
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