Engine fire prevented and yacht saved.

Boat launched : Atlantic 85

Date: Saturday 8 September

Launch at : 17:00

Returned at : 18:43

Weather : Cloudy with a SW F4 wind.

The Atlantic 85 was launched to go to a yacht ‘Summer Wine’ some 2 miles offshore who had engine trouble and with smoke issuing from the engine compartment. A crew member went on board and found that the engine hatches were very hot but that no further smoke was coming out. The helmsman decided to take off the 3 crew and the vessel was taken on a long tow towards the harbour entrance.

The helmsman asked the Coastguard to call the Fire Service and two fire tenders arrived forthwith at the Lifeboat station with the Coastguard Mobile Patrol and Police officers following the Operation Procedure for such incidents. The 3 crew were transferred to the Chichester Harbour patrol vessel and landed at the Lifeboat Station, where they talked with the Fire Officer. Once he had discovered that the yacht had a 4.5kg gas cylinder on board the area was cordoned off and the yacht was beached.

Two fire officers in protective kit and with breathing apparatus went on board and confirmed there was no fire, so teh Harbour master gave authority for the boat to be relaunched and towed to Sparkes Marina. After a detailed investigation it was found that the engine had blown the head gasket and an injector had been spraying diesel onto the exhaust, so a fire was narrowly averted. The lifeboat and other service vehicles were stood down and the Atlantic 85 returned to the station and was made ready for further service.

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Service Numbers 2019

Total Launches: 84
Atlantic 85: 42
D-Class: 42

Services Totals

2015 - 67
2014 -77
2013 - 86
2012 - 77

Tide Times

Tide times and heights not available for http://www.tidetimes.co.uk/rss/chichester-harbour-entrance-tide-times

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