Exhausted Skipper Sparks Lifeboat Drama off Selsey
On 24 October 2022, a small yacht’s skipper sent out a desperate Pan Pan call, prompting the Selsey lifeboat crews into action.
Lifeboat Rushed to Stranded Yacht
The UK Coastguard ordered the RNLI D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) to launch at 2:20pm after the skipper, exhausted and struggling to make headway, requested urgent help. The yacht was spotted about three-quarters of a mile northeast of the lifeboat station.
By 2:23pm, ILB crew boarded the yacht and found the skipper unwell. The engine had stopped, but despite their efforts to restart it, the yacht’s speed barely improved.
Weather Favourable but Skipper Too Ill to Continue
The weather was fair — westerly winds at force 3-4 with moderate seas and good visibility. Even so, the ILB Helmsman told the Coastguard the skipper was too ill to sail solo to Brighton.
The Selsey all-weather lifeboat (ALB) launched at 2:51pm and linked up with the ILB by 2:57pm. The skipper refused to be taken ashore but agreed to board the ALB for the tow to Chichester Harbour.
Safe Rescue and Immediate New Mission
By 3:15pm, the yacht was under tow, and the skipper safely onboard the ALB. The ILB returned to base by 3:39pm. The yacht reached Chichester Harbour entrance at 5:03pm and was securely berthed at Sparkes Marina at 5:35pm, with aid from Hayling Island Coastguard Rescue Team.
Shortly after leaving the marina, the ALB received a fresh call-out. A small red RIB had broken down near Bosham Channel, just inside the harbour. Due to shallow waters, Hayling Island’s D-class lifeboat was sent instead.
ALB arrived at 6:22pm and confirmed help was on the way for the stranded crew. The ALB then stood down at 6:24pm and returned to station by 7:19pm, ready for action again.
Meet the Heroes
- 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
Thanks to their swift response, the skipper’s ordeal ended safely and the harbour’s waters stayed secure for all.
