Littlehampton RNLI called out to assist vessel with engine difficulties

Littlehampton RNLI’s lifeboat Renee Sherman launched Friday 15th May to assist a private fishing boat with engine problems.

HM Coastguard tasked the RNLI at 2.52pm to launch their B Class lifeboat Renee Sherman after they had received a mobile phone call from a small leisure craft suffering engine problems which was consequently unable to make headway.

Although the craft had a working VHF radio it was not turned on, but the RNLI volunteer crew quickly located the casualty vessel approximately half a mile east of the harbour entrance some 500 yards offshore from Rustington. The lifeboat crew promptly determined to put the casualty vessel, and it’s two adult occupants, on tow returning them to their moorings in Littlehampton harbour within the hour.

Billy Johnson, Deputy Launching Authority at Littlehampton Lifeboat station, said

“Today there were clear blue skies, calm waters and a light onshore wind. The RNLI was called out not due to poor weather, but because of technical issues with an engine. If you are going to sea, particularly if it is for the first time in some months, it is vital to check carefully that your vessel is sea worthy. This includes the hull, steerage, battery, engine, radio and safety equipment. Please also remind yourself of radio procedures if you have not been afloat for a while.”

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