Drama at Sea: Exhausted Skipper Rescued off Selsey
On Monday 24 October at 2.20pm, the RNLI Selsey Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) sprang into action after a Pan Pan urgency call from a small yacht off the coast near Selsey. The weary skipper had radioed UK Coastguard, exhausted and unable to make headway.
Skipper Ill and Yacht Stranded
The D class ILB arrived within minutes, spotting the yacht just 0.75 miles northeast of the lifeboat station. A crew member boarded the yacht and quickly realised the skipper looked unwell. The yacht’s engine had stalled but was restarted by the lifeboat crew — though it barely improved the vessel’s speed.
The weather was relatively calm, with a force 3-4 westerly wind and moderate seas in good visibility. Despite this, the skipper’s condition meant he couldn’t continue the journey to Brighton alone.
All-Weather Lifeboat Tows Yacht to Safety
The ILB crew requested the Selsey All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB) to launch for a tow. The ALB set off at 2.51pm and linked up with the ILB by 2.57pm. The skipper declined to be taken ashore but agreed to board the ALB for the tow to Chichester Harbour.
With the help of another ILB crew member aboard to rig the tow, the operation was underway by 3.20pm. The ILB then returned to base at 3.39pm. The ALB safely towed the yacht to Sparkes Marina by 5.35pm, with assistance from the Hayling Island Coastguard Rescue Team.
Another Rescue Call as Lifeboats Return
Just minutes after leaving Sparkes Marina, the ALB received a fresh call about a broken-down red RHIB near Bosham Channel. Considering shallow waters, the Coxswain requested the Hayling Island D class lifeboat to assist.
The ALB reached the RHIB at 6.22pm, only to find help already on the way. The crew stood down and returned to station by 7.19pm.
Meet the Brave Crews
- ALB Crew: Coxswain Dave Lamdin, Mechanic Phil Pitham, Craig Sergeant, Kristina Staples, Trainee Tom Davidson
- ILB 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
The daring and swift response by Selsey’s lifeboat crews ensured the skipper’s safety and kept two vessels off trouble in a busy part of the coast.
