Selsey inshore lifeboat “Peter Cornish” launched at 1155 to investigate reports of an “unidentified floating object” reported to be in a position half a mile south of the lifeboat station.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1200 and whilst keeping a safe distance (in case the object was any form of explosive device) relayed a description and a phone number written on the object to Solent Coastguard. Solent C.G. rang the number, which turned out to be an agency working for Southampton Institute of Oceanography, they identified the object as one of their data recording buoys and confirmed it was not dangerous in any way.
The lifeboat towed the buoy back to the beach where it was recovered to be collected by its rightful owners at a later date.
“Peter Cornish” was recovered at 1230 and was ready for service by 1255.
CREW: P.Delahunty (Helmsman), B.luke, Z. Belcher.
WIND: West-southwest 2. SEA: Smooth. WEATHER: Sun and cloud.