Hayling Island Lifeboat Scrambles After Mysterious Mayday Call
The Hayling Island lifeboat was launched on Sunday evening following a faint, troubling Mayday call. The distressed vessel reported a fire on board, now extinguished, and said it was being towed by a small RIB named JC, about 2.5 miles southeast of East Head.
Struggle to Contact Vessel
Communications with the vessel were patchy at best. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat was dispatched to scour the approaches to Chichester Harbour. Despite persistent calls on Channel 16, the vessel remained silent.
The lifeboat crew even stopped nearby vessels to ask if anyone had spotted a tow or heard the call for help.
Backup Lifeboat Joins Search
The UK Coastguard sent out the D-Class lifeboat to check from the boathouse to the East Head anchorage, scouring all vessels in the vicinity. Both lifeboats combed the area thoroughly, calling out regularly.
No Sign Found, Search Called Off
Even with a clear radar picture and no response, rescuers found no trace of the missing vessel or tow. The search was eventually called off. Authorities now believe the Mayday was a false alarm, known as a ‘1 Call’.
