Boats launched: Atlantic 85 and D boat
Date: Sunday 19th August
Launched at: 17:50
Returned at : 19:00
Weather : Slight sea with a F3-4 W wind
Two young men swimming were being swept out to sea at West Wittering. One of them was able to make the shore and raise the alarm. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat crew were still at the station and launched quickly followed by the assembled D boat crew. By the time the lifeboats arrived on scene the first young man had made it to the shore, but was exhausted, sick and may have taken in sea water. The lifeboat crews recovered the other casualty from the water and the helicopter was requested. The Coastguard helicopter landed on the beach and the two casualties were assisted into the helicopter by the lifeboat crew. The Helicopter took the two men to Portsmouth Queen Alexander Hospital. where they were treated and released.
Before they could return to the station having transferred the two exhausted swimmers to the Coastguard helicopter the lifeboats were tasked to look for 2 missing children from West Wittering beach. The lifeboats searched the shoreline as close to the beach as possible, working their way westwards. The children were found ashore safe and well 15 minutes later.
Then the boats returned to the station and were made ready for service.
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