Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches

18th December 2019

Early Morning Call For Selsey RNLI After Fishing Boat Fouls Its Propeller

MFV Pen-Gla MFV Pen-Gla
MFV Pen-Gla MFV Pen-Gla

UK Coastguard requested the launch of the Shannon class all-weather Lifeboat (ALB) on Wednesday 18th December. The 18-metre 70-ton vessel reported that the propeller was fouled and that their position was in the south-west traffic lane 22 miles south-east of Selsey Bill.

The ALB launched at 1.56 a.m. and made best speed to the position arriving on scene at 3.05 a.m. The weather on scene was wind southerly force 4, sea state slight in a clear sky. The fishing vessel reported all four crew on board were well and ready to accept the tow line. At 3.16am a tow was established between the Lifeboat and the fishing vessel and a course was set towards Portsmouth Harbour.

Whilst the tow continued the skipper of the fishing boat arranged for another fishing boat to rendezvous with the Lifeboat approximately one mile west of the Looe channel buoys to take over the tow from the Lifeboat. At 8.30 a.m. the tow was released and at 8.40 a.m. the Lifeboat departed the scene to return to Selsey.

The Lifeboat returned to Selsey at 9.00 a.m. and was rehoused, washed down and refuelled ready for the next call by 10.30 a.m.

CREW: Martin Rudwick (Coxswain), Colin Pullenger (2nd Coxswain), Phil Pitham (Mechanic), Max Gilligan, Geoff Mellett and James Albrey.