Boat launched: D-Boat
Date : Tuesday 25th June
Launched at: 08:25
Returned at : 09:17
Weather : Calm, overcast with a F1 Southerly wind.
Solent Coastguard requested we launch to go to the assistance of a Dehler 31, fin keel yacht, which had run aground in the ‘Pilsey anchorage.’ One of the crew of ‘Anita’ was in some distress as the yacht heeled over at an alarming angle.
The coastguard had contacted Chichester Harbour Patrol but they were not available and so the D-Class lifeboat was launched and went to the scene of the incident in the Thorney Channel. The lady crew member was anxious and wished to be taken ashore until the boat had refloated but the skipper was happy to remain on board. The lady crew was transferred to the lifeboat.
Although the yacht had dragged its anchor the lifeboat helm felt it would be adequate when the vessel re-floated after the tide had turned. It was also felt that the sound construction of the yacht would mean that it would not have any problems on re-floating which would be within 3/4 hours. The skipper was therefore left on board and the lady crew member transferred to shore.
The lifeboat returned to the station and was made ready for further service.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________