Boat launched : Atlantic 85
Date: Friday 8th June
Launched at: 21:09
Returned at: 22:00
Weather: Overcast and with a SSW F7 gusting 8 wind.
Solent Coastguard reported a number of windsurfers in distress about 200-300 yards off Hayling Beach. The Atlantic 85 was launched together with the Selsey All-Weather Lifeboat and the HMCC Rescue Helicopter. On arrival at the scene the Atlantic 85 found one windsurfer in the water, recovered him and took him ashore where he was handed over to the Hayling Coastguard.
The Rescue Helicopter then directed the Atlantic 85 to investigate two other potential casualties, difficult to see due to the height of the waves and wind blown spray from breaking waves. These were found, but fortunately they turned out to be ‘lobster pot buoys.!’ Working together the rescue vessels and helicopter agreed that there were no other casualties and so the Hayling Lifeboat recovered the casualties rig/equipment and a crew member was put ashore with this to return it to its owner.
The Atlantic 85 then made passage back to the station and was escorted by the Rescue Helicopter across Chichester Bar because of the adverse sea conditions. It was then made ready for further service.
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