Boats Launched: D-Class and Atlantic 85
Date: Monday 20th February
Launched:12:45
Returned to Station:13:45
Weather: NW F4
Solent Coastguard paged and requested a launch to search for a 9 foot inflatable boat with a 5hp motor that had been out collecting clams with a friend in another boat. While returning to the slipway at the Ship Inn, Langstone, and when south of ThorneyIsland, his friend (who had the GPS) turned round and could not see him nor find him. He continued back and contacted the Coastguard.
Both Lifeboats were launched to start a search south of Thorney heading north east along Itchenor Reach and covering both sides of the channel, and then up the Thorney Channel. The Coastguard Helicopter joined the search from Hayling Bridge, searching south.
The Hayling Coastguard mobile was meanwhile checking car parks close to slipways looking for the fishermans white van and they located it in the Ship Inn car park with the missing person in it.
All units were stood down and the lifeboats returned to station and made ready for further service.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________