Lifeboats Race to Rescue Injured Solo Sailor on Century-Old Vessel
In a daring midnight rescue, Selsey and Bembridge lifeboats sprang into action to assist a lone sailor injured aboard a 99-year-old ex-RNLI lifeboat. The vessel sent out a Mayday call after the sailor lost control due to injury, sparking a tense search in the dark waters south of Chichester Harbour.
Confused Location Sparks Lifeboat Chase
The casualty initially reported his position as five miles south of Chichester Harbour. The UK Coastguard immediately dispatched Bembridge all-weather lifeboat (ALB), closest to the reported area. But Bembridge crew couldn’t spot the elusive vessel. The sailor later admitted to being unsure of his exact location, suggesting he was further east.
With time against them, the Coastguard called in Selsey’s ALB. Launching promptly at 2:02am, the Selsey crew used Direction Finding gear to home in on the call, while Bembridge also activated their equipment. The two lifeboats soon locked onto the vessel’s signal and reached the scene together at 2:18am amidst moderate sea conditions and a force 4 south-west wind.
Expert Crew Coordinated the Complex Rescue
Bembridge transferred two crew members aboard the old vessel to assess the injured sailor. The team decided Bembridge ALB would tow the vintage lifeboat to Portsmouth Harbour, while Selsey’s ALB would speed the injured man to Sparkes Marina in Chichester Harbour for ambulance pickup.
By 2:55am, the casualty was safely aboard the Selsey lifeboat. The Hayling Coastguard Rescue Team quickly met them on arrival, helping transfer the injured sailor to awaiting medical care.
Selsey ALB returned to base by 4:48am, with Bembridge ALB docking in Portsmouth at 6:10am.
The Crew Behind the Night Rescue
- Coxswain James Albrey
- Mechanic Phil Pitham
- Colin Pullenger
- Will Moir
- Max Wiseman
- Tim Scott
Shore crew on hand included Head Launcher Simon Hutt, SLARS Driver Chris Bowling, Richard Wiseman, Frank Corby, Mark Penny, and Richard Brady.
Legendary Lifeboat with Historic Roots
The vessel at the heart of this rescue is a 60ft Barnett Class lifeboat ON-682, built in 1923. It was the first of its kind — the RNLI’s first lifeboat with twin engines and twin propellers. Stationed at New Brighton from 1923 to 1950, the boat is now privately owned, with plans to sail it all the way to South Africa.
Historical photos capture ON-682 leading a flotilla on the Thames in 1924 for the RNLI’s centenary. Another image shows the boat about a decade ago, testament to its enduring legacy.
