Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
14th August 2015
Selsey RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Goes to the Aid of Yacht Aground
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The 40-foot yacht 'Silvi Belle 2' had radioed Solent Coastguard with an emergency call stating that they had run aground 1.5 miles south of Selsey Bill. The yacht had four people aboard.
The D class inshore Lifeboat, 'Betty and Thomas Moore', with a crew of three volunteers aboard, launched on 14th August at 3.25 p.m. and made best speed to the 'Silvi Belle 2' which was visible from the Lifeboat station. The tide was still ebbing (going out) and the weather on scene was wind force 3-4 westerly, sea state slight in rain showers.
When the Lifeboat arrived on scene the Helmsman decided to make an attempt to pull the yacht clear of the reef. A line was attached to the mast and, after a short time, the vessel became free of the reef (preventing a long stay of up to 6 hours until the tide flooded again). The crew of 'Silvi Belle 2' checked for damage and water ingress and, after reporting that all was OK, they continued their passage to Portsmouth Harbour.
'Betty and Thomas Moore' was released by Solent Coastguard to return to station at 4.00 p.m. and was rehoused at 4.11 p.m.
CREW: James Albery (Acting Helmsman), Dan Langford and Kristina Dolan.