Strong offshore wind results in four calls in an hour Hayling Island's Atlantic 21 Aldershot had a very busy hour or so on 8 May when she was afloat on exercise and then dealt with several casualties in quick succssion.

At 1334, while already afloat with Selsey lifeboat in support of a special fundraising event and standing-by near the Winner buoy, a coastguard mobile reported a boardsailorin difficulties off Gunner Point.

The wind was Force 6 to 7 from the NE, an offshore wind in the area. While en route to the casualty the mobile reported that a yacht had picked up the casualty - but that a second boardsailer appeared to be in difficulties in the same area.

This boardsailor and his rig was picked up and put ashore at South Hayling Beach, but while doing so another rig was seen drifting out to sea. This belonged to the first casualty, and was recovered and brought ashore. While bringing this rig ashore a third boardsailor was seen waving for assistance. Having taken him ashore the lifeboat headed for Langstone Harbour, where the yacht which had picked up the first casualty was now moored. However, while taking him and his board ashore the crew of the Atlantic spotted a fourth boardsailor waving for assistance on the South Winner Bank... He was also recovered and both men were landed at South Hayling Beach before Aldershot returned to her rendezvous with Selsey lifeboat at the entrance to Chichester Harbour..