UK Coastguards requested that the Selsey all-weather Lifeboat launch after a French Customs helicopter reported wreckage which looked like a wheel house from a fishing vessel.
'Voluntary Worker' launched at 12.30 p.m. on Sunday 14th August (after a delay launching due to four divers submerged at the end of the slipway). The position given by the French helicopter was 12 miles south-east of Selsey Bill. The Coastguard Rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was also tasked to the search area.
The weather on scene was wind variable 1-2 sea state calm in bright sunshine. After a comprehensive search of the area and nothing found both the Lifeboat and helicopter were stood down at 2.23 p.m. The Lifeboat returned to station at 3.10 p.m. and was rehoused, refuelled and washed down by 3.45 p.m.
CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Willy Pledger (2nd Coxswain), Dean Mulvihill (Mechanic, on relief from Wicklow, Ireland), Steve Somner, Kristina Dolan (Trainee), and Harry Emmence (Trainee).