Selsey RNLI lifeboat launched to assist yacht in Littlehampton

The UK Coastguard requested the Selsey all-weather lifeboat (ALB) after the two occupants of the 45ft yacht had reported their main sail was stuck and they were low on fuel so may not be able to enter the harbour safely.

The volunteer crew were paged at 12.26pm and the Tyne class lifeboat voluntary worker launched at 12.38pm with a crew of seven, to assist the yacht Ocean Odessey.

The ALB made best speed to the last known position of the yacht which was four miles south-west of Littlehampton.

A spokesperson from Selsey RNLI said: “No updated position was available as the coastguards had lost contact with the vessel since informing him they were sending a lifeboat to assist him.

“When the ALB arrived on scene no vessel could be seen so Littlehampton Coastguards were asked to check if the vessel had entered and they confirmed the yacht was inside the harbour.”

At 1.15pm the lifeboat was released by the UK Coastguards and headed back to Selsey.