The volunteer Lifeboat crew were paged at 4.31 p.m. on Tuesday 5th January by UK Coastguards after a 7-year old child was reported missing at West Wittering. At the time of paging the child had been missing for two hours.
Both Lifeboats were requested to launch to join the Selsey Coastguard team and the Coastguard Helicopter in a search of the coastline. However, shortly after the All-Weather Lifeboat had launched, the child was found, and the Inshore Lifeboat was stopped from launching. 'Voluntary Worker' was able to rehouse straight away and was ready for service once again at 5.45 p.m.
AWL CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Willy Pledger (2nd Coxswain), Phil Pitham (Mechanic), Dave Lamdin, Geoff Mellett, Steve Somner, and Max Wiseman.
ILB CREW: Gary Pearce (Helmsman), James Albery, and Harry Emmence (Trainee).