AWL 47-031 'Voluntary Worker' launched at 1214 hrs to assist the 27-foot powerboat ’Smiley’ reported to have hit rocks 1 mile west of the Selsey Bill with 4 persons on board plus one dog. All communication had been lost with the casualty. Once launched it transpired that the casualty was aground on ‘Kirk Arrow’, a shingle bank approximately 200 yards offshore from the end of Hillfield Road.
With the 'Voluntary Worker' unable to reach them due to lack of depth of water the ILB was requested to attend.
ILB D533 ‘Peter Cornish’ arrived on scene at approximately 1225 hrs and quickly attached a towline. The casualty was then towed back to the lifeboat moorings.
After establishing that no damage had been sustained to the casualty’s propeller or rudder it was decided that the safest option was for the 'Voluntary Worker' to escort the casualty to Littlehampton, mainly due to the fact that two of the persons on board ‘Smiley’ were suffering from seasickness. Crewman James Albery was put aboard to assist. Littlehampton was reached at approximately 1410 hrs where James Albery was recovered back aboard the 'Voluntary Worker' and the casualty continued into Littlehampton Harbour unaided.
‘Voluntary Worker' was released at 1415 hrs to return to station arriving back at 1502 hrs, rehousing straight away and was ready for service at 1530 hrs.
CREW AWL: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Dave Lamdin (2nd Coxswain), Phil Pitham (Mechanic), Max Gilligan, Peter Delahunty, James Albery.
CREW ILB: Colin Pullenger (Helmsman), Gary Pearce, Debbie Gilliver.
WIND: E F4-5. SEA: Slight. WEATHER: Sunny