Selsey Lifeboat Station

Selsey Lifeboat Station - Launches

4th July 2021

Selsey RNLI Responds to Emergency Pan Call from Yacht Taking Water

The UK Coastguards requested the immediate launch of the all-weather Lifeboat after receiving a Pan emergency call from a yacht with two persons on board. The skipper reported that they were 2 miles southwest of Selsey Bill taking on water and required assistance.

The Selsey all-weather Lifeboat (ALB) launched at 2.35 p.m. on Sunday 4th July and made best speed to the yacht's position between the buoys that mark the Looe Channel Gate. They were experiencing rough conditions with strong tides combined with the fresh winds. The weather on scene was wind west southwest force 5-6 gusting 7, sea state moderate in bright sky.

Whist the Lifeboat was on route the skipper reported that his engine had failed. The ALB arrived on scene at 2.46 p.m. and, after a short time, managed to transfer a crewman to the yacht to make an assessment. The crewman reported that the yacht needed towing straight away clear of the rougher water and so a line was passed and a tow was quickly established however, soon after the tow started, he reported that the ingress of water appeared to be increasing and was around the engine so the pump was required straight away. With the yacht now clear of the rougher conditions the tow was dropped and preparations made to transfer the pump.

The Coxswain decided it would be best if both the persons on the yacht should be taken on to the Lifeboat for their safety so, when the ALB manoeuvred alongside the vessel, one person was successfully transferred but the other one was physically unable to complete the transfer in the conditions. On the second time alongside the pump was transferred and the Lifeboat crewman soon had it pumping the water out of the bilges. With the pump now keeping the water level down the Coxswain decided to establish another tow.

Once this was established a course was set for Chichester Harbour and, after a slow passage, Chichester Harbour entrance was reached at 5.00 p.m. and the tow continued into the harbour. The yacht was safely berthed alongside at Sparkes Marina and left with Hayling Coastguard Rescue Team. After retrieving the crewman and pump the ALB departed the harbour to return to station at 5.55 p.m.

The ALB arrived back at station at 6.30 p.m. and was recovered straight away, washed down, refuelled and made ready for service.

CREW: Rob Archibald (Coxswain), James Albrey (2nd Coxswain), Andy Lee (Mechanic), Craig Sergeant, Neil Hopcraft and Tim Scott (Trainee).