Following a mobile phone call to the coastguard Littlehampton RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Renée Sherman and volunteer crew launched at 2.01pm on Sunday 17 July to assist a small leisure boat which was reported to have broken down two miles east of Littlehampton harbour.
The lifeboat headed out to sea in fine weather conditions towards the reported location. On arrival at the scene the lifeboat came alongside and found that the vessel was taking in water. Following an assessment of the situation the crew rigged a tow line to the vessel in preparation for its recovery. The vessel with three people on board was taken under tow and returned safely to Town Quay, where the Coastguard Team were waiting to interview the three people involved. A RNLI spokesman said “If you are planning a visit to the coast to go sailing, please remember to respect the sea at all times and that you have all the relevant sailing equipment to ensure your own personal safety.”
The lifeboat returned to the station at 2.29pm where it was refuelled and made ready for service.
For further information and advice regarding RESPECT THE WATER, please go online to RNLI.org/RespectTheWATER