Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches
2nd July 2021
Selsey RNLI Lifeboats Assist Yacht
.jpg "Crossbow") |
.jpg "Crossbow") |
.jpg "Crossbow") |
.jpg "Crossbow") |
The UK Coastguard requested the launch at 11.26 a.m. on Friday 2nd July after the 10-metre yacht's skipper reported that he had engine failure and, with no wind, was unable to make headway. The yacht's position was 2 miles northeast of the Lifeboat station.
The yacht had initially made a call to the Coastguards shortly after 9.00 a.m. and, at the time, the Coastguards made a call on VHF channel 16 to any vessel able to assist the yacht. At approximately 11.10 a.m. the skipper of the yacht reported that the 2nd person on the yacht was becoming anxious and wanted to get off of the yacht. The weather on scene was wind southeast force 1, calm sea in sunshine.
The inshore Lifeboat (ILB) launched at 11.38 a.m. and headed to the yacht to assess the situation and if the person needed evacuation. While on scene the crew of the ILB noticed a line on the port side of the yacht's bow which was tight and seemed to be trailing under the hull towards the propeller. As this line appeared to be in the propeller it was cut and the engine was started and put into reverse gear to try and clear the rope, but the engine stalled indicating that the propeller was fouled. The Helmsman decided to request that the all-weather Lifeboat (ALB) launched to tow the yacht to the nearest port of safety. The Helmsman also asked the 2nd man if he would like to be taken ashore before the arrival of the ALB which he declined.
The ALB arrived on scene at 12.15 p.m. and the towline was passed to the yacht by the ILB. At 12.28 p.m. the tow was established between the ALB and the yacht and a course was set for Littlehampton Harbour. The ILB was released to return to station. The ALB arrived at a position south of Littlehampton Harbour at 1.50 p.m. where the yacht was released from the tow and dropped anchor to wait for Littlehampton Lifeboat to come out and tow them into harbour when there was enough water over the bar. The Selsey ALB was released to return to station at 2.00 p.m. The ALB arrived back at station at 2.50 p.m. and was recovered straight away, washed down, refuelled and made ready for service.