Littlehampton lifeboat crew rescues adults aboard private fishing boat

The station's Renee Sherman lifeboat was called to the scene by the HM Coastguard at 2.52pm on Friday (May 15).

A spokesman said 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 put the casualty vessel, and its 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.”