Selsey RNLI Tow Fishing Boat 20 Nautical Miles to Safety in Overnight Rescue

The volunteer crew at Selsey RNLI carried out a dramatic overnight rescue on the night of January 5, responding to an emergency distress call from a fishing vessel that had suffered a complete power failure approximately 16 nautical miles south of Selsey Bill. It was the first lifeboat rescue of the year for the Selsey […]

The volunteer crew at Selsey RNLI carried out a dramatic overnight rescue on the night of January 5, responding to an emergency distress call from a fishing vessel that had suffered a complete power failure approximately 16 nautical miles south of Selsey Bill.

It was the first lifeboat rescue of the year for the Selsey station, which has a long history of life-saving operations off the Sussex coast.

Emergency Call and Lifeboat Launch

HM Coastguard received multiple Mayday transmissions from the stricken vessel late on the evening of January 5 after its main radio power was lost. With the initial position of the call uncertain, the search and rescue operation mobilised several assets.

• Selsey RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 10.06pm.
• A lifeboat from Bembridge, Isle of Wight, was also deployed.
• A Coastguard rescue helicopter joined the search, arriving at the scene just after 10.35pm.

When Selsey’s lifeboat arrived at approximately 10.49pm, the crew made contact with the fishing vessel’s occupants and confirmed that everyone on board was safe, allowing other units to be stood down.

Towing to Safety

With the vessel unable to make headway under its own power, the lifeboat crew secured a tow line at 10.59pm and began the long journey back to shelter. The tow covered roughly 20 nautical miles northeast toward the safety of Chichester Harbour.

After a challenging passage in darkness and open water, the fishing boat was safely moored at Itchenor by the early hours of January 6, with no reported injuries or further complications.

The Importance of RNLI Volunteers

The RNLI is a charity staffed by dedicated volunteers who provide a 24/7 search and rescue service around the UK and Republic of Ireland coasts. Selsey Lifeboat Station operates both an all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat, serving the busy waters off West Sussex year-round.

Operations such as this highlight the crucial role of the RNLI in maritime safety, ensuring that vessels in distress — whether recreational or commercial — are brought to safety whenever possible.

Local residents and visitors are reminded to always check weather forecasts and marine communications equipment before setting out to sea, and to report any emergencies immediately by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.