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/olume XLVIII Number 481 The Lifeboat ournal of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution Autumn 1982 25p
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LIFEBOAT
Autumn 1982
/""^ /"\ t"» f ^ fi f" o Notes of the Quarter Ill
Lifeboat Services 113
Volume XLVIII LongServiceAwards 119
Number 481
Yes, I'd do it all again, by Rosemarie Ide 120
,,. . Skegness Lifeboat Station, 1825 to 1982, by Joan Davies 124
Chairman:
THE DUKE OF ATHOLL
Poole Open Days, July 22-24 128
Director and Secretary:
REAR ADMIRAL W. J. GRAHAM, CB MNI
Around the Coast—and Inland 130
Keep on running, by Heather Deane, Deputy Public Relations Officer
RNLI 131
Lifeboat People 132
Editor: Shoreline 133
JOAN DAVIES
Some Ways of Raising Money 134
Headquarters:
Royal National Lifeboat Institution,
West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 Books 139
1HZ (Telephone Poole 671133).
Telex: 41328. Lifeboat Services, March, April and May, 1982 142
London Office:
Royal National Lifeboat Institution,
202 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7JW Index to Advertisers 144
(Telephone 01-928 4236).
Editorial: All material submitted for Advertisements: All advertising
consideration with a view to publica- enquiries should be addressed to
tion in the journal should be addressed Dyson Advertising Services, PO Box
to the editor, THE LIFEBOAT, Royal 9, Godalming, Surrey (Telephone
National Lifeboat Institution, West Godalming (04868) 23675).
Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ
COVER PICTURE
(Telephone Poole 671133). Photo- Subscription: A year's subscription of
Fog . . . one of the worst hazards for the graphs intended for return should be four issues costs £1.40, including post-
seafarer. The prototype 47ft Tyne class life- accompanied by a stamped and addres- age, but those who are entitled to
boat City of London underwent her slipway sed envelope. receive THE LIFEBOAT free of charge
trials at Selsey lifeboat station in Sussex, and will continue to do so. Overseas sub-
Selsey lifeboathouse and slipway can be seen
looming in the background. On the day this
scriptions depend on the cost of postage
Next issue: the Winter issue of THE to the country concerned. Write to
photograph was taken, by Joan Davies,
Selsey's own lifeboat, the 48ft din Oakley
LIFEBOAT will appear in January and RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset
Charles Henry, launched on service to help news items should be sent by the end of BH15 1HZ.
first an angling boat and then a German October. News items for the Spring
yacht, both of which had run aground in the issue should be sent in by the end of Printers: The Friary Press, Grove Trad-
dense fog. January. ing Estate, Dorchester, Dorset.
109RNLI Symbol Sweater
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Adults sizes 34" to 46" and crew neck style only.
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Delivery normally 21 days if in slock.
Out of stock orders acknowledged and subiect to 12-15 weeks delay.
Cash with order please, stating size, to
Mrs. M. W. Heaton, RNLI Kensington, 41 a Warwick
Gardens, London W14 8PL (Tel: 01-603 9373).
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110After declaring the new Bill Knott Building
open, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, the Prime
Minister, unveils a commemorative plaque
near the main entrance. With her is the Duke
of Atholl, chairman of the Institution.
(Below) A visit to HQ operations room
followed the opening ceremony. While Mrs
Thatcher looks through lifeboat photographs,
Mr Denis Thatcher signs the visitors' book.
With them are (I to r) Cdr George Cooper,
deputy chief of operations, Lt Alan Tale, staff
officer operations (2}, the Duke of Atholl,
Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, and
(hidden) Lt Cdr Brian Miles, deputy director.
NOTES OF
THE QUARTER
FOLLOWING the birth of a son to Their
Royal Highnesses The Prince and Prin-
cess of Wales a letter of congratulations
and good wishes was sent to Bucking-
ham Palace by Rear Admiral W. J.
Graham, the director, on behalf of
everybody connected with the RNLI.
The following reply was received:
' We were enormously touched to receive
your very kind letter following the birth of
our son and send you our warmest pos-
sible thanks. The reaction to the news has The new Bill Knott Building provides life had given to them, displayed the
been overwhelming and thoroughly heart- office and storage space for many pub- lovely virtue of generosity.
warming and we are rapidlv discovering licity and fund-raising aids, including At an informal reception inside the
what it is to be proud parents!—CHARLES flag day supplies, souvenirs, the print- new building, following the opening
and DIANA.' ing department and design studio. ceremony and the unveiling of a com-
Barmouth lifeboat station, which re- Southern District office is also now memorative plaque, Mrs Thatcher was
cently received the new 37ft 6in Rother housed in the new building. presented with a miniature brass fisher-
class lifeboat which is to be named On their arrival, Mrs Thatcher and man's anchor made in the depot by
Princess of Wales, sent a separate tele- her husband, Mr Denis Thatcher, were Mike Randall, while Mr Knott was
gram of congratulations and received an received by the Duke of Atholl, chair- given a presentation line throwing pistol
equally warm reply from the Prince and man of the Institution. They were and Mrs Knott a bouquet of flowers.
Princess. shown over the prototype 47ft Tyne Following her visit. Mrs Thatcher
class lifeboat and a new relief 52ft wrote to Admiral Graham:
Bill Knott Building Arun, lying alongside the depot quay, 'To be able to open the Bill Knott
On July 16 the Prime Minister, Mrs before inspecting the Bill Knott Build- Building was a real privilege and to meet
Margaret Thatcher, visited the head- ing. Then came the opening ceremony. so many of the people involved in keeping
quarters of the RNLI in Poole to open In her speech Mrs Thatcher thanked the the lifeboat service operational was u real
the new fund-raising centre which was RNLI for 158 years of selfless service, pleasure. My admiration for your work is
provided entirely by Mr William Knott, remembering both the lifeboat crews unbounded: YOU hold an unparalleled
a retired Poole businessman. Mr Knott and the fund raisers, with their com- place in the hearts of the people of our
countrv.'
had approached the Institution with the plementary virtues of courage and
offer of constructing the building on the generosity. The crews, she said, posses-
depot site to allow expansion of fund- sed the lonely virtue of courage, which Poole Open Days
raising activities and to enable staff each man had to find for himself—no Thousands of people descended on
previously accommodated in outside one could give it to him; the fund raisers RNLI headquarters in July to attend the
portable buildings to move into the and those who, like Mr and Mrs Knott, first Open Days ever held at head office
main depot. gave back to society something of what and depot. Visitors were able to see
around the offices and workshops, view
special displays and watch demonstra-
ANNUAL MEETINGS 1983 tions of the launch and recovery of an
Atlantic 21 lifeboat. Joint lifeboat/heli-
South Bank, London, Tuesday May 17 copter exercises were arranged between
a Royal Navy helicopter and either
Annual General Meeting of Governors: 11.30 am in the Queen Poole's 44ft Waveney lifeboat or the
Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall. Atlantic 21, and lying alongside the
Annual Presentation of Awards: 3.00 pm in the main auditorium, depot quay throughout the three days
were a 52ft Arun lifeboat, the prototype
Royal Festival Hall. 47ft Tyne and Poole's Waveney.
The Institution is proud of its ability
Further details will be circulated with the winter edition of THE LIFEBOAT.
to run a modern litesaving organisation
with minimal administrative overheadsWhile HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh were touring days later, when in Buckie, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh
Fife on July 1, Prince Philip went afloat in Anstruther lifeboat, the 37ft visited Jones Shipyard, where they saw the 48ft 6in Solent relief lifeboat
Oakley The Doctors, taking great interest in the carriage launch The Royal British Legion Jubilee, which Her Majesty had named at
(above, left and right): in command of the boat was Coxswain Peter Henley in 1972, ten years ago; the lifeboat was in the yard undergoing
Murray (photographs by courtesy of D. C. Thomson and Co). A few survey.
The style, rank and title of whose crew members, Stan Zalot, is
Honorary Burgess of also Mayor has recently been made an
Beaumaris has recently been
conferred upon Beaumaris Honorary Burgess of the town; the
lifeboat station. Councillor honour has been given in recognition of
Stan Zalot, Mayor of the its services to the local community.
town and also a lifeboatman, In Yorkshire, two guild members
presented the certificate and from neighbouring lifeboat towns also
a town crest to Sir Richard held civic appointments in the past year.
Williams-Bulkeley, president In Scarborough, Councillor Mrs Liz
and chairman of the station Mackenzie, former treasurer of the
branch, who then handed it to ladies' guild and still a considerable
Coxswain David Gallichan
for safe keeping. supporter, became the first woman
photograph by courtesy of Mayor of Scarborough since local gov-
Hywell W. Hughes ernment reorganisation. In Filey, Mrs
Wadsworth, the vice-chairman of the
and the Open Days provided an oppor- Launch the lifeboat, Mr Mayor! ladies' guild whose sons are also in-
tunity to show lifeboat supporters and Ken Holland, who is coxswain of volved with Filey lifeboat, was
the general public that head office and Skegness lifeboat, bore another disting- Mayoress.
depot play a vital part in keeping the uished title as the town's Mayor for the Further north, Magnus Shearer, hon-
lifeboat service at peak efficiency. It is past year and an article on his station orary secretary of Lerwick lifeboat sta-
proposed that the next Open Days will appears on page 124. Meanwhile, tion, has just been appointed Lord
be in 1984. For a full report of this Beaumaris lifeboat station, one of Lieutenant of Shetland.
year's event, see page 128.
With her builders' trials completed, the prototype 47ft Tyne fast slipway lifeboat City of London
Norwegian Naming Ceremony set out on a circumnavigation of the British Isles as part of her development trials; during these
The RNLI acts as the secretariat to trials lifeboatmen from a number of different stations are helping to man her. She is seen here
the International Lifeboat Conference with St Peter Port lifeboat, the 52ft Arun Sir William Arnold.
and keeps in close touch with lifeboat photograph by courtesy of Brian Green
organisations overseas. Several RNLI
stations have links with stations in
Europe, particularly in France, Ger-
many and The Netherlands, and on a
number of occasions overseas lifeboats
have come across the Channel or North
Sea to be present at the naming cere-
monies of our lifeboats. The Norwegian
lifeboat Skomvaer II was present at the
naming of Lerwick's 52ft Arun lifeboat
Soldian in 1978, and before an Arun
was stationed at Lerwick it was not at all
unusual to see a Norwegian cruising
lifeboat lying in the port's South Har-
bour with the RNLI lifeboat. It was
fitting, therefore, that Soldian, as part
of her extended passage back to station
for crew training after a recent survey,
should visit Stavanger in Norway for the
naming ceremony of a new Norwegian
lifeboat on August 23. The new lifeboat
was named Olav V after His Majesty
The King of Norway and the ceremony
was performed by his daughter, HRH
Crown Princess Sonja.
112The assembly klaxon was sounded a lifejacket and then the remaining
and at 1635 the D class lifeboat was three. Within a minute the lifeboat
launched from the harbour into shel- reported that all four were on board.
tered waters; she was manned by The water in the lifeboat was now level
Helmsman Eric Ward and Crew Mem- with the top of the sponsons, running
bers William Thomas and Philip Allen. over the transom as the lifeboat was
Course was set for Hayle Bar and full lifted by the heavy seas.
speed maintained. The sea was on the While trying to clear the casualty, the
port quarter, and it was an uncomfort- lifeboat's outboard engine propeller was
able, wet passage. At first the mast of fouled by a halyard from the dinghy.
the dinghy could be seen occasionally Crew Member Allen instantly entered the
between the troughs. Then it dis- water to try to hold the bow head to sea,
appeared from sight and the Coastguard while Crew Member Thomas also tried
confirmed that the dinghy had capsized to hold the bow up by means of an oar
in the surf on the bar; her four crew, shipped over the starboard side and
South West Division one without a lifejacket, were reported Helmsman Ward tried to clear the
to be clinging to the upturned dinghy. propeller. The propeller was entangled
Four rescued There was a heavy ground swell on with four full turns of polypropylene
the bar which, with the strong onshore rope, the standing part of the rope still
ON THURSDAY April 8, the honorary wind, was causing heavy breaking seas made fast to the dinghy thus effectively
secretary of St Ives lifeboat station was which extended 500 yards off shore. anchoring the lifeboat by her stern. This
down at the boathouse in the late Reaching these breaking seas at 1637, made it impossible for Helmsman Ward
afternoon when, at 1628, he saw a 16ft the urgency of the call dictated that to gain enough slack on the rope to free
sailing dinghy leave harbour with two Helmsman Ward should continue at full it.
young men and two youths on board. speed into the surf line. Once inside the Meanwhile, Crew Member Allen,
After watching her for a little while, surf line the upturned dinghy was quick- stationed at the bow with water at chest
and seeing the distance decreasing be- ly seen 50 yards off the port bow; her height but frequently being lifted six
tween her and Hayle Bar, an area to the four crew were clinging to her. feet with the boat, realised he was
south east where the seas were likely to Such were the conditions on the bar fighting a losing battle trying to keep
be very dangerous, he became con- that even at that distance the casualty the boat head to sea. So, seeing the
cerned for the safety of those on board. was frequently obscured by breaking obvious difficulty Helmsman Ward was
At 1633 he telephoned St Ives Coast- waves. Helmsman Ward continued his experiencing in freeing the propeller, he
guard and agreed to launch the D class approach at reduced speed, with the decided to join him at the stern. He
inflatable lifeboat. By this time the lifeboat now taking on more water than made his way aft between lifeboat and
sailing dinghy was a mile clear of St Ives the self bailers could clear. Neverthe- dinghy.
Harbour entrance heading in the direc- less, choosing his moment carefully At 1640 the Coastguard lookout,
tion of Hayle Bar. between breaking waves. Helmsman seeing the lifeboat to be in serious
Although the day was fine and clear, Ward made a sharp turn to port and trouble, alerted RNAS Culdrose.
there was a fresh to strong breeze, force successfully brought the lifeboat port By now the lifeboat had slewed
5 to 6, blowing from the north, the sea side to the upturned dinghy, which was around on the halyard which was hold-
was rough with waves about seven to held fast by her mast submerged in the ing the propeller fast. Crew Member
eight feet high and there was a moder- sand. Thomas was still trying to hold her head
ate to heavy swell. It was about three Working together the crew first pul- up into the wind, but she was practically
hours before high water. led in the survivor who was not wearing beam on to the sea and continually
shipping water. Helmsman Ward pas-
sed the boat's knife to Crew Member
ANNUAL AWARDS ber 19, in a strong south-easterly gale, Allen who cut the offending halyard,
seven people were rescued from two the helmsman was then able to disen-
1980 sailboards, a cabin cruiser, a yacht and tangle the rope, and with this sudden
a catamaran; the Atlantic 21 lifeboat release the lifeboat came back head to
was also called to the help of a boy sea. Crew Member Allen, who had
The Maud Smith Award for the most clinging to a post 20 yards out on a sustained a rib injury during his efforts
outstanding act of lifesaving during groyne. It proved impossible to bring in the water, was by this time extremely
1981 has been made to Coxswain the lifeboat close enough to grab the cold; he was unable to help himself, so
Michael Scales of St Peter Port for the boy aboard, so Crew Member James Crew Member Thomas seized him and
rescue on December 13 of 29 of the swam to him and brought him safely hauled him on board.
crew of the motor vessel Bonita, listing ashore. For this service Helmsman Restarting the engine first time.
to 45 degrees in the English Channel. Dunster was awarded a bar to his Helmsman Ward thought of making an
The winds were gusting to hurricane bronze medal and Crew Member James emergency landing on the beach 400
force, the seas were very high and the silver medal; the thanks of the yards away but, with the lifeboat so
visibility was poor due to driving snow Institution inscribed on vellum were heavily laden, there was no response to
and sea spray. In darkness and in accorded to Crew Member Raines. the helm and with a maximum speed of
extremely cold and hazardous condi- only 8 knots he was committed to going
tions, 50 approaches were made to take The James Michael Bower Fund awards in the direction he was heading, out to
off the survivors. For this service Cox- for 1981 have been made to the late sea.
swain Scales was awarded the gold Coxswain Trevelyan Richards of Penlee With his two crew throwing their
medal for gallantry. (to be received by his mother, Mrs weight forward to combat the force of
Mary Richards) and Coxswain Michael the breaking waves, therefore. Helms-
The Ralph Glister Award for the most Scales of St Peter Port, who each man Ward set to the task of getting the
meritorious service carried out in 1981 received the gold medal; and to Cox- lifeboat out beyond the surf line. He
by the crew of a lifeboat under 10 swain/Mechanic Alexander Gilchrist successfully negotiated ten six-foot
metres in length has been made to of Campbeltown, Coxswain/Mechanic breaking waves before finally coming
Helmsman Frank Dunster (for the Maurice Hutchens of Sennen Cove and clear of the surf. At first the lifeboat
second consecutive year) and Crew Crew Member Roderick James of Hayl- simply drove through the oncoming
Members Roderick James and Graham ing Island who each received the silver waves with heavy water breaking over-
Raines of Hayling Island. On Septem- medal. all; as speed increased between the
113waves, however, the water within the together with a small coastal tanker MV
boat cleared through the self bailers, Banwell. She was asked to stand by
allowing her enough power to take on while Banwell placed a salvage pipe
the waves. aboard Wheal Geavor. LE Aisling con-
By 1643 the lifeboat was clear of the tinued to tow the trawler towards
broken water and course was set for St Waterford at about three knots.
Ives Harbour. The Coastguard now At 1240 the tanker adjusted speed
cancelled the helicopter. alongside the trawler's port side and
On the return passage, with the rough passed a suction hose aboard. Attempts
seas on the starboard bow, speed was at to pump, however, were not successful
first kept down to 12 knots. Crew and at 1305 the lifeboat crew noted an
Member Thomas treated the four survi- appreciable settlement of the casualty.
vors, who were suffering from St Patrick moved in close and advised
hypothermia, but during the course of 'abandon ship'. By 1312 it was obvious
the passage he became particularly con- that the trawler was sinking and she was
cerned about one of them who listing to starboard. Six men jumped to
appeared to be concussed. At his re- safety aboard Banwell but Cadet Foskin
quest, Helmsman Ward increased to remained to let go the tow. Helmsman Frank Dunster of Hayling Island
was prevented by illness from attending the
full speed. Crew Member Allen, who The trawler's list was increasing
RNLI's annual presentation of awards meet-
was operating the radio, did not realise rapidly and Coxswain Whittle decided ing in London last May to receive the bar to
there was to be a change of speed; his to go in and rescue the cadet without his bronze medal; it was awarded to him for
weakened state preventing him from delay. With his crew ready on the his part in the service on September 19 when
taking a proper hold meant that he fell foredeck, and remaining there despite seven people were rescued from two sail-
overboard. He was, however, promptly the danger from the casualty's listing boards, a cabin cruiser, a vacht and a
picked up and St Ives Harbour was mast and gallows, the coxswain brought catamaran as well as a boy clinging to a
reached at 1654. The four dinghy sailors the lifeboat alongside the trawler's star- breakwater. The presentation was made,
and Crew Member Allen were taken to board side and held her bow hard therefore, on June 18 by Lt-Cdr John Lunch,
hospital by waiting Police cars. The a member of the Committee of Management
against the trawler while Assistant and president of Hayling Island lifeboat
lifeboat, which had been damaged, was Mechanic Sean Kearns and Crew Mem- station, during a social evening at Hayling
rehoused at 1710 and taken off service ber Patrick Glody snatched the cadet Island Sailing Club. The service, for which
for repair; the next day, Friday April 9, from the well deck and pulled him the silver medal was also awarded to Crew
she was temporarily replaced with a aboard. He then drove the lifeboat full Member Roderick James and the thanks of
relief D class lifeboat. ahead clear of the trawler just before the Institution inscribed on vellum accorded
For this service the bronze medal was she sank. At 1315 St Patrick went to Crew Member Graham Raines and Shore
awarded to Helmsman Eric T. Ward alongside Banwell and took off the Helpers Trevor Pearce and Nigel Roper, was
and the thanks of the Institution in- three fishermen. LE Aisling sent a reported in the spring 1982 issue of THE
LIFEBOAT. The crew of the lifeboat also
scribed on vellum were accorded to launch to collect her boarding party. received the 1981 Ralph Glister award (see
Crew Members William J. Thomas and St Patrick arrived at Dunmore at page 113).
Philip Allen. 1510, landed the three survivors and
was refuelled, remoored and ready for As the Atlantic approached the tug,
service at 1600. at 1154, three men could be seen on
Ireland Division For this service framed letters of deck wearing lifejackets. The heat
thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, could be felt from the side of the tug
Sinking trawler chairman of the Institution, were pre- and the men shouted that the fire was in
sented to Coxswain/Mechanic Stephen the engine room and it had been bat-
DUNMORE EAST PILOT STATION informed Whittle, Assistant Mechanic Sean tened in. As there was a risk of explo-
the deputy launching authority of Dun- Kearns and Crew Member Patrick sion, Helmsman Gilson immediately
more East lifeboat station at 1035 on Glody. took the Atlantic alongside the tug's
Monday October 12, 1981, that the starboard side, to leeward, and two men
trawler Wheal Geavor, with a crew of South East Division were taken off, one a river pilot and one
three, was disabled and making water; a crew member. The master refused to
she was 19 miles south east of Hook Tug on fire leave and the Atlantic pulled clear to a
Head and in urgent need of help. safe distance.
Maroons were fired and the lifeboat THAMES COASTGUARD informed South- The tug was making considerable
crew collected a portable salvage pump end-on-Sea lifeboat station at 1130 on leeway, so the Atlantic approached
from the harbour before boarding. At Saturday March 21, 1981. that the tug again and a rope was put on to the
1050 Dunmore East 44ft Waveney life- Laity Fwas on fire near No 3 Sea Reach casualty's bow in an attempt to hold her
boat St Patrick slipped her moorings Buoy. The crew assembled and took the head up to weather. It proved impos-
and set out on service under the com- transport down Southend Pier and at sible for the Atlantic to hold her,
mand of Coxswain/Mechanic Stephen 1148 Southend's Atlantic 21 rigid inflat- however, and the tow was slipped.
Whittle. able lifeboat launched on service; she The pilot was not a young man and,
It was a fine morning with a fresh was manned by Helmsman Paul Gilson as he was getting very wet and being
breeze, force 5, blowing from the north and Crew Members Glyn Gilson and thrown about, the Atlantic asked the
west and a moderate sea running. High Paul Manners. helicopter to lift him off; the lift was
water had been at 0520. It was an overcast morning but with safely accomplished at 1206.
On clearing harbour. Coxswain Whit- good visibility. A force 8 gale was Sheerness 44ft Waveney lifeboat,
tle headed towards the casualty at full blowing from the south west. It was two under the command of Coxswain/
speed and, with following seas, a good hours before high water. Mechanic Charles Bowry arrived at
passage was made. At 1120 the Irish The Atlantic's speed had to be kept 1210. She took the tug in tow and,
naval patrol boat LE Aisling reported down to about three-quarters because escorted by Southend's Atlantic 21,
that she had a sent a boarding party to of short, rough seas and heavy spray, made for Leigh River. At 1214 the fire
the trawler with a salvage pump and and on her way she was informed that was seen to have burnt itself out and at
that she was passing a tow. The position the Sheerness 44ft Waveney lifeboat 1240, in the lee of Marsh End Sands,
of the casualty was 21 miles off Hook Helen Turnbull had launched and an the tow was passed to the tug Eugenia
Head. RAF Wessex helicopter had been and Laity's crew member was put back
St Patrick arrived on scene at 1230 scrambled from Mansion. on board!.
114hospital where they were treated for
hypothermia and later discharged.
For this service the thanks of the
Institution inscribed on vellum were
accorded to Coxswain L. Derek Scott,
BEM.
South West Division
Fall from cliff
INFORMATION that a man had fallen over
the cliff near the Western Carricks was
given to St Ives station honorary secret-
ary by Land's End Coastguard at 1351
on Wednesday August 26, 1981, and he
was asked to launch the D class inflat-
Daniel Norman was accorded able lifeboat. Knowing that a crew was
the thanks of the Institution available within the immediate harbour
inscribed on vellum for the area, the honorary secretary sounded
rescue of a girl swept into the
sea off Watchet on September
the klaxon at the boathouse.
12, 1981; the service was re- St Ives D class inflatable lifeboat
ported in the spring 1982 issue launched at 1357, manned by Helms-
of THE LIFEBOAT. After the man Philip Allen and Crew Members
presentation of the vellum last Ian Tanner and Ian Lowe, and set out
June, Helmsman Kevin for the casualty. It was a fine, sunny day
Escott took Daniel for a trip with a light variable wind. With only
in Minehead's Atlantic 21 one hour to go before high tide. Helms-
rigid inflatable lifeboat. man Allen was able to keep close
photograph by courtesy of
Bristol United Press
inshore, sometimes passing between the
land and the rockheads. The 3'/t miles
bay with his binoculars he saw two men to the reported position of the casualty
clinging to an upturned tender about was covered in the shortest possible
350 metres offshore; they had been time, and the lifeboat arrived at 1409.
returning from their yacht in the tender From radio reports received from the
when they had lost an oar and capsized Coastguard, Helmsman Allen knew
trying to retrieve it. that a man walking along the Coastal
Coxswain Scott immediately tele- Path had seen another man, in swim-
phoned Swansea Coastguard to tell ming trunks, stumble down a steep,
them he was going to the aid of the two grassy slope and then disappear from
men. With the help of Second Cox- sight. The inflatable lifeboat searched
swain/Mechanic Alan Jones, who just from east to west, then back eastwards,
happened to be at hand. Coxswain Scott stopping once to consult a man on the
launched his own 10ft clinker built shore, but he had seen nothing.
Derek Scott, BEM, coxswain of The Mumbles
lifeboat, has been accorded the thanks of the
dinghy from the promenade of South- The lifeboat was again sweeping west
Institution inscribed on vellum for the rescue end Beach. Because of the small size of when a Wessex helicopter from RNAS
in his own dinghy of two men on December the boat he thought it best to row out Culdrose arrived overhead. Both life-
22, 1981. Coxswain Scott already holds three alone and began with powerful strokes boat and helicopter continued the
medals for gallantry, two silver and a bronze, to cover the 350 metre distance. search and then the helicopter asked the
and he has also received a Royal Humane The afternoon was freezing with a lifeboat to follow her into a cove. The
Society Award. photograph by courtesy of gentle breeze, force 3, blowing from the man had fallen down a blow hole, at
Peter Hadfield east. The slight to moderate sea was Trevail Bottoms, into which water from
short and choppy and it was just after a stream was flowing and the entrance
Both lifeboats returned to their sta- high water. of which was obscured by large rocks.
tions. Southend's Atlantic 21 arrived at Coxswain Scott reached the capsized Only a helicopter could have seen the
1255 and was rehoused and ready for tender at 1606. The two men, weighed man, but although she hovered off the
service at 1310; Sheerness's Waveney down by heavy clothing and suffering entrance and lowered her winchman
arrived back at 1503. from the severe cold, were unable to and stretcher, the blow hole was too
For this service framed letters of help themselves. By great physical narrow to accommodate either, and
thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, effort and skilful rocking of his boat. they had to be lowered outside.
chairman of the Institution, were pre- Coxswain Scott managed to haul the The lifeboat followed the helicopter
sented to Helmsman Paul D. Gilson more seriously distressed of the survi- into the rock-strewn cove. Helmsman
and Crew Members Glyn D. Gilson and vors aboard. Despite several exhausting Allen put Crew Members Tanner and
Paul W. Manners. efforts it proved impossible, however, Lowe ashore as close to the entrance of
to pull the other man into the boat, so the blow hole as he could without
Coxswain Scott told him to cling on to endangering the boat, and then waited
South West Division the stern while, as a precaution, he first in the lee of a large rock.
passed a rope round him and secured it Within the cove, a low ground swell
Capsized tender and then rowed for the shore as quickly
as possible. With the ebb tide pushing
was creating four to five feet waves,
which demanded great care on the part
ON THE AFTERNOON of Tuesday Decem- against him, the extreme cold, and the of the two lifeboatmen and slowed
ber 22, 1981, Derek Scott, coxswain of toll of his previous efforts, it was a very down their progress. Seeing that the
The Mumbles lifeboat, was at his home arduous row. but the shore was reached winchman needed immediate help.
overlooking the seafront when, at 1555, at 1621. The two survivors were landed Helmsman Allen secured the inflatable
he heard cries for help. Scanning the and taken by a waiting ambulance to lifeboat in the lee of the large rock and
115then swam to the entrance of the blow sent to Crew Members Ian Lowe and approaches to Courtmacsherry Har- hole. Ian J. Tanner. A letter signed by bour. At about 1900, while heading The casualty, a heavy man, had Admiral Graham was also sent to Cap- south at slow speed, the lifeboat fell off massive head injuries as he had fallen tain R. C. Dimmock, commanding a heavy wave on to her starboard and tumbled a total of 80 feet, landing officer of RNAS Culdrose, expressing shoulder and heeled over almost 90 on rock. Winchman and helmsman the Institution's appreciation to the degrees. Except for a lookout, the crew placed him in the stretcher and secured helicopter pilot, Lt K. Wyman, and the were either in the wheelhouse or cabin, him carefully. Crew Members Tanner winchman, Petty Officer Aircrewman the lifeboat recovered and no one was and Lowe, by a combination of climb- M. Cockerill. hurt. ing, scrambling and swimming, now By 2000 it was considered that there arrived to help the winchman. so was no chance of recovering survivors Helmsman Allen swam back out to the Ireland Division alive and at 2010 Acting Coxswain lifeboat to prepare, if necessary, for Madden was advised by the honorary embarking the stretcher. Storm search secretary to cease searching and seek The helicopter, meanwhile, returned shelter. Shortly afterwards the helicop- to the entrance of the blow hole, THE STATION HONORARY SECRETARY of ter abandoned the search. hovering very close indeed to the rock Courtmacsherry Harbour lifeboat sta- Acting Coxswain Madden headed for face. The winch wire was lowered, then tion was informed at 1428 on Saturday Broadstrand Bay and anchored close manoeuvred so that it could be reached December 19, 1981, that a fishing boat north west of Quarry Point; he and and hooked on to the stretcher. The two had been seen to capsize and sink off Acting Second Coxswain/Assistant lifeboat crew and the winchman guided Barry's Point. Maroons were fired and Mechanic Jeremiah O'Mahony took it the stretcher some eight feet to seaward at 1445 Courtmacsherry lifeboat, the in turns to stay at the wheel and engines and then winchman and stretcher were 47ft Watson Helen Wycherley slipped were used to reduce the strain on the lifted in one rapid movement. The her moorings and set out on service anchor cable. The wind gradually helicopter set off immediately to Trel- under the command of Second Cox- veered south and by 2300 had dropped lisk Hospital, Truro. swain/Mechanic Brendan Madden. to a moderate southerly breeze, force 4. Helmsman Allen brought the lifeboat A fresh to strong south-easterly An hourly call was made to Ballycotton towards the entrance of the blow hole breeze, force 5 to 6, was blowing in the Lighthouse. and Crew Members Tanner and Lowe river, with a moderate sea running. Anchor was weighed at 0730 the next loaded the helicopter strop, blanket and Visibility was poor in the continuous day, Sunday December 20, and the first aid kit and climbed back on board. heavy rain. High water was at 1130. search resumed between Barry's Point At 1425 the lifeboat cleared the cove. Acting Coxswain/Mechanic Madden and Courtmacsherry Harbour bar. The She returned to station at 1445 and was pressed on at full speed but had to wind was now south westerly force 2 or once again ready for service at 1500. reduce speed at the bar where condi- 3 but a heavy sea was still running and The hospital staff needed to identify tions were exceptional, with a heavy visibility was poor. the casualty so that next of kin could be onshore sea running against the ebb At 0830 the Irish warship LE Emer asked whether there were any medical tide. The lifeboat pounded heavily arrived and began to search, and at characteristics or allergies about which several times and shipped heavy water 0855 Acting Coxswain Madden they should know. A cliff rescue team aboard. With storm force 10 south- streamed the drogue, crossed the bar had searched the cliff path for anything easterly winds clear of the land, the seas and returned to station, securing along- belonging to the man, but nothing could in Courtmacsherry Bay were violent. side the Town Pier at 0900. The lifeboat be found. As it was a matter of vital Acting Coxswain Madden set a course was refuelled and back on her mooring, importance, at 1646 St Ives was asked to for Barry's Point at half speed, but he ready for service, at 1130. launch the D class lifeboat again. used full power at times to maintain For this service a framed letter of Helmsman Allen was in command as course. Visibility was severely affected thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, before but this time with Anthony by spray and heavy rain. chairman of the Institution, was pre- Carter and James Stevens as crew. The lifeboat arrived off Barry's Point sented to Second Coxswain/Mechanic J. At 1700 the three men landed at at 1520 and began searching for survi- Brendan Madden. A letter of apprecia- Trevail Bottoms and searched exten- vors; such were the conditions that it tion signed by Rear Admiral W. J. sively both in the gully and along the was not possible to distinguish the Graham, director, was sent to Noble surrounding shoreline. Then, after esti- dangerous low reef around Horse Rock Ruddock. mating the set and drift of the tidal 3'/2 cables off the point. Weak RT stream since the man fell over the cliff, communications were established with the lifeboat started a sweeping search Milford Haven Coastguard at 1525, and East Division seawards. Despite the chop which had they reported that a helicopter had been now developed on the sea, the lifeboat- requested. Two calls men found a shirt and a camera case The search was continued north of awash some six or seven cables north of Barry's Point and the lifeboat estab- NEWTON AUXILIARY COASTGUARD in- Trevail Bottoms. A tiny tube of oint- lished good RT communications with formed the honorary secretary of Cras- ment bearing a dispenser's label was Ballycotton Lighthouse from 1605 on- ter lifeboat station at 1100 on Saturday found in the camera case from which wards. Meanwhile, a shore search was May 1 that three men had moored their the Police were able to gain a full organised by Noble Ruddock, a former fishing boat at Newton Haven, a few identification of the casualty. RNLI Irish district engineer, and the miles to the north of Craster, and, The D class lifeboat returned to St lifeboat was directed towards wreckage trying to row ashore, had been blown Ives at 1820 and was rehoused by 1830. sighted on the surface. At 1620 a on to rocks. Maroons were fired and the It had been a rescue which neither the sleeping bag was recovered about three D class inflatable lifeboat was launched helicopter nor the lifeboat could have cables north of Barry's Point and the on service at 1110. achieved alone, but working together lifeboat checked flotsam and oil, but It was an overcast, gusty, morning they had been able to bring a difficult found no sign of survivors. with sleet showers and a near gale, task to a successful conclusion. At 1701 Ballycotton Lighthouse re- force 7, blowing from north west. It was For this service a framed letter of layed confirmation of the position one hour after high water. thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, where the casualty was seen to sink, and The inflatable lifeboat left harbour chairman of the Institution, was pre- at 1720 a Sea King helicopter from RAF and headed north with Crew Member sented to Helmsman Philip Allen and Brawdy arrived on scene and began a Keith Williams on the helm. Once letters of appreciation signed by Rear search. The lifeboat continued to search Castle Point had been cleared the full Admiral W. J Graham, director, were the area between Barry's Point and the weight of the wind was felt and in seas 116
which were rough, short and broken way; the dinghy had just left the 30ft Forrest and Alan Currie and all mem-
speed had to be reduced to half. As the motor vessel Sea Witch which was bers of the team who had helped in the
lifeboat approached Newton Haven, moored about 150 metres from the search.
Crew Member Neil Robson, the more shore. It was a squally afternoon with a The next day, Thursday October 8,
senior man with greater local know- fresh to strong breeze, force 5 to 6, the Atlantic 21 launched again at 0800
ledge of the outlying rocks, took over blowing from north west. The sea was manned by Helmsman Henry Crawford
the helm. The three fishermen were rough. and Crew Members Colin Grant and
sighted, stranded on the rocks, and by The skippers of the two fishing ves- William Anderson; they took out Crew
1120 the lifeboat was being taken in sels immediately put to sea while John Members John Strachan and Stewart
towards them. Strachan and another lifeboatman, Smith, both of whom are qualified
Just at that time an RAF Sea King Henry Crawford, ran to Largs lifeboat- divers, with their diving equipment.
helicopter arrived overhead and the house and fired the maroons. The The body of the missing man was found
lifeboat held off while a winchman was station honorary secretary arrived and and recovered. The lifeboat returned to
put down to check the situation; it was within minutes the Atlantic 21 rigid station at 0910 and was rehoused at
decided that the lifeboat should take off inflatable lifeboat was launched man- 0915.
the fishermen. So, unlocking the out- ned by Helmsman Henry Crawford and
board engine and holding it in position Crew Members John Strachan, Ronald East Division
to reduce the danger of damage among Forrest and Alan Currie.
the rocks, Helmsman Neil Robson
approached from the lee side and, by
The Atlantic 21 had reached the area
by 1802 and one man was rescued
RSPCA award
1140, the three fishermen had been almost immediately with help from ON WEDNESDAY AugUSt 12, 1981, Hlin-
safely taken aboard the lifeboat. The Mhari Bhan. Another man was clinging stanton's D class inflatable lifeboat was
seas at this time were five to six feet to the rudder of a moored boat; the called to a speedboat which, unoccu-
high. lifeboat could not get close enough to pied except for a dog, was spinning
The survivors were landed in Newton grab him, so Crew Member Strachan, round and round out of control off
Haven Bay and the lifeboat returned to seeing that the man was exhausted, South Beach. The man who had been
station, arriving at 1230. She was re- immediately jumped into the water with driving it had fallen over the stern after
housed, refuelled and ready for service a lifeline and supported him until they the water skier he had been towing had
by 1240. were both picked up by the lifeboat. also fallen; both had been recovered
A quarter of an hour later Newton The two survivors were landed on the from the water before the lifeboat
Auxiliary Coastguard reported to Cras- beach, but John Strachan, although wet arrived. With great difficulty. Crew
ter honorary secretary that a dinghy had and cold, remained aboard the lifeboat Member Arthur Osborne was put
capsized off Newton Haven after hitting until the end of the service. aboard the speedboat, brought it under
a submerged rock and a man had been A third survivor was picked up by Sea control and landed both the boat and
thrown into the water. Manned by the Nymph and the Atlantic 21 took this the dog, a spaniel, safely on the beach.
same crew as before, Craster's D class man aboard and landed him on the For this service, which was reported
inflatable lifeboat was launched on ser- beach. A doctor and ambulance were in the spring 1982 issue of the THE
vice again within minutes. standing by and all three survivors were LIFEBOAT, the Royal Society for the
With the wind still north west force 7 taken to hospital. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has
and the seas rough, the lifeboat once There had been a fourth man in the awarded a certificate of merit to Helms-
again made the passage to Newton capsized dinghy but nothing had been man Alan J. Clarke and Crew Members
Haven, arriving at 1310. She started a seen of him. The Atlantic 21 returned to Arthur E. Osborne and John Connors.
search of the area but, finding no one, the area to search together with MFVS
beached at 1330 for further informa- Mhari Bhan, Sea Nymph and Girl Jean
tion. A woman who had seen the and pilot cutter Ganstock. A helicopter, Scotland South Division
incident told the lifeboatmen that the scrambled from HMS Gannett at 1829,
man from the dinghy had managed to arrived overhead at 1856; Ardrossan In rock cleft
get ashore. Coastguard mobile arrived at 1843 and
By 1400 the inflatable lifeboat was organised shore parties; the fire service WHILE ON PASSAGE from Carrick Fergus
back at station and by 1430 she was arrived at 1915 and set up lights on the to Portpatrick on Monday August 3,
rehoused. As, on the return passage, beach; Largs Pier staff and many others 1981, the 32ft motor sailer Maureen II
loss of engine power had been experi- were helping. Despite a thorough suffered engine failure. She continued
enced, the boat was put off service until search from sea, air and land, however, under sail but, trying to enter harbour,
repairs could be made. She was back on no sign could be found of the missing she ran into difficulties and was carried
service again by 1600 the following day. man and at 2022 all services were stood on to rocks a quarter of a mile to the
For this service framed letters of down and the search called off. north.
thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, The Atlantic 21 returned to station at Clyde Coastguard informed the dep-
chairman of the Institution, were pre- 2025. Throughout the service Helms- uty launching authority of Portpatrick
sented to Helmsman A. Neil Robson man Crawford had had some difficulty lifeboat station of the situation at 0615.
and Crew Member J. Keith Williams. in manoeuvring in the rough weather as Maroons were fired and Portpatrick's
the port engine of the lifeboat had 47ft Watson lifeboat The Jeanie slipped
seized on launching because of gearbox her moorings at 0632 under the com-
Scotland South Division failure. On the lifeboat's return, Fleet mand of Staff Coxswain Tom Beattie. A
Mechanic George Miller fitted a new cliff rescue team was also called out and
Dinghy capsize gearbox and tested it. The lifeboat was
then refuelled, washed down and
approached the casualty from the cliff
top.
A LIFEBOATMAN, John Strachan, who is rehoused. There was a gentle breeze, force 3.
skipper of a ferry running from Largs For this service a letter of apprecia- blowing from the south west but the sea
Pier to Cumbrae, and Matthew Ramsay tion signed by Rear Admiral W. J. was moderate with a fair swell running.
and Donald McMillan, skippers of Graham, director of the Institution, was The tide was on the ebb.
fishing vessels Sea Nymph and Mhari sent to Crew Member John Strachan. In When the lifeboat reached the scene,
Bhan, who were mooring their boats at another letter, addressed to Mr J. Duf- at 0650, she found that Maureen II was
Largs Pier, heard shouts at about 1755 field, Largs honorary secretary. Admir- in a rocky cleft, being thrown on the
on Wednesday October 7, 1981, and al Graham expressed the Institution's rocks either side by the sea, and it
saw that an 8ft dinghy had capsized appreciation to Helmsman Henry would be impossible for The Jeanie to
between the pier and the lifeboat slip- Crawford and Crew Members Ronald approach her. Rocket lines were tried
117but failed, so Robert Tyson, who had
gone out with the lifeboat crew, volun-
teered to take a line across. He swam
the 100 yards to the yacht with a line
and passed it to a member of the cliff
rescue team who was already on board;
he himself was helped ashore and up the
cliff by the CRE team. The line was
made fast, the yacht pulled off the rocks
to safety and then taken in tow by the
lifeboat back to Portpatrick. The two
boats arrived at 0710 and the three
adults and two children on board were
taken ashore. The lifeboat was back on
her moorings, ready for service, at
0722.
For this service a letter signed by Cdr
Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, ex-
pressing the Institution's appreciation
to Robert Tyson was sent to Portpatrick
station honorary secretary. Mr D. P.
Brookes. Padstow: On the morning of January 26 the local fishing vessel Lamorna ran into difficulties
when a rope got wrapped round her propeller about three quarters of a mile off Newquay Head.
She put out an anchor to await help from another fishing vessel. The weather was deteriorating,
West Division however, and a north-westerlv gale was forecast, so Padstow lifeboat, the 48ft 6in Oakley James
and Catherine Macfarlane was launched to her aid at 1129 under the command of Coxswain
Yacht aground Trevor England and with a diver on board. Lamorna was taken in tow to Newquay where the
diver, Mr A. Bradlev, went overboard and cleared the fouled rope, freeing the fishing boat's
propeller. photograph by courtesy of B. S. White
HEARING, just after 1700 on Sunday
September 13, 1981. that a yacht had
grounded on the training bank off Buoy of operations, was sent to Captain J. A. T section of the post in about 30 feet of
C6. Helmsman Edward Brown tele- Billington, New Brighton station honor- water and about 60 yards from the
phoned the honorary secretary of New ary secretary, expressing the Institu- shore. The tide was extremely fast
Brighton lifeboat station. Almost im- tion's appreciation to Helmsman running and the nearest the lifeboat
mediately, as preparation was being Edward B. Brown and Crew Members could be brought to the post was 10 to
made to fire the maroons, a request Anthony G. Clare and Robert F. 12 feet; by this time the man was also
came from Liverpool Coastguard to Robertson. suffering from the effects of exposure.
launch to the aid of the 28ft steel hulled Crew Member Litt climbed along the
yacht Blue Tango. top rope of the salmon net through a
At 1712 New Brighton's Atlantic 21 current described as ferocious and
rigid inflatable lifeboat was' launched Scotland South Division brought the man safely to the lifeboat;
manned by Helmsman Brown and Crew during the passage to Annan, where he
Members Anthony Clare and Robert Rising tide was transferred to an ambulance, the
Robertson. It was a fine, clear evening wildfowler was treated for exposure and
but with a fresh to strong breeze, force 5 RAMSEY COASTGUARD informed the hon- hypothermia. The lifeboat was back on
to 6, blowing from west south west and orary secretary of Silloth lifeboat station station at 1442.
gusting to near gale, force 7. The sea at 1255 on Thursday February 11 that a For this service a letter of apprecia-
was moderate to rough and there was a man was stuck in the salmon nets at tion signed by Commander Bruce
moderate west-south-westerly swell. Dornock, two miles east of the River Cairns, chief of operations, was sent to
The forecast was that the weather Annan, on the north side of the Solway Crew Member Ashley Litt. In a letter to
would deteriorate. Firth. At 1310 Silloth's Atlantic 21 rigid George G. Egdell. Silloth honorary
Blue Tango was hard aground on the inflatable lifeboat launched on service secretary, which was accompanied by a
west training bank, seven miles north manned by Helmsman Colin Akitt and donation to the Institution, the survivor
north west of the lifeboat station. On Crew Members Ashley Litt and Philip wrote;
arrival, the Atlantic 21 ran the yacht's Satterthwaite. T suppose it was a routine job for the
kedge anchor out into deeper water to The weather was fair with a moderate crew, but I can assure you for myself it
the west to prevent her drifting further to fresh breeze, force 4 to 5, blowing was the opposite. I will not forget sighting
ashore as the tide rose, and shipping from west south west. The sea was the boat on the horizon and landing in the
was asked to ease speed in passing. choppy with a heavy swell. It was two bottom of the lifeboat freezing with cold
At 1900. after a good deal of bumping . . . Once again will you express my
hours before high water. sincere thanks to all your lads at Silloth
and surfing in the heavy sea and swell in The casualty was one of the three and throughout the RNLI.'
the making tide, the yacht came afloat. wildfowlers who had walked out to
The anchor held at first but then started examine the terrain. The tide was rising
to drag and the yacht knocked across and the man and his pointer dog were
the training bank to the east. The stranded when a gully filled with water. West Division
Atlantic 21 lifeboat went round the end His friends advised him to go to the T
of the bank to meet her and escort her section of a salmon net while one of Running into danger
into the channel. In view of the de- them went to dial 999. At this time it
teriorating weather, however, and the was estimated that there was about six ON THE AFTERNOON of Friday September
yacht's slow progress, the lifeboat feet of water below him. As the sea 11, 1981, the 26ft yacht Kerry left Doug-
towed her to Alfred Basin. The lifeboat gradually deepened he climbed towards las, Isle of Man, bound for Glasson
returned to station at 2100 and was the top of the post, eventually having to Dock, Lancaster, crewed by two men.
rehoused and once again ready for release his dog. which swam ashore. He Although the weather and visibility
service by 2130. clung to the post for almost an hour. were good, there was a fresh to strong
For this service a letter signed by When the lifeboat arrived, at 1336 the breeze, force 5 to 6, blowing from the
Commander Bruce Cairns. RNLI chief wildfowler was clinging to the top of the south west and the sea was rough and
118one of the crew became badly affected South West Division placed on either the boat or the crew.
by sea sickness. The yacht's owner tried While searching off the Ranie, the
to start the boat's engine but could not
do so.
Fishing boat capsized lifeboat was told by the Coastguard that
Bowqueen was alongside the casualty.
At 1927 Kerry called Ramsey Coast- The sand dredger was sighted about two
guard on VHP Channel 16 and was given A TELEPHONE CALL was received by the miles to the south west; course was set
a course to sail for Douglas, but as she honorary secretary of Penarth lifeboat for her and despite the moderate to
approached land it became clear that station at 1311 on Friday September 18, rough short, steep head seas, up to five
her single-handed skipper would be 1981, from The Mumbles Coastguard feet high, full speed was maintained
running into difficulties and would need requesting the launch of the lifeboat: a throughout the passage.
help. At 2015, when the yacht was some message had come on VHP Channel 16 When the lifeboat arrived at the
three or four miles off Douglas, Ramsey from the sand dredger Bowqueen re- casualty she found that there had in fact
Coastguard telephoned the honorary porting the sighting of two people cling- been three men aboard the fishing boat.
secretary of Douglas lifeboat station, ing to an upturned boat (later found to Bowqueen had recovered one of them
and at 2034 the 46ft 9in Watson R. A. be an 18ft GRP fishing boat) half a mile but the other two men, too cold to help
Colby Cubbin No. 1 launched on ser- west of Ranie Buoy off Lavernock themselves, were clinging on, head and
vice under the command of Coxswain Point. Maroons were fired and at 1321 shoulders above water, to a safety net
Robert J. Corran. Penarth's D class inflatable lifeboat was which had been hung down over Bow-
The lifeboat came up with Kerry, still launched manned by Helmsman Callum queen's port side.
under sail, at 2130 and with some diffi- Couper and Crew Members Robert Bowqueen was stopped in the water
culty because of the considerable move- Ryan and Michael Hill. heading east north east so that, as the
ment of the two boats in the swell, Crew It was an overcast afternoon, but lifeboat came alongside the safety net,
Member Steven Unsworth boarded the clear, and a fresh breeze, force 5, was she was in the sand dredger's lee. The
yacht to help. He lowered the sails, a blowing from the south west. It was two survivors were extricated from the
tow line was passed and the yacht was nearly three hours after high water. net, not without difficulty, and taken on
taken to Laxey, where a doctor was The passage south to Ranie Buoy, in board the lifeboat. Each was helped
waiting. The lifeboat returned to Doug- sheltered waters, was made at full into a survivor's lifejacket, positioned
las and was once again housed and speed. At the Ranie, however, the sea low in the boat and covered with an
ready for service at 2300. state was more severe, with wind exposure sheet to prevent further heat
For this service a letter of apprecia- against tide causing a rough, confused loss.
tion signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief sea. Speed was reduced to enable a Helmsman Couper was intending to
of operations, was sent to Crew Mem- proper lookout to be maintained and to
ber Steven Unsworth. ensure that no unnecessary stress was continued on page 141
The Lizard-Cadgwith Portrush
LONG SERVICE Coxswain/Mechanic P. R. C. Mitchell Coxswain J. Stewart
AWARDS Head Launcher I. A. Hill Second Coxswain R. McMullan
Winchman S. C. Watkins Port St Mary
Lytham-St Anne's Coxswain/Mechanic A. N. Quillin, BEM
THE LONG SERVICE BADGE, introduced Coxswain A. Wignall Pwllheli
Second Coxswain B. Gill Coxswain W. D. McGill
from January 1 this year for crew Crew Member H. Bamber
members and shore helpers who have Second Coxswain/Mechanic O. Roberts
Tractor Driver A. Broxup
given active service for 20 years or Ramsey
more, has been awarded to: Margate Motor Mechanic J. H. Kneale
Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic
St Helier
D. E. G. Lacey
Motor Mechanic R. L. Berezai
Aldeburgh
Coxswain W. V. Burrell. BEM The Mumbles StIves
Coxswain L. D. Scott. BEM Coxswain T. Cocking (Snr)
Second Coxswain S. Strowger
Motor Mechanic N. A. Saint Second Coxswain/Mechanic A. R. Jones Second Coxswain J. N. Perkin
Assistant Mechanic B. J. Jeffery Assistant Mechanic D. L. Smith
Crew Member F. S. Sharland
Crew Member A. D. Lewis Crew Member J. L. Tanner
Tractor Driver M. H. Smith
Shore Helper E. A. Strowger Newcastle (Co Down) Crew Member J. B. Thomas
Shore Helper R. W. Wood Coxswain M. Leneghan Head Launcher J. Benney
Second Coxswain W. S. McCullough Shore Helper F. Cocking
Amble Shore Helper J. G. Uren
Second Coxswain R. Stewart Motor Mechanic G. Murphy
Assistant Mechanic J. Smith St Mary's
Barmouth Tractor Driver M. McKibben Coxswain M. Lethbridge, BEM
Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic G. K. Jeffs Second Coxswain E. R. Guy
Motor Mechanic D. W. Davies New Quay (Dyfed)
Motor Mechanic W. Burrow
Second Assistant Mechanic E. E. K. Griffith Coxswain D. W. Evans
Assistant Mechanic W. H. Lethbridge
Crew Member D. L. Griffith Second Coxswain E. I. Evans
Sheringham
Clacton-on-Sea Padstow
Coxswain R. H. West, BEM
Coxswain A. C. Harman Coxswain T. R. England
Bowman J. W. West
Motor Mechanic E. C. Cobb Motor Mechanic H. E. Murt
Motor Mechanic B. J. Pegg
Crew Member A. J. May
Exmouth Assistant Mechanic B. Middleton
Coxswain B. L. Rowsell Plymouth
Teesmouth
Motor Mechanic B. Bradford Coxswain J. Dare
Coxswain W. Carter
Crew Member P. N. Rowsell Motor Mechanic C. Alcock
Motor Mechanic D. Robinson
Crew Member J. W. H. Sheldon
Flamborough Torbay
Coxswain J. R. Major Port Erin Coxswain A. L. V. Curnow
Second Coxswain R. W. Emmerson Coxswain P. Woodworth
Crew Member D. R. Emmerson Second Coxswain E. N. Sansbury Walmer
Crew Member J. Major Crew Member L. G. Coe
Porthdinllaen
Fowey Coxswain G. J. Jones Further recommendations for the
Coxswain B. Willis Assistant Mechanic I. H. Griffiths long service badge are under
Motor Mechanic F. G. Webber Crew Member J. P. Bentlev consideration.
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