Selsey Lifeboats Race to Rescue Exhausted Yachtsman
On Monday 24 October, Selsey’s RNLI lifeboats sprang into action after a panicked “Pan Pan” call from a stranded yachtsman who was too exhausted to continue. The small yacht was stuck just three-quarters of a mile northeast of the lifeboat station, barely making headway in moderate seas.
Skipper Ill and Stranded at Sea
The call came to the UK Coastguard from the yacht’s lone skipper, who admitted he was worn out and struggling against westerly winds force 3-4. The RNLI’s D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched at 2:20pm and reached the vessel three minutes later. An ILB crew member boarded the yacht and found the skipper unwell. Although they restarted the engine, the yacht hardly gained speed.
Realising the skipper was incapable of continuing alone, the ILB helmsman requested the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) be launched to tow the yacht to safety. The ALB left at 2:51pm and met the ILB soon after.
Safe Tow to Chichester Harbour
The skipper declined immediate shore assistance but agreed to board the ALB for the trip. A second ILB crew member helped rig the tow while the skipper transferred to the ALB at 3:15pm. The yacht was towed steadily to Chichester Harbour, arriving safely at Sparkes Marina by 5:35pm with support from Hayling Island Coastguard Rescue Team.
Second Rescue Call as ALB Heads Back
No rest for the lifeboat crews! Just minutes after leaving Sparkes Marina, the ALB was redirected to aid a broken-down red RHIB near Bosham Channel. Due to shallow waters, the Coxswain requested Hayling Island’s D class inshore lifeboat join the rescue. The ALB arrived on scene at 6:22pm, but the stranded crew confirmed help was on the way, allowing the ALB to stand down at 6:24pm.
The ALB returned to station by 7:19pm, ending a day packed with brave rescues.
Meet the Heroes of the Day
- All-Weather Lifeboat Crew: Coxswain Dave Lamdin, Mechanic Phil Pitham, Craig Sergeant, Kristina Staples, Trainee Tom Davidson
- Inshore Lifeboat Crew: Helmsman James Albrey, Pip Skeet, Trainee Ian Ford
- Shore Crew: Head launcher Frank Corby, SLARS Driver Chris Bowling, Richard Wiseman, Mellisa Fletcher, Mark Penny, Richard Brady
