THE LIFE-BOATTHE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION

VOL. XXXIX DECEMBER 1966 No. 418

CONTENTSPORTRAIT OF A COXSWAIN 198

NOTES OF THE QUARTER 199

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 199

NORWEGIAN LIFE-BOAT ANNIVERSARY 2O2

GALWAY tIFE-BOAT MEETS ATLANTIC ROWERS 2O6

BROTHERS IN IRB SAVE THREE 208

LIGHTHOUSE MISSION 209

NEW WAYS OF RAISING MONEY 213

LLOYD'S n 215FOCUS ON ST. ABBS 2l6

MAKING MONEY 221

BOOK REVIEW 223

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE S. & R. STATIONS 224

LIFE-BOAT SERVICES ROUND THE COASTS 226

IRB LAUNCHES 240, 255, 274

OTHER IRB LAUNCHES 2y9

Index to AdvertisersClarke, Chapman & Company Ltd 233Classified Advertisements 279Coastal Radio Ltd. 231Cogswell & Harrison Ltd. 235Dodson-Bull Carpet Co 229Francis Searchlights 239Gallaher Ltd Back cover

Gardner Engines (Sales) Ltd 205LM.B.E. Company Ltd 261Parsons Engineering Co., Ltd Inside back coverPerkins Engines Ltd Inside front coverThe Pyrene Company Ltd. 228Vacuum Reflex Ltd 236Schermuly Ltd 243University Marine Ltd 233

42, Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.1.Advertising enquiries should be addressed to CHEIRON PRESS LTD.

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PORTRAIT OF A COXSWAIN

By courtesy of] [Paignton Newt

COXSWAIN HAROLD COYDE, of the Torbay life-boat PrincessAlexandra of Kent. A member of the crew since 1953, he was secondcoxswain from October, 1960, to April, 1961, when he was appointedcoxswain. In 1964 he was awarded a silver medal for a service to aDanish ship in exceptionally difficult conditions.

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NOTES OF THE QUARTERIn 1966 the value of the inshore rescue boat as a means of saving life at sea has

been proved beyond all possible doubt. It was only in 1963 that these boats werefirst used operationally, largely as an experiment. So successful have they beenthat a considerable further expansion of the IRB fleet is planned for next year.In the winter of 1966-67 no fewer than 33 IRB stations will remain operational,compared with 24 last winter. The list of stations to remain in service this winterappears on page 204.

Figures give some indication of the success achieved. By the end of Septemberthis year IRBs had saved the lives of 287 people compared with 188 in the firstnine months of 1965. The number of calls on these boats increased from 419 to630. Although 1965 was a year in which all records were broken, in the first ninemonths of this year there was an increase in launches by the R.N.L.I.'s rescuecraft of 19 per cent. The increase over the figure for five years ago was no lessthan 92 per cent.

PLEASURE AND DANGER

It is all too easy to dismiss such figures by stating that they represent simply'more help for pleasure boat owners'. The dangers which those who put to seafor pleasure may encounter were vividly and tragically brought home to thepublic by a number of disasters in the past summer such as that off the Cornishcoast when the pleasure boat Darlwin foundered with the loss of everyone onboard. The efforts made by the life-boat crews were officially recognized whenthe Under Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Mr. MerlynRees) said in the House of Commons : 'I am sure that the House will wish me to

GREETINGS MESSAGEx OJbe, QfuuAjenan a£ tne Qammittee a$ Management o$ the &

%t institution, GapJLaSn One Hon. U. Yfl. Ittyndfuim-Qjuiri, ^

£ R.Yl., tend* the ftoMo-ivirig, GftSuAtmat and YLew. ^eaA. meMaye: §

^ 'Onc& attain tne £i$e-k&at teAviae QvaA dad a munoJuMe, and \

^ wAndeJi^iMy. ducceMJut yeab. A uwuid Wtoe, to. enpAeM my, ^

^ tnoAt tince/ie- tnanfa to- eju-eAyvne, c.onceAned, to- &i£juu~ m&mbeM, ,̂

^ and ino-be h&tp,eM, to- hono->ui>iy, o-^iciaii and committee mem- \

S beM, to. (x&ectoJtA and permanent Mta$£, and to- uMAfi tnem

^ a£i a v-eAy hafifiy QfaiAtfnai and YLew-

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pay tribute to the Navy, the R.A.F., the Coastguards, the Life-boat Service, andall who have helped in any way in this operation.'

A correspondent writing from Falmouth, Miss C. E. Tomkin, sent a movingaccount of the annual service held at the Custom House Quay, Falmouth, shortlyafter the disaster. In it she wrote: 'So Falmouth's life-boat service is over foranother year, but I feel we here, so comparatively near the scene of the tragedywill remember that for many a long day, and not forget the part our life-boatmenplayed in giving all possible after-wreck help!'

INTERNATIONAL LIFE-BOAT CONFERENCE

The tenth international life-boat conference will be held at Dinard and St.Malo from the 5th-9th June, 1967, when the Societe Centrale de Sauvetage desNaufrages will act as host. The Institution's delegation will be headed by theChairman, Captain the Hon. V. M. Wyndham-Quin, R.N. Papers will besubmitted on new life-boat development, auxiliary rescue craft, development oflife-jackets and protective clothing, and fund raising and publicity.

The Institution's life-boats can be expected to make a fine showing. A yo-footlife-boat, one of the new 44-foot steel life-boats, and the Mark II 48-foot 6-inchOakley boat will all be on show, and in addition new fast boarding/rescue boats,which are now under construction, may be sent. At the invitation of the State ofJersey delegates from the different nations will visit the island on 9th June andinspect the Jersey life-boat station.

OTHER EXCHANGES

On page 202 an interesting article by Commander F. R. H. Swann, O.B.E.,R.N.V.R., Deputy Chairman, appears on a recent visit which he and othersmade to Scandinavia. This was another instance of the growing importance of

The Chairman of the Committeeof Management, Capt. The Hon.V. M. Wyndham-Quin, R.N.,receiving a copy of the film'Life-boat' from the deputymanaging director of the Per-kins Engines Group, Mr.

Richard Perkins.

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international exchanges in promoting the work of life-boat services generallyand exchanging new ideas for design, construction, equipment and manning. Ininternational life-boat exchanges the R.N.L.I. has always played a leading part,and the fact that it provides the central secretariat for life-boat services through-out the world is one of which it is rightly proud and of which the public as awhole is not generally aware.

SUSSEX LIFE-BOAT BALL

The Sussex Life-boat Ball held at Petworth House on I5th July was attendedby H.R.H. Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, the Institution's President. It wasa most enjoyable and successful occasion. Lord and Lady Egremont kindly lenttheir magnificent house for the ball, and guests were able to circulate in oneroom filled with Grinling Gibbons' carvings and another in which all the pictureswere Turners. A net profit of nearly £1,000 was made. One successful money-raising effort was organized by a young member of the Committee, Miss AudreyMoreton. Guests were invited to write their names on a IDS. note, all the notesbeing put into a pool. The winning note was drawn, and the winner receivedhalf the proceeds, the other half going to the Institution's funds. From this theInstitution benefited to the extent of £63 IDS.

DISTRICT CONFERENCES

The number of district conferences attended by voluntary workers to discussproblems of money raising and the exchange of ideas has been growing in recentyears. In 1966 such conferences were held at Southend-on-Sea, Littlehampton,Norwich, Shrewsbury, Rhyl and Weston-super-Mare. These were in additionto the Annual General Meeting of the Scottish Life-boat Council, which takesplace regularly in Edinburgh, and to the conference for voluntary workers in theGreater London area, which this year was held at the Mansion House in the Cityof London.

One valuable purpose which these conferences serve is to enable members ofthe Committee of Management and Head Office staff to learn at first hand theproblems which voluntary workers encounter. Even more important is theopportunity afforded for voluntary workers in different branches to learn fromthe ideas and experiments, successes and failures of others.

LIFE-BOAT ENTHUSIASTS

The Life-boat Enthusiasts' Society now has 90 members, including some inthe U.S.A. and Canada. Interests are varied and cover everything from historicalevents in the early part of the last century to the modern technical developmentsof the present day. All the members are keen photographers and collectors ofanything of life-boat interest. All data collected is correlated and made availableto members and to the Institution.

Further details can be obtained from the honorary secretary of the society,Mr. John G. Francis, 203 Transmere Road, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent.

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Life-boat 70-002 Grace Paterson Ritchie berthed astern a full rigged training shipin Oslo harbour in September, 1966

NORWEGIAN LIFE-BOAT ANNIVERSARYby Commander F. R. H. Swann, O.B.E., R.N.V.R.

Deputy Chairman of the Institution.

Oslo is an ideal setting for a gathering of life-boats. The city lies at the head of along narrow fjord with moderately high land on either side. There is no slumarea and the quays are only a few minutes walk from the centre of the town. Tocelebrate their 75th anniversary, the Norwegian Life-boat Society had assembledeight of their life-boats to show the development from the original sailing rescuecruiser Colin Archer, built in 1891 and still in splendid order; to the latest vesseljforgen Amundsen christened by her donor on the first day of the celebrations.

VISITING LIFE-BOATS

At the next quay, berthed close to the full rigged training ship Christian Radich,were the visiting life-boats from the other Societies, the second of the RoyalNational Life-boat Institution's new yo-foot boats Grace Paterson Ritchie withLieutenant B. Miles, R.N.R., in command, the German Society's newest rescuecruiser Adolph Bermpohl from Heligoland and the big Swedish life-boat HugoHammar. Fortunately the weather was fine.

The Committee of Management of this Institution had awarded the Institu-

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tion's silver medal and a commemorative vellum to the Norwegian Life-boatSociety to mark the occasion and had instructed me to hand it over personally.

On the forenoon of Friday, i6th September, there was a meeting of the officials,committee members and supporters of the Norwegian Life-boat Society in a finesuite of rooms belonging to the Norwegian Shipowners Association. We sat atsmall tables and the President of the Norwegian Life-boat Society, Mr. OddGodager, welcomed us. Mr. Werner Vinnen, Vice President of the Life-boatInstitution of the German Federal Republic, who was supported by CaptainJohn Schumacher, his Chief Inspector, then opened the presentations with anexcellent speech in English. I followed and presented the Institution's silvermedal and vellum.

MANY PRESENTATIONSThere were numerous other presentations of great variety, including a walrus

tusk and a rather futuristic painting. The Swedish Life-boat Society was repre-sented by its President, Admiral Jedeur-Palmgren, the Director, Captain HansHansson, and Inspector, Captain C. G. Alverman. The Danish, Icelandic andFinnish Institutions were also represented. During the afternoon the ChiefInspector and I visited the various life-boats while our hosts continued withtheir meeting and the off-duty life-boat crews were taken for a sight-seeing tourby coach.

At 6.30 p.m. there was a Government reception in the Akershus, a historiccastle overlooking Oslo harbour. The Prime Minister and two other Ministersreceived the guests. There were about 300 people present, including many localdignitaries, senior officials of the services and the crews of the life-boats. Guestscirculated in the huge state rooms which provided a most impressive setting.

The next morning, Saturday, lyth September, we again mustered at 10 o'clockin the Shipowners suite for the Norwegian Society's Annual General Meetingwhich was graced by the presence of the Crown Prince, H.R.H. Prince Harald.The proceedings were formal and the prince left after about a quarter-of-an-hour. The foreign delegations also left, returning for a working lunch, duringwhich a high Court official invested Mr. Odd Godager with an Order of St. Olaf,a great honour. The crews of the life-boats were entertained to a 'Sailing-ship'lunch on board Christian Radich.

LIFE-BOAT CREWS AT DINNERAt 7.30 p.m. the Norwegian Life-boat Society gave a dinner at the Grand

Hotel. This was a formal affair with about 250 people present, including the life-boat crews. Full evening dress and medals was the rig for those who had it;those who hadn't were neatly turned out in suits or uniform. The dinner waselaborate and followed by a large number of short speeches. The only one inEnglish was mine; a tribute to Colin Archer, the Norwegian of Scottish ancestrywho designed the first rescue cruiser and showed what a good sailing boat cando. Altogether a very splendid and memorable affair.

The next day, Sunday, i8th September, most of us attended a service in OsloCathedral, a fine, rather austere building. As I could not understand what wassaid my main impression is of the amount of singing—there were nine hymns or

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psalms. Afterwards we walked to the University for the final ceremony whichwas held in a large hall just inside the entrance. A naval guard of honour wasmounted outside the building and on the platform in the hall was a naval bandand a male voice choir some 30 strong.

The guests were in their places by 12.45 p.m. and at i o'clock the King enteredthe hall, escorted by Mr. Odd Godager and Captain Olaf Bjornstad, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Life-boat Society. After the national anthem had beenplayed, the King and his equerry sat on chairs in the aisle facing the podium, andthe proceedings started with a very attractive Norwegian girl, a well knownactress, declaiming a poem especially written for the occasion. She seemed to meto epitomize the spirit of Norway and the northern latitudes.

Then the President of the Society made a speech, followed by the male voicechoir, someone else then spoke, followed by another song or music from theband, and so on, until finally it was my turn, representing the delegates of theforeign life-boat societies, to thank the Norwegian Society for its hospitality andto say something about its place in life-boat history (then we all stood up againas the band played the national anthem for the departure of His Majesty).Altogether a most impressive performance, lasting about an hour and a half.

THEY STEAMED ROUND THE HARBOURIn the afternoon all the life-boats steamed round the harbour, except for

Colin Archer which lacked wind and had to be towed. There was a good muster ofspectators and as usual the spectacle of the German rescue cruiser launching andrecovering her daughter boat attracted considerable attention. However, theR.N.L.I. yo-foot life-boat Grace Paterson Ritchie received very favourablecomment, as did her crew during the whole celebrations and the display by her15-foot 6-inch inflatable boat roused great interest.

At 5 o'clock the British and Swedish life-boats sailed in company for Gothen-burg, the German boat sailing in the early hours of Monday, i9th September.

The second part of Commander Swann's article dealing with a visit to Swedenwhich followed will appear in the March, 1967, issue.

Winter I.R.B StationsNineteen inshore rescue boat stations will remain operational in England dur-

ing the winter of 1966/67, seven in Wales, five in Scotland and one in Ireland.The English stations are: Bembridge, Burnham-on-Crouch, Eastney, Great

Yarmouth & Gorleston, Harwich, Hastings^ Littlestone-on-Sea, Lymington,Morecambe, Mudeford, Poole, Skegness, Southend-on-Sea, Southwold,Tynemouth, Wells, West Kirby, Whitstable and Yarmouth (I.O.W.).

The Welsh stations are: Aberdovey, Aberystwyth, Atlantic College, Conway,Flint, Llandudno and Pwllheli.

The Scottish stations are Broughty Ferry, Helensburgh, Kinghorn, Kippford,and Largs.

The Irish station is Bangor (Co. Down).

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Galway Life-boat meets Atlantic RowersWhen English Rose HI, rowed by Capt. John Ridgway (20) and Sergeant ChayBlyth (20), was sighted off the North Aran light house on 3rd September, 1966,at the end of its epic 92 day 3,000 mile voyage from Boston, MassachusettsU.S.A., the Galway Bay reserve life-boat John R. Webb was the first vessel togreet the rowers as they prepared to make landfall.

The two rowers, whose approach had alerted the life-boat service along thesouthern part of Ireland, were not expected, however, to make landfall in theGalway Bay area.

English Rose III was first sighted just before 4.15 p.m. by the North Aranlighthouse who reported that a rowing boat containing two men was about 150yards off the small island on which the lighthouse stands. Heavy rain and thick

By courtesy of 1 [London Express

First man to greet the Atlanticheroes, Captain John Ridgwayand Sergeant Chay Blyth whenthey stepped ashore at Kilronan,on the Aran Islands, on 3rdSeptember, 1966, after their 92day voyage of 3,000 miles, wasFather Joseph McNamara, theparish priest, who is honorarysecretary of the Galway life-boatRight: 'Now tell me', FatherMcNamara seems to be asking ofCaptain Ridgway, 'just what wasit like to be out there for 92 days?'

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mist prevented the three lighthouse keepers from keeping the boat in view. Theboat therefore was in grave danger owing to the extremely bad weather con-ditions (the wind was force seven to eight) and the rocky coast without anylanding place on the north side of the island.

At 4.45 p.m. the Galway Bay reserve life-boat set out, and at 6 o'clock shecame up with the rowing boat - the internationally famous English Rose HIcarrying the two intrepid Atlantic travellers.

'STEPPED JOYOUSLY ASHORE'

Father Joseph McNamara, honorary secretary of the Galway Bay life-boat,who was the first to greet the Atlantic rowers when they stepped ashore atKilronan, reports: 'Apparently they had been blown off their intended course toEngland. They came aboard the life-boat which took in tow their 22-foot boat.The journey to Kilronan pier was difficult because of the heavy seas but theyarrived there at 7.40 p.m. and stepped joyously ashore where they were greetedby a large crowd who had gathered despite a heavy rain storm blowing at thetime.'

Although later that month the six life-boatmen involved in the escorting theEnglish Rose HI to safety were invited, with all expenses paid, to a special cele-bration at the Kensington Gardens Hotel, London, only two of them-CoxswainColeman Hernon and his bowman, Mr. Brian Fitzpatrick - were able to make thejourney.

The Cork Examiner said of the historic voyage: 'In these days of affluence and easy living,and under conditions which cause our elders to state frequently that the younger people of todayare not as hardy as they used to be, it is good, occasionally, to see somebody point out in a verydramatic way that this is not so - that the human race can still be as tough and as brave as itever was'.

ENGLISH ROSE III ON SHOWWhen Farnham, Surrey, staged a radio and television show for three days

in October, 1966, English Rose HI was exhibited and attracted a great deal ofinterest.

The expenses of the show, which was arranged by Lloyd & Keyworth Ltd0

who own a chain of shops, were borne by this company who serviced the radioequipment carried on the 92 day row across the Atlantic. Captain JohnRidgway, whose picture appears on the opposite page with that of his com-panion, lives in Farnham.

The proceeds, amounting to £400, were devoted to the Institution.

Win a CarMR. DONALD STEWARD, of The Grange, New Buckenham, Norwich, Norfolk,is organizing a national competition in aid of the Royal National Life-BoatInstitution, based on the attendance at the 1967 Motor Show. The first prizewill be a new motor car—a Hillman Super Imp. Books of 10 tickets, costing oneshilling a ticket, will be available from him after ist January, 1967. Other prizesare: second, £100; third, £50; fourth, £30; fifth, £20; 30 ten pound notes.

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Brothers in IRB Save ThreeTwo brothers who manned the Exmouth inshore rescue boat and who werewashed overboard in an attempted rescue, have each been accorded the thanks ofthe Institution inscribed on vellum. They are Mr. Peter Rowsell, the helmsman,and Mr. Brian Rowsell.

Mr. C. E. Chown, the honorary secretary of the Exmouth station, learntfrom the police at 3.35 p.m. on 2gth May, 1966, that some bathers were indifficulty off Dawlish Warren. They were about two miles south west ofExmouth. He decided to launch the Exmouth IRB.

Brian and Peter Rowsell immediately made for the boathouse. As it was a

By courtesy of } 1C. RobinsonTwo action studies of the Exmouth IRB service which is described on this page.

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bank holiday there were a large number of visitors on the promenade, but thetwo men reached the boathouse in seven or eight minutes, and within 10 min-utes of the alarm the IRB was on her way.

During the morning there had been an easterly wind gusting to gale force,but by the time the boat was launched the wind had dropped to between force4 and force 5 and had veered to the east south east. There was still a difficultswell. Visibility was good, and it was only half an hour after high water with aneap tide. This allowed the IRB to make directly for the swimmers through theWestern way and inshore of the Monster sand.

When the boat left the shelter of the Monster sand she met a heavy swell,,which was breaking in places. A large sea suddenly struck the IRB on her portside and stood her up on her starboard sponson. The two crew members wereboth thrown into the water.

They managed to regain the boat and to restart the engine, and they reachedthe swimmers in less than 10 minutes after launching.

Peter Rowsell put the engine in neutral and the two brothers manoeuvred theIRB alongside the swimmers by the use of oars.

They took three people aboard. One appeared to be in very bad shape, andthey decided to land the three rescued people at once rather than attemptartificial respiration in the confined area of the IRB. The swimmers werelanded and attended to on shore, and one was admitted to hospital.

THE SECOND ATTEMPTWhile the IRB was on the beach it was learnt that one swimmer was still

missing. The Rowsell brothers therefore launched again through the surf tosearch for the missing man. Again the IRB was struck by a heavy sea and BrianRowsell was thrown out. His brother helped him aboard and they carried onwith the search.

The Exmouth life-boat was launched at 5.25 and an R.A.F. helicopter fromChivenor also joined in the search, but the swimmer was not found.

Once the Exmouth life-boat had reached the scene the Rowsell brothers wererelieved by another crew of two. The IRB crew was changed twice more beforethe search was finally called off. The life-boat and the IRB reached their stationsabout 9 o'clock.

LIGHTHOUSE MISSIONFOR a difficult operation which involved taking an injured lighthouse keeper,who weighed 21 stone, off the Beachy Head lighthouse Coxswain Bassett, ofEastbourne, has been accorded the thanks of the Institution inscribed onvellum.

At 11.46 a.m. on nth May, 1966, the assistant honorary secretary of theEastbourne station, learnt by a telephone call from the police that the lighthousekeeper had injured his legs and needed hospital treatment. He contacted thecoastguard and Coxswain Bassett, and it was decided to ask for a helicopter totake the man off. The R.A.F. station at Thornay Island arranged for a helicopter

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By courtesy of] [ Yorkshire Evening PostThe Filey IRB being run out for launching.

to take off at i o'clock, and it was agreed that the life-boat should also put out.There was a south south westerly wind between force 5 and 6 with a fairly roughsea. The weather was cloudy and squally, but visability was good. It was 3-^hours before high water and the flood tide was setting east at about two knots.

The Eastbourne life-boat Beryl Tollemache, which is one of the 4i-foot beachtype, was launched at 1.8. Between the life-boat station and the lighthouse thedistance is a little over 3^ miles.

The helicopter was unable to take the man off, and it was therefore decidedthat a man with a stretcher should be lowered from the helicopter to the life-boat. This was done at 1.30.

Ten minutes later the life-boat arrived off Beachy Head lighthouse. CoxswainBassett first approached from the western side and saw that conditions were badwith a heavy swell breaking. He therefore decided to go alongside the easternside of the lighthouse landing.

FORWARD LINE PARTEDHe let go his anchor in a fathom and a half of water. The nylon securing line

was bent on to the cable and led to the port quarter as a bridle, and in this waythe life-boat was turned round to port, head to sea. Two lines from the light-house were secured fore and aft.

The forward line then parted. After being secured it parted a second time andwas secured once more. The after line also carried away and was replaced by thedrogue rope.

The life-boat's engines were continually used to hold her position while thekeepers prepared to take their 2i-stone colleague off.

The life-boat was ranging considerably to her cable and mooring lines, andCoxswain Bassett displayed great skill in maintaining her in position, the enginesat times being run full ahead.

Coxswain Bassett waited for a smooth patch and came alongside the landing.The injured lighthouse keeper was lowered into the boat by the lighthouse

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derrick. While this was being done three feet of the starboard fender forwardand three guard rail stanchions were damaged even though fenders were con-stantly in use.

The injured man was taken off at 3.25 and at 4.7 he was landed at the life-boat station.

Certificates recording the fact that they took part in the service were issued tothe other members of the Eastbourne crew.

A photograph of this operation appeared on page 779 of the September numberof THE LIFE-BOAT; the same picture appears on page 225 of this issue.

Helping Pilots in TroubleTHE SOUTH EAST coast of England, as was the case during the war, still hears(and sometimes sees) military aircraft belonging to the R.A.F. and the U.S.A.F.During this summer alone life-boats of the Institution have searched threetimes for 'downed' pilots.

With this fact in mind Staff-Sergeant Richard Fennessey, a personal equip-ment specialist with the 8ist Tactical Fighter Wing, U.S.A.F., at R.A.F.Station, Bentwaters, Suffolk, has been touring east coast life-boat stations forthe purpose of instructing life-boatmen about U.S.A.F. survival equipment as itapplies to the 1,584 m.p.h. McDonnell F-4C Phantom II fighter.

In recent months Staff-Sergeant Fennessey has visited Wells, SheringhamCaister, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Lowestoft, Southwold, Aldeburgh,Harwich, Walton and Frinton, Clacton-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Whitstable,Margate and Dover.

Staff-Sergeant Fennessey says: 'I feel these visits are very important}

By courtesy of][Evening Star, Ipswich

The District Inspector ofLife-boats for the SouthEast, Mr. R. D. Pike,being briefed by Staff-Sergeant R. Fennessey,U.S.A.F.,about the pilot'ssurvival kit used with theMcDonnell F-4C Phan-tom II fighter.

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especially if the life-boat crews ever have to pick up our own people. ... Onething we point to with pride is that on these exercises, the R.A.F., U.S.A.F. andthe Institution all work in perfect harmony as a team'.

Captain Returns to Wreck SpotON 27TH OCTOBER, 1927, an Italian seaman spent the night clutching the riggingof the stricken 6,oooton s.s. habo, an Italian merchantman, which had founderedon the Scilly Rocks at the Isles of Scilly. The next morning he was snatched tosafety by St. Mary's life-boat with 31 others out of a total crew of 38.

In July, 1966, the lucky sailor returned to thank the islanders for saving hislife. The man, then a third officer on the ship, is now Capt. F. Rolli, aged 62, ofMestri, near Venice.

At the ceremony, which included a luncheon, Capt. Rolli, who was nursedafter his rescue by Mrs. Janey Slaughter, now aged 82, presented a memento tothe Isles of Scilly council in the shape of a seagull made at the famous glassworksof Murano, Italy.

MANY MEDALS AND VELLUMSFor their work - the story of the rescue attempts that night took up over four

pages of THE LIFE-BOAT for November, 1927 - a total of 38 medals and vellumswere given together with medals from the Italian government of the day.

The chairman of the council, Mr. W. C. T. Mumford, said at the ceremony:'The sea is our life and we respect its power . . .'.

By courtesy of][F. E. Gibson

Capt. F. Rolli pointingout to a B.B.C. commen-tator the rock which hisship, the s.s. Isabo,struck on 27th October,1927, at the Isles ofScilly. Miraculously,however, 32 of the crewof 38 were picked updespite high seas and fog.Capt. Rolli was one ofthem.

THE LIFE-BOAT FLEET147 station life-boats 72 inshore rescue boats

2 70-foot steel life-boats on operational trialsLIVES RESCUED 87,456

from the Institution's foundation in 1824 to 31 August, 1966

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NEW WAYS OF RAISING MONEYThe Lyme Regis flag week coincided with the World Cup. One of the attractions

zuas a stall on the front selling souvenirs. But fearing a diminished attendanceduring the game, the local organiser telephoned the B.B.C. at Bristol to obtainpermission to give a public television show on the front near the life-boat stall. Inthis way the attention of customers was held at a time when most eyes were glued totelevision sets at home.

During the first few months of July this year the Basildon Urban district life-boatbranch collected over £50 from boxes in 18 public houses. Now the branch is planningto increase the collections by many more pounds. There will be a monthly competitionin which, for a donation of 6d. per entry, competitors will guess the contents of thecollecting boxes. A percentage will be taken for prize money and the balance will goto the Institution.

When an exhibition of Old Masters was held at the Marshall Spink Gallery from16th May to 24th June this year, the proceeds from the sale of catalogues - £70 - wasgiven to the Institution.

An unusual 'bottle opening'' ceremony was held at the Golden Lion, Bedford, inAugust. The proprietor had collected threepenny pieces from his customers in a largewhisky bottle, and when the bottle was opened threepenny pieces to the value of £27were counted. From the total was taken the money for the draw prizes. The balancewas given to the Luton life-boat branch.

Mr. A.J. Hackett, of the Tulip Cafe, Staithes, Yorkshire, has arranged for acollecting box to be fixed under an old ship's bell in his cafe. 'People,' he says, 'can-not resist ringing the bell after which they are invited to contribute to the Institution.'The ship's bell, incidentally, was recovered from the Michalis Prois which wentaground at Radcliffe Point, two miles from Staithes, on 28th May, 1929, in fog.

A Hove garage proprietor has sent a cheque for £5 55. to the R.N.L.I. - on thesuggestion of a motorist who gave him some petrol in mid Channel in August.Mr. John Haggman, who made the donation, was at the helm of his motor cruiserwhen it ran out of fuel near the Newhaven-Dieppe cross Channel route. He fireda distress signal which was seen by two ferries. They stopped and supplied Mr.Haggman with petrol siphoned out of passengers' cars. Later, as it was impossibleto ascertain who should be paid, it was suggested that the amount should be givento the Institution.

Master Simon J. Brown, of Waverley Road, Middleton, Manchester, recentlysent the Institution a postal order for ten shillings. He said: "I saved the moneythat people gave me for opening a gate while on holiday at Arthog, nearBarmouth, Wales."

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THE

LLOYDS ELIFE-BOAT

THIS LIFE-BOAT IS NAMED LLOYDS H

0 COMMEMORATE THE GENEROUS SUPPORT

"itVED OVER MANY YEARS FROM THE

CORPORATION AND MEMBERS OF LLOYDS

AND LLOYDS BROKERS

1966

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LLOYD'S IIA NEW LIFE-BOAT, Lloyd's II, was presented to the Institution at Ilfracombe,Devon, on I3th September, 1966, by Mr. R. W. Sturge, chairman of Lloyd's,on behalf of Lloyd's. The life-boat, which was so named by Mrs. Sturge,commemorates the generous support received over many years from thecorporation and members of Lloyd's and Lloyd's brokers. Life-boat 70-001visited Ilfracombe during the day.

After Mr. Sturge had presented the life-boat-a 37-foot self-righting Oakley-tothe Institution, watched by hundreds of holidaymakers, the Chairman of theCommittee of Management of the Institution, Captain The Hon. V. M.Wyndham-Quin, R.N., who accepted the life-boat on behalf of the Institution,recalled that the life-boat service had always been generously supported by thecorporation of Lloyd's. In fact, before the Institution came into being in 1824,most of the existing life-boats had been paid for by Lloyd's. In the foundationyear there were 39 serviceable life-boats, of which Lloyd's had provided nofewer than 25. In the first years of the Institution's existence, when funds werelow, Lloyd's regularly voted sums of money to the life-boat service. Thus thenew Ilfracombe life-boat is not Lloyd's first by any means.

In 1932, the life-boat, Lloyd's, provided from the accumulated contributionsreceived from the corporation of Lloyd's, went into service at Barra Island,Outer Hebrides, where she remained until 1957. During her service there sherescued 270 lives. Since then, as a reserve life-boat, she has rescued 55 morepeople.

EIGHT LIFE-BOATSMr. F. G. Reed, honorary secretary of the Ilfracombe branch, recalled that

for 138 years a life-boat had been stationed at Ilfracombe and said that duringthat time eight life-boats had been entrusted to their care. Over the past 100years - that was from 1866 when records were first kept - life-boats fromIlfracombe had saved over 150 lives.

Other speakers were Mr. A. S. CutlirTe, president, who took the place of Mr.C. F. Hutchings, chairman, who was indisposed; Lieutenant P. F. Gladwin,R.N.R., Inspector of Life-boats for the South Western District, and CouncillorH.C.Polkinhorne, chairman of Ilfracombe U.D.C.

The Bishop of Crediton (the Rt. Rev. W. A. E. Westall, B.A.) dedicated thelife-boat, assisted by the Rev. A. Chandler, M.A., Vicar of Ilfracombe, and theRev. L. Hayes.

After the ceremony, and in darkness, hundreds of holidaymakers returned tothe harbour to see Lloyd's II, which was built at Sandbank, Argyll, recoveredon her carriage from the sea and towed back through the streets to her shed.

Ilfracombe life-boat station will be the subject of the next 'Focus on . . .'feature in the March, 1967, issue of THE LIFE-BOAT.

ANNUAL MEETINGThe annual meeting of the Institution will take place at Central Hall, West-

minster, at 3 p.m. on 2ist March, 1967.

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Mr. George Colven, the shore attendant at St. Abbs, pointing to the rock (arrowed),the highest of the group, on which the s.i. Alfred Erlandsen grounded in 1907-thesinking which ted to the establishment of a life-boat station at St. Abbs.

Focus on ST. ABBSby Christopher ElliottSt. Abbs life-boat station still holds the record for the longest service by one ofthe Institution's life-boats. This was achieved by the previous life-boat W. RossMacanhur of Glasgow when she stood by the Swiss cargo ship Nyon for 11 daysand nights in November, 1958.

How and when was the life-boat station first established at this exposed pointon the Berwickshire coast ?

ONLY A DOG SURVIVEDFor evidence of this we must go back to 1907 - to the stormy, foggy night of

17th October. A few hundred yards off shore - it looks for all the world like aporpoise at play - a rock can be seen at high tide. It was on to this rock - thehighest of the group called Ebb Carrs - that the Danish s.s. Alfred Erlandsenran with disastrous results for all her crew. But successive generations of marinerswere to benefit. For the disaster -17 men perished - led the late Miss Jane Hay, anative of Leith, who resided at St. Abbs for many years and was keenly inter-ested in the welfare of the fisherfolk of the area, to raise in 1908 the question of alife-boat being placed at St. Abbs. It was largely through her appeals and effortsthat the Institution sent a motor life-boat there in 1911.

At the inaugural ceremony the only survivor from the wrecked AlfredErlandsen - the captain's Great Dane called Karo - was present and helped to

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collect donations for the life-boat cause. The dog by then was the property ofSir George Douglas, of Springwood Park, Kelso. It was strongly thought locallythat the dog 'came ashore to the north of St. Abbs close to a body'. Certainly itwas first seen wandering the hills to the north of the village.

But Miss Hay - the present life-boat was named after her in April, 1965, byLady Morgan, niece - knew St. Abbs long before 1907. She was particularlyinterested in sea rescue work and organised a rocket life saving brigade, completewith miniature gear, for the children of the village. They took part in weeklyexercises and doubtless some of them went to sea with an early knowledge ofhow to save lives.

In 1911 Miss Hay was appointed joint secretary honorary life-boat with Mr.

The position of the life-boat house and slip at St. Abbs is such that the life-boat hasto be launched with more than the usual amount of care. This is because fishingboats, driving in in a storm, might be damaged on the slip if it pointed directly outof the harbour. In a storm, as Mr. R. Nisbet's picture shows, getting out of the harbourmust call for consummate seamanship

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W. Bertram, of Dunbar, which work she carried out until her death in 1914when, as a token of their high regard for her services, life-boatmen were amongthe chief mourners at her funeral at nearby Coldingham.

To find out more about the St. Abbs life-boat I visited Mr. Alex Nisbet, now70, who has been 26 years honorary secretary. He was disabled on the Sommein the Great War, and for the past two years has been confined to his room - infact, he has not so far been able to see the new life-boat Jane Hay.

Some of the tenacity shown by Mr. Nisbet in overcoming his physicaldisability, to the extent of being able to do something really worthwhile fromhis armchair, probably stems from a personal desire to come to terms with thesea. Apparently his grandfather was drowned in the great disaster of 1881 when'129 men from the neighbouring town of Eyemouth lost their lives in one terribleday - a day when it was dark at noon, and the violence of the storm wrecked 47boats.'

Mr. and Mrs. Nisbet recalled with pleasure the occasion in May, 1965, whenPrincess Marina, Duchess of Kent, who is president of the Institution, made anunofficial visit to Cliff Cottage, their home, from a ceremony at Eyemouth.Princess Marina, before stopping about 20 minutes at the cottage, had the St.Abbs life-boat crew presented to her by Cmdr. D. M. Marshall, O.B.E., R.N.(retd), chairman of the branch.

MR. NISBET REMEMBERS . . .Asked about fund raising endeavours, Mr. Nisbet recalled that in 1965 they

raised £420 - a remarkable sum for such a small community.A good illustration of how much Mr. Nisbet's work is appreciated was

demonstrated last year by the Rev. George Mcgregor, of Wormit, Fife.He said: 'I had thought that when I came to celebrate my jubilee as aminister, some three and a half years hence, I might do something tohelp the life-boat which imparted to me its interest when among you. I

By courtesy of] [R. NisbaWhen the Swiss cargo ship Nyon (5,000) tons ran aground near St. Abbs in November,1958, the local life-boat provided the longest service by one of the Institution'slife-boats - 11 days and nights.

218

have been thinking, however, that instead of waiting, I might do some-thing now, not merely to help the life-boat but to mark your own finework for the committee through these long years.'

Mr. McGregor's donation was for £50.Mr. Nisbet, who was about 12 when the Alfred Erlandsen was wrecked, told

me that he was on the scene from minutes after the vessel struck - that was atabout 8.30 p.m. - until 2.30 next morning.

He recalls: 'The fog cleared and in bright moonlight the vessel was seen withhuge waves breaking over her. Eyemouth and Skateraw life-boats stood by butcould not approach the ship owing to the sea round her being thick with pitprops from the ship's cargo. Eyemouth life-saving brigade made a number ofunsuccessful attempts to fire a rocket line over the ship but she was too far fromthe shore. Next morning only the bridge remained above water.'

HELM RECALLS SINKINGWhen I told Mr. Nisbet - incidentally, his brother, Mr. R. Nesbit, who with

his son runs the village store at St. Abbs, is a keen amateur photographer andhas captured the stormy sea in many pictures - that I had seen among the crabpots and nets an old iron ship's helm and, mounted on a rock, a massive oldworkshop vice, he could not account for the first but said that the vice was partof the divers' salvage equipment when they worked on the Alfred Erlandsen in1908.

Coxswain Jim Wilson, when asked about the helm, said that this was a relicfrom the Danish ship and had been 'landed' by skin divers 'fairly recently.' Nowthe helm is being mounted in the life-boat house as an additional harbourattraction.

For more information on the Alfred Erlandsen Mr. Nisbet sent me to see Mr.George Colven, the shore attendant. Mr. Colven, I was interested to learn, wassix when the Danish vessel went down off St. Abbs in 1907. He took me to thecliff top and pointed out the group of rocks known as Ebb Carrs.

WAS CUT IN TWOThe salvage of the Nyon., which stranded on ifth November, 1958, led to the

local life-boat, as I have said, making Institution history by being launched 16times during the next n days. During this time she conveyed the vessel'screw of 30 and their belongings to St. Abbs.

Attempts to refloat the Nyon were, however, unsuccessful. She was eventuallycut in two by the salvage firm, and the stern portion was refloated by four tugsand towed to North Shields. The bow, which was wedged high on the rocks asthe photograph on page 218 shows, was abandoned and later broke up. Someyears later the salvaged portion, which formed part of the new Nyon, was incollision with another ship in dense fog and went down off Beachy Head. Onceagain the crew got away without casualties.

Coxswain Wilson, who first joined the St. Abbs life-boat in 1947, has thefollowing crew: Willie Mills (second coxswain), Ian Aitchison (bowman), FredHardwick (mechanic), Mirek Wanko (assistant mechanic), Jake Nisbet, Sandy

219

Crowe, Henry Coates, Jimmy Gibson, Jim Wanko and Billy Aitchison (deckhands). Ian Wilson is the winchman.

Jake Nisbet is a veteran whaler and got the B.E.M. for services to the whalingindustry. During the war his ship was torpedoed and he spent 'many hoursclinging to a barrel in the Irish Sea'. On the same ship, too, was Sandy Crowe.Coxswain Wilson was also torpedoed in the last war, this time on the way toTobruk, and spent several hours swimming in oil. Mirek and Jim Wanko arefather and son respectively. Those lucky survivors of the war years who nowform the core of the St. Abbs life-boat crew do know, therefore, what it meansto be in distress.

Since the formation of the St. Abbs life-boat station in 1911 her life-boats - there have been five to date - have launched about 100 times andhave saved at least 127 people. In the 1830*5, in the space of five years, St.Abbs coastguards won four silver medals for rescue work.

A DIFFICULT LAUNCH

When I made my visit to St. Abbs the weather was calm and, with rudderhard to starboard to clear the inner pier end, then hard to port to clear the outerpier end, getting down the life-boat slip and out of the harbour looked feasible.But quite clearly, from the pictures I was shown, getting out of the harbour in astorm must require consummate seamanship. The reason for the slip not point-ing directly at the harbour mouth is because fishing boats, driving in in a storm,might be damaged on the slip.

St. Abbs has many young visitors in thesummer and the life-boat collecting boxoverlooking the harbour is not forgotten.

220

S.J t

Sy conrrm' of][Ernest W. .Warwick

Mrs. Maggie Manson,of Stcnness, Orkney, sur-rounded by some of herneedlework in aid of the

life-boat service.

Making MoneyA number of valuable fund raising suggestions have been put forward by Mrs.W. E. Huntley, of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, and some of them are listedhere.

• At a party or any social gathering ask couples to put a penny in the life-boat collecting box for each year of their married life. A useful scale of charges is:6d. per year for each year up to three years, $d. a year up to six years, and id. ayear for all subsequent years.

• A stall selling home grown produce and home made goodies has possibil-ities during local life-boat week. Sales might be made from the life-boat stationor from the temporary headquarters for the week - usually an empty shop in ashopping centre. Among items which sell well are cut flowers, vegetables,miniature trees (apparently these go very well), home made jams, chutneys,marmalades, lunch boxes (if in a seaside area), sandwiches, soft drinks, trays,tray cloths, doll's clothing, and small wooden toys for smaller children. A fewlocal souvenirs, such as postcards, are also ideal for holiday resorts and towns andvillages with interesting historical associations.

• Arrange an evening record session once a week during the winter andinclude youngsters who want to do something for the Institution. On the firstevening the host provides the records. Subsequently records are brought byvisitors on a rota basis. Charge for the use of the room might be 6d. per person,with, of course, an additional charge for refreshments consumed. Mrs. Huntley

221

gives a warning: do not have records playing too loudly, and do not let the sessiongo on too late.

• Baby minding is a way the mother with a pre-school baby can help herself,her neighbours and the Institution. Once a week arrange for a small group ofpre-school children to come to your house and garden while their parents goshopping or even take the afternoon off. The charge should be related to thetime they are with you - say 6d. an hour per child. Baby sitting by those withoutties can be another way of collecting for the Institution. But be sure, before youaccept other people's children, that all safety precautions are taken - youngchildren in strange surroundings need constant supervision.

• Fathers can make money for the Institution by running dart matches,bridge parties and whist drives. If these events become popular, and privateaccommodation can no longer take all the players, a hall might be found at areasonable rent.

'There is, Mrs. Huntley says, 'really no ending to the various ways in whichyou can help to raise funds for the life-boat service'.

By courtesy of ] [Falks

A new wing has recentlybeen added to the Insti-tution's depot at Bore-ham Wood, Herts., toprovide extra repair andmaintenance facilitiesfor, among equipmentitems, IRBs of thegrowing fleet. This nightscene shows IRBs instore and one beingprepared for loading out-side by means of an

overhead gantry.

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By courtesy of] [Conservative Central OfficeIn September Mr. Edward Heath, leader of the Conservative Party, went out in aR.N.L.I, inshore rescue boat from the Outward Bound Sea School at Aberdovey,Glamorganshire. The man in the cap is Mr. Peter Gurnell, Outward Bound SeaSchool instructor. Mr. Heath, who is used to boating, took the helm in the DoveyEstuary after visiting the school.

BOOK REVIEWMotor Boats and Motor Boating by Hilary and K. J. Wickham (Stanley Paul, 255)can be recommended as a clearly written and sensible guide to those who areplanning to take to the water for their own pleasure. The book is directed tobeginners, but as the number of beginners mounts yearly it will, one hopes, reacha wide market.

The authors give valuable advice on how to choose a boat. In this connectionthey state:

'Ex-R.N.L.I. craft hulls make excellent conversions, for they are built of thefinest materials to the highest specification.'

There are many useful comments on how to handle craft, the rules to beobserved, the basic gear needed, the relative advantages of wooden and fibre-glass hulls and on the maintenance of engines. The importance of insurance isstressed, and there is a valuable simplified guide to the problem of salvage, inwhich the R.N.L.I.'s position is fairly stated.

A tribute is paid to the services rendered by life-boat crews in recent years toowners of small boats. The authors state:

'The Royal National Life-boat Institution is a service of which as a seafaringnation we should be justly proud.'

The book is well illustrated, most of the photographs being the authors' own.Among the photographs included is one of the first yo-foot steel life-boats. P.H.

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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

SEARCH & RFSCUF

STAT ONS .

R E G I O N

P L Y M O U T H

224

CHART KEY1 - No. 1100 R.A.F. Marine Craft Unit.2 - R.N. Whirlwinds from station flight available for S.A.R. duty from

08.00 hours to sunset.3 - Coastal Command Shackletons available for long range S.A.R.4 - S.A.R. Whirlwind detachment on duty from dawn to dusk.5 - Headquarters No. 18 Group-Edinburgh Rescue Co-ordination

Centre.6 - Coastal Command Shackletons available for long range S.A.R.

R.N. Wessex available.7 - S.A.R. Whirlwind detachment.8 - 1104 R.A.F. Marine Craft Unit.9 - No. 202, S.A.R. Whirlwind Squadron HQ on duty from dawn to

dusk.10 - No. 1113 R.A.F. Marine Craft Unit.11 - S.A.R. Whirlwind detachment on duty from dawn to dusk.12 - S.A.R. Whirlwind detachment on duty from dawn to dusk.13 - Two R.N. Whirlwinds from station flight available for S.A.R. duty

from 08.00 hours to sunset.14 - S.A.R. Whirlwind detachment.15 - S.A.R. Whirlwind detachment on duty from dawn to sunset.16 - R.N. Whirlwind from station flight available for S.A.R. duty from

08.00 hours to sunset.17 - S.A.R. Whirlwind detachment on duty from dawn to dusk.18 - No. 1107 R.A.F. Marine Craft Unit.19 - R.N. Whirlwinds available from 08.00 hours to sunset. Wessex also

available.20 - No. 22. Whirlwind HQ.21 - Headquarters No. 19 Group - Plymouth Rescue Co-ordination

Centre.22 - No. 1102 R.A.F. Marine Craft Unit.23 - R.N. Whirlwinds from station flight available for S.A.R. duty from

08.00 hours to sunset. Wessex also available.Note: Two U.S.A.F. H-43 Huskie helicopters are now stationed in Suffolk and are available for

civilian emergency operations.

By courtesy of ] lD<"'y Exprca

The R.A.F. and the R.N.L.I. at work: the Beachy Head lighthouse service describedon page 209.

225

Life-boat services round the Coasts

LAUNCHES AND LIVES SAVED BY LIFE-BOATS AND IRBs

1st June to 31st August: Launches 820, lives saved 387.

JUNENORTH-WEST DISTRICT

Holyhead, Anglesey - At 10.23 p.m.on 25th June, 1966, a boy was reportedto have fallen over the cliff at Churchbay. The coastguard rescue team andtwo helicopters were already searching.The life-boat St. Cybi (Civil ServiceNo. 9), carrying a boarding boat, waslaunched at 10.33 in a moderate westsouth westerly wind and a slight sea.It was three hours after high water. Thesearch was abandoned at 11.15 and thelife-boat recalled. As she was leaving, alight was sighted at the foot of the cliff.The boarding boat was sent to investigateand picked up two members of the searchparty who were stranded and unable toreturn to the cliff top. The life-boatreturned to her station at 2.45 a.m. on26th June.

At 10.10 p.m. on igth June, 1966, theoccupants of a small boat, adrift off SouthStack lighthouse, were heard callingfor help. The life-boat St. Cybi (CivilService No. 9) was launched at 10.28 ina light south westerly wind and a smoothsea. It was an hour and a half beforehigh water. She reached the motor boatLisa at 11.04 an^ took off the fouroccupants. A line was then secured andthe life-boat towed the casualty intoHolyhead harbour. She returned to herstation at 11.30.

At 12.25 p.m. on i2th June, 1966, theSkerries lighthouse keeper reported sight-ing a raft with 10 skin divers on boardabout one mile off Skerries. The life-boatSt. Cybi (Civil Service No. 9) waslaunched at 12.36 in a light south easterlywind and a smooth sea. It was one hour

226

after low water. At 1.15 the life-boatfound the raft and took off six skin divers.The boat Norse Maid which had beenin attendance on the skin divers requestedthat they be transferred to her. Aftercomplying, the life-boat returned to herstation, arriving at 2.53.

At 7.39 p.m. on 7th June, 1966, amessage was received that two boys hadfallen over the cliff at South Stack andthat it was doubtful if the coastguardswould be able to reach them. The life-boat St. Cybi (Civil Service No. p) waslaunched at 7.49 in a gentle south southeasterly wind and a slight sea. It was onehour before low water. The life-boat,with the boarding boat in tow, proceededto the position, and found the two boysat the bottom of the cliff. They weretaken off in the boarding boat and trans-ferred to the life-boat, which returned toher station at 9.40. A helicopter stoodby while the rescue was carried out.

Girvan, Ayrshire - At 8.45 p.m. on4th June, 1966, flares were reportedbeing burned by a small boat with sixoccupants which appeared to be indifficulties north of Girvan pier. Thelife-boat St. Andrew (Civil Service No.10} was launched at 8.55 in a moderatesouth westerly wind and a moderate sea.She came up with the motor-boatMarietta, whose engine had broken down,about 200 yards north of Girvan harbour.The life-boat towed the Marietta withher crew of six into Girvan harbour,returning to her station at 9.30.

New Brighton, Cheshire - At 8.50 p.m.on ist June, 1966, a message was receivedthat a dinghy had capsized in the RockChannel off Harrison Drive. The life-boatNorman B. Corlett left her moorings at

9 o'clock in a strong west northwesterly wind and a choppy sea. It wasone hour before high water. The dinghywas sighted at 9.15 with the two survivorsclinging to her. The men were taken onboard the life-boat, which took the

dinghy in tow, and then went to theassistance of the West Cheshire sailingclub's rescue boat whose engine hadbroken down when attempting to helpthe dinghy. The three-man crew of therescue boat were also taken on board the

[Kentish ExpressThree stages in the service by the Dungenesslife-boat in June, 1966, to the sloop IdleMoment after she had spent an anxious nightriding out a storm—the life-boat alongsidethe sloop, the sloop safe in Folkestone har-bour, and Coxswain T. R. Tart with the sloop'stwo-man crew, Mr. W. A. Benton and Mr. L

White. See page 236.

227

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life-boat. A line was then secured to therescue boat and the life-boat returned toNew Brighton towing both casualties.She reached her station at 10.31.

Blackpool, Lancashire - At 10.40a.m. on 4th June, 1966, the owners ofthe drilling rig BedfordX stated that therig was in danger a quarter of a milewest of the central pier owing to a largesteel caisson having broken loose. Therewere seven men on board the rig. Thesea was rough with a strong wind fromthe south west. It was almost high water.As the life-boat and carriage neared thebeach a red flare was fired from the drillingrig. The IRB and the life-boat MariaNoble were immediately launched. As therewere steel hawsers around the rig the life-boat coxswain instructed the IRB torescue the men two at a time. The sur-vivors were transferred to the life-boatas it was too dangerous to land themfrom the IRB on the beach. When the

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seven men had been rescued the life-boatand IRB returned to their station, arrivingat 11.40.

Criccieth, Caernarvonshire - At11.25 a.m. on 2yth June, 1966, a speed-boat was reported adrift in the bay. Theconditions were too rough for a smallshore-based craft to proceed. The life-boat Robert Lindsay was launched at11.35 a.m. in a strong westerly wind anda rough sea. It was almost low water.The life-boat took the speedboat in towand searched the immediate area forpossible survivors without success. Thelife-boat beached the casualty and re-turned to her station at 12.45 P-rn.

Lytham-St. Anne's, Lancashire -At 10.6 a.m. on 25th June, 1966, thecoastguard informed the honorary secre-tary that the m.f.v. Utilise, which hadbroken down between the Ribble estuaryand Formby, was in need of immediateassistance. The life-boat Edward Z.Dresden, on temporary duty at the station,left her moorings at 10.43 in a freshwesterly wind and a moderate sea. Thelife-boat proceeded down river andcrossed the bar with some difficulty asit was low water. A Dutch motor vesselanchored off the Nelson buoy signalledthat the casualty was to the north-westof her and not in the position previouslygiven. The Liverpool bar pilot boatreached the casualty first and radioedthat she was in no immediate danger.The life-boat took the Utilise in tow toLytham at 12.20 p.m. When the vesselwas safely moored, the life-boat returnedto her station, arriving at 2.10.

IRISH DISTRICT

Douglas, Isle of Man - At 11.47 a.m.on 3rd June, 1966, it was reported that asmall boy had fallen into a deep crevicein the rocks just to the north of GroudleStream. There was a light south westerlybreeze with a smooth sea. It was highwater. The life-boat R. A. Colby CubbinNo. i launched at 12.8 p.m. and, with adinghy in tow, went to the position.With the help of the police the injured

boy was taken on board the life-boatand brought to Douglas harbour, wherehe was transferred to a waiting ambulance.The life-boat arrived back at her stationat 1.12.

Peel, Isle of Man - At 11.28 a.m. onlyth June, 1966, a m.f.v. about threemiles off Lhen was seen firing red flares.The life-boat Clara and Emily Banuell,on temporary duty at the station, waslaunched at 11.55 iQ a south easterlywind and a smooth sea. It was two hoursafter high water. She found the m.f.v.Lucky Lass with three men on boardand towed her back to Peel. The life-boatreturned to her station at 3.20 p.m.

Cloughey-Portavogie, Co. Down -At 6.45 p.m. on i5th June, 1966, the life-boat Glencoe, Glasgow left her mooringsin a gentle southerly wind and a moderatesea, to go to the assistance of the m.v.Aurora which was reported to have abomb on board. She reached the vesselat 7.50 p.m. and stood by while theAurora's captain had the ship searched.Nothing explosive was found aboard themotor vessel and at 9.15 she resumedher voyage. The life-boat returned to herstation at 10.10.

Howth, Co. Dublin - At 11.48 p.m.on loth June, 1966, a yacht was reportedin difficulties between Portrane andLambay. There was a gentle northeasterly breeze with a corresponding sea.The life-boat A.M.T. set out at 12.5 a.m.at low water. Visibility was bad. About20 minutes later the coxswain wasinformed by R/T that the crew of theyacht Black Sue, which was aground offPortrane, had reached the shore safely ona raft. The life-boat had in the meantimecome up with the yacht Atlanta whichwas having difficulty in finding harbour.After this yacht had been escorted tosafety the A.M.T. went on to the positionof the Black Sue. When the tide hadflooded sufficiently two members of thelife-boat crew were placed on board andthe yacht was towed to Howth. Thelife-boat returned to her station at 4.4.

Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin - At5.5 p.m. on i6th June, 1966, a messagewas received that a dinghy had capsizedoff Dalkey and her crew of three werein the sea. There was a fresh southerlywind and a choppy sea. It was high water.The life-boat Dunleary II proceeded at5.15 and soon came up with the dinghywhose crew of three had been rescued bya motor boat. The life-boat towed thedinghy to Dun Laoghaire, arriving backat her station at 6 o'clock.

SCOTTISH DISTRICT

Islay, Inner Hebrides - At 9.40 a.m.on yth June, 1966, the coastguard toldthe honorary secretary that the m.v.Dougals' engine had broken down fourmiles south of Otter rock and requiredassistance. The life-boat Francis W.Wotherspoon of Paisley left her mooringsat 10 o'clock in a strong southerly windand a rough sea. It was one hour afterhigh water. The life-boat reached thecasualty at 11.55 and to°k her hi towto Port Ellen. The life-boat arrived backon station at 5 p.m.

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229

Stronsay, Orkneys - At 7.5 p.m.on I3th June, 1966, the doctor in Edayreported that he had a patient requiringhospital treatment. The life-boat TheJohn Gellatly Hyndman left her mooringsat 7.30 in a moderate easterly wind and aslight sea. It was high water. She arrivedat Eday at 8.5 where the patient - a10 year old boy - was embarked, togetherwith his mother. The life-boat sailedimmediately for Kirkwall where theywere landed at 11.20. The life-boat re-turned to her station at 1.25 a.m. onI4th June.

NORTH-EAST DISTRICT

Whitby, Yorkshire - At 1.20 p.m. on8th June, 1966, an R/T message wasreceived from the m.f.v. Provider statingshe had sprung a serious leak about sevenmiles north east of Whitby. The life-boatMary Ann Hepworth launched at 1.25 ina light easterly wind and a slight sea. Itwas an hour and a half before low water.She went to the position given and with

the aid of the Provider's direction finderthe vessels met about seven miles offWhitby. The life-boat asked the coast-guard by R/T to have a pump availablewhen they reached port. Escorted by thelife-boat, the casualty reached the harbourbar, but owing to her deep draft wentaground. The life-boat towed her clearand when the Provider had been safelyberthed returned to her station, arrivingat 3.25.

SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT

Lowestoft, Suffolk - At 2.15 p.m. onI9th June, 1966, a report was receivedthat a capsized yacht was adrift one mileeast of the lookout. There was a strongsoutherly wind with a choppy sea. Thelife-boat Frederick Edward Crick pro-ceeded at 2.20 on the ebbing tide andfound a capsized catamaran. There wasnobody on board and the life-boatstarted to search the area for survivorsin conjunction with a helicopter. After atime a message was received by R/T

By courtesy of] [R.A.F., Ckivenor

The new 70-foot steel life-boat Charles H. Barrett (Civil Service No. 35) picking upthree people from a drifting dinghy off The Mumbles, Glamorganshire, in June, 1966.Also visible in the photograph (left) is the bow of her IRB. See page 239.

230

from the coastguard that the crew of thecasualty had been rescued by a local boatoff Kessingland. The life-boat took thecatamaran in tow to Lowestoft, arrivingback at her station at 4.15.

At 7.25 p.m. on fth June, 1966, a vesselwas seen flying a distress signal andburning red flares four miles east of thelookout. The life-boat Frederick EdwardCrick left her moorings at 7.40 in agentle westerly wind and a slight sea.The tide was flooding. When she reachedthe trawler Leon Laura of Lowestoft, thelife-boat was told that the trawl gear hadfouled the trawler's propeller. A line wassecured, and the life-boat towed thecasualty back to harbour. The life-boatarrived back at her station at 9.50.

Ramsgate, Kent - At 8.13 p.m. on26th June, 1966, the coastguard informedthe coxswain that a small boat, which hadbeen fishing one mile north west of theNorth Goodwin lightvessel, appeared tohave broken down, and the occupantswere signalling for help. The life-boatMichael and Lily Davis left her mooringsat 8.25 in a moderate west south westerlywind and a moderate sea. It was twohours after high water. She found themotor boat Blue Marlin in the positiongiven. Her engine would not start due toflat batteries. The life-boat towed themotor boat into Ramsgate harbour, re-turning to her station at 10.5.

At 8.04 p.m. on 5th June, 1966, it wasreported that the cabin cruiser CheshireCat was drifting a quarter of a milesouth west of the North Goodwin light-vessel. The life-boat Michael and LilyDavis left her moorings at 8.15 in amoderate to fresh south westerly windand a moderate sea. It was one hourbefore low water. She reached the cas-ualty, which had seven people on board,at 9.9 and a tow-line was secured. Thelife-boat towed the Cheshire Cat, whichhad run out of fuel, to Ramsgate, andreturned to her station at 10.30

Walton and Frinton, Essex - At4.1 p.m. on 5th June, 1966, a womanreported a yacht about one and a half

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miles off shore, which appeared to beout of control, with a man hanging overthe stern. The life-boat Edian Courtauldwas launched at 4.21 in a moderate tofresh south westerly wind and a moderatesea. It was two hours after high water.Shortly after leaving her moorings infor-mation was received that there was nobodyon board the casualty, the catamaranRamrod, of the Clacton sailing club. Thelife-boat proceeded to the Ramrod, whichhad capsized about four miles offshore.The coxswain righted her and loweredher sails which were still set. A towlinewas then secured to the casualty and thelife-boat towed her to the beach at Walton.The life-boat then returned to her station,arriving at 5.45.

At 3.25 a.m. on igth June, 1966, thecoastguard informed the coxswain thata red flare had been sighted some fivemiles from the coastguard lookout. Thelife-boat Edian Courtauld was launchedat 3.52 in a gentle westerly wind and a

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moderate sea. It was three hours afterhigh water. At 4.40 another flare wassighted, and soon afterwards the life-boat found a small speedboat with twooccupants from the Dutch m.v. CheetahII, a wireless transmitting station an-chored off Walton. The customs officerrequested that the two men be taken tothe pierhead for customs clearance beforethey were returned to their ship. Thelife-boat took the two men on board andthe speedboat in tow. When the men hadbeen cleared by customs, the life-boattook them back to the Cheetah II. Shethen went alongside Radio London andtook off four students from a rubberdinghy which was moored alongside thewireless transmitting station and landedthem at 9.10.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk - At 9.10 p.m.on 13th June, 1966, the coxswain wastold that a yacht lying off Aldeburgh wasbeing kept under observation. At 9.30the yacht fired a distress signal. The life-boat The Alfred and Patience Gottwaldwas launched at 9.35 in a gentle southwesterly breeze and a slight sea. The tidewas at half ebb. She reached the yachtSea Lavender at 10 o'clock. The casualtyhad lost her rigging and anchor, and alsorun out of petrol. The life-boat passeda towline to the yacht and towed her toFelixstowe. When the Sea Lavenderwas safely berthed, the life-boat returnedto her station, arriving at 4.15 a.m. on14th June.

Cromer, Norfolk - At 9.48 a.m. on2nd June, 1966, the coastguard informedthe honorary secretary that the cabincruiser Shell Duck had been seen by ahelicopter apparently broken down sur-rounded by oil three miles south west ofNewarp lightvessel. There was a lightbreeze from the south west with a calmsea. The No. 2 life-boat William Henryand Mary King launched at 10.5 on anebbing tide. At 1.15 p.m. she came upwith the cabin cruiser. A line was madefast and the life-boat towed the ShellDuck to Great Yarmouth, arriving at 4.45.The life-boat returned to her station at9.10.

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At 7. p.m. on loth June, 1966, a yachtwas reported aground to the west of thepier. There was a light north easterlywind with a slight sea and thick fog. Itwas one hour after low water. The no. 2life-boat William Henry and Mary Kinglaunched at 7.30. With the help of asmall fishing boat a line was passed fromthe life-boat to the yacht which wastowed off the beach. The yacht Vole wasmoored to the pier buoy and her crewof three were landed. The life-boatarrived back at her station at 8.30.

Caister, Norfolk - At 4.45 p.m. on23rd June, 1966, the station mechanicnoticed a vessel dragging her anchors inYarmouth Roads. She was put underobservation and at 5.40 she hoisted adistress signal. The life-boat The RoyalThames was launched at 6 o'clock in amoderate south westerly wind and aslight sea. It was almost low water. Whenshe reached the motor vessel Regency,the life-boat found that her engines hadbroken down and she required a tug.The life-boat stood by the Regency untila tug, whose help had been requestedthrough the Gorleston coastguard,arrived and then returned to her station,arriving at 8 o'clock.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - At 4.35p.m. on i3th June, 1966, information wasreceived that a small cabin cruiser hadbroken down four to five miles westsouth west of Atherfield coastguardlookout hut. The life-boat The Earl andCountess Howe was launched at 4.48 ina moderate south south westerly windand a moderate sea. She found the cabincruiser Rubin Ranzo and towed her backto Yarmouth. The life-boat arrived ather station at 9.5.

At 3.37 p.m. on I4th June, 1966,there was an alert that a helicopter hadcrashed in the Solent near West Lepebuoy. The life-boat The Earl and CountessHowe left her moorings together with.the IRB at 3.55 p.m. There was a light

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By courtesy of ] [Bob BirdRescued sailors being landed from the New Brighton life-boat in June, 1966, after

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By courtesy of} [ Peter C. Reed

A canoeist being rescued by an IRB.

234

westerly wind and a smooth sea. Thetide was flooding. A search was carriedout between the East and West Lepebuoys, and the helicopter was eventuallyfound about half a mile to the south ofthe entrance to Beaulieu river. Its tailwas projecting above the water but therewas no sign of the crew. The life-boatattached a buoy to the tail of the heli-copter. This was recovered later, whena R.N. helicopter attached another buoyto the machine. The IRB and life-boatreturned to their station at 5.35 and 6.20respectively.

Newhaven, Sussex - At 3.26 p.m.on 26th June, 1966, a small launch wasseen in difficulties two miles off theMartello tower at Seaford. There was astrong south westerly wind with a mod-erate sea. It was two hours before highwater. The life-boat Kathleen Marylaunched at 3.55. As she proceeded to theposition given an R/T message was re-ceived from the m.f.v. Margaret thatshe had taken the launch and anothermotor boat in tow. The skipper of theMargaret was injured and she requiredthe help of the life-boat. The KathleenMary took over the tow of the two smallboats and the life-boat bowman was puton board the Margaret, which wascarrying a fishing party of 12, to bringher safely into harbour. The launch andmotor boat were handed over to a workboat at the entrance to the harbour, andthe life-boat then proceeded to the helpof two people reported cut off by the tideat Bastion Steps. Peacehaven. The life-boat stood by while the two people wererescued by a helicopter, and then re-turned to her station, arriving at 7.45.

Plymouth, Devon - At 5.15 p.m. on22nd June, 1966, the life-boat ThomasForehead and Mary Roivse proceeded toMount Wise pier to meet the Comman-der-in-Chief, Plymouth, and Lady Talbotwho were to go out on exercise with theboat. At 5.45, while making fast to thepier, a message was received by R/Tfrom Rame Head coastguard advisingthat a fishing boat had broken downbetween Mewstone and West Rutts.There was a fresh south westerly breeze

with a moderate swell. It was two hoursafter low water. Leaving the Commander-in-Chief and Lady Talbot behind, thelife-boat left within 20 seconds and sooncame up with the shark-fishing vesselMark Twain, whose owner had managedto get the engines working again. Thelife-boat escorted the Mark Twain to hermoorings in Yealm river before returningto her station, where she arrived at 8o'clock.

At 4.55 p.m. on 18th June, 1966, thecoastguard informed the honorary secre-tary that a person had been waving ayellow coat from a white boat whichappeared to be in need of assistance. Thelife-boat Thomas Forehead and MaryRowse left her moorings at 5.20 in astrong south westerly wind and a heavyground swell. It was one and a half hoursbefore high water. When the life-boatreached the casualty she found a heli-copter in attendance which remained

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with the casualty until the life-boatarrived alongside. The life-boat took offtwo men and secured a towline to thecasualty - an aqua-glider. This craftproved to be an awkward tow and whenrounding Penlee Point she took a heavysea which washed all the loose contentsoverboard. Most of these were recoveredand the tow was continued to Millbaydocks where the craft was moored. Thetwo survivors were landed, and the life-boat arrived back on station at 9.20.

Dungeness, Kent - At 7.13 a.m. on27th June, 1966, a vessel was seen indistress off Denge Marsh. The life-boatMabel E. Holland was launched at 7.25 ina gale force west south westerly wind anda rough sea. It was one hour after highwater. She found the yacht Idle Moment,of London, anchored about 150 yards offshore, with a crew of two on board. Atowline was passed to the Idle Momentand the life-boat towed her slowly toDungeness East Bay. The casualty's crewwere taken on board the life-boat and two

236

members of the life-boat crew were putaboard the yacht. The yacht's anchorcable had been cut when the towlinewas secured, and as there were no othermeans of mooring her, the life-boattowed her to Folkestone harbour. TheMabel E. Holland returned to her stationat 2.30 p.m.

At 6.45 p.m. on i8th June, 1966, itwas reported that a man had come ashorefrom a cabin cruiser which had run outof fuel off Camber. The casualty wasanchored offshore. At 6.53 the Rye policeindicated that there were four womenand two men still on board. The life-boatMabel E. Holland was launched at 7.15in a moderate to fresh west south westerlywind and a choppy sea. It was an hourand three quarters after low water. Whenthe life-boat reached the cabin cruiserDagenham she found that the occupantshad been taken off by a boat from Ryeharbour. After putting two men on boardthe life-boat towed her to Rye harbour.On the way back to her station a light,flashing a distress signal, was sighted.The life-boat searched the area, butwithout success, and arrived back onstation at 12.5 a.m.

Salcombe, Devon - At 10.35 a.m.on I2th June, 1966, concern was felt forthe crew of two of a yacht anchored atHallsands. There was a moderate easterlybreeze with a calm sea. It was two hoursbefore high water. The life-boat TheBaltic Exchange launched at 10.45 andfound the yacht Neutrino anchored inStart bay. The life-boat escorted theyacht to deeper water and set her oncourse to Dartmouth. The Baltic Ex-change arrived back at her station at 1.55p.m.

At 6.10 a.m. on 5th June, 1966, amessage was received that the m.f.v.Good Hope had reported by radio tele-phone that she had run out of fuel whileon passage from Jersey to Plymouth, andwas drifting about 15 miles off Startpoint. The life-boat The Baltic Exchangeleft her moorings at 6.24. There was amoderate to fresh south westerly windand a rough sea. It was high water. She

made radio contact with the Good Hope,and the casualty arranged to fire a whiteflare to indicate her position. At 7.19she saw the life-boat making directlytowards her and fired the flare as agreed.The visibility was worsening and the windand sea conditions were deterioratingrapidly. The life-boat took the casualtyin tow at 7.43 and set course for Salcombe.At 8.50 the tow rope parted, but thiswas quickly made good and towing con-tinued. The Baltic Exchange brought theGood Hope into Salcombe at 10.5. Thefishing vessel was placed on moorings,and the life-boat returned to her stationat 10.45. A donation was made to the life-boat crew by the skipper of the fishingvessel.

Exmouth, South Devon - At 10.7p.m. on I2th June, 1966, it was reportedthat red flares had been sighted abouttwo miles off Orcombe point. The life-boat Michael Stevens left her mooringsat 10.20 in a moderate to fresh southsouth easterly wind and a moderate sea.It was three and a half hours before highwater. The casualty, the yacht Boy Eric,

fired further flares at 10.35 and 10.45so the life-boat was able to go straight toher. A line was secured to the yacht BoyEric and the life-boat towed her back toExmouth. On her way up river, the life-boat sighted a yacht which had goneaground on the Moer rocks. After theBoy Eric had been moored at the pier,the life-boat returned to the yacht Ribbonon the rocks. She stood by while thecoastguards landed the crew of the Ribbonby line, and returned to her station ati a.m. on i3th June.

Swanage, Dorset - At 10.38 a.m. on5th June, 1966, the coastguard told thehonorary secretary that a yacht had beendismasted and was firing flares two milessouth east of St. Alban's Head. Thelife-boat R.L.P. was launched at 10.46in a strong south westerly wind and achoppy sea. It was one hour and a halfbefore high water. The life-boat foundthe yacht Sirena II three miles east southeast of St. Alban's Head with her enginebroken down and another yacht standingby. The life-boat took the casualty intow to Poole quay, arriving at 3.20 p.m.

By courtesy of ][Bristol Evening Post

.—' As reported in the Sep-tember issue of THELIFE-BOAT, T.V. an-nouncer Guy Thomas,on behalf of T.W.W.Ltd., presented a tele-vision set to the crew of70-001 when she visitedBristol earlier this year.Lt.-Cdr. H. F. Teare,R.N.R., her commander,

is on the right

237

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex - At3.22 a.m. on nth June, 1966, a man wasreported in the sea clinging to an oartwo miles east of the Palace pier. Therewas a moderate southerly breeze with aslight sea. It was two hours before highwater. The life-boat Dorothy and PhilipConstant launched at 3.32 and carriedout a thorough search of the area inconjunction with a helicopter but with-out success. The life-boat recovered adinghy which it was subsequently verifiedhad been taken off the beach by two men.The body of one of the men was washedashore before the life-boat was alerted,and the second body was washed ashoresome nine hours later. The life-boatarrived back at her station at 6.15.

CHANNEL ISLANDS

St. Helier, Jersey - At 2.45 a.m. oni8th June, 1966, a small fishing boatwas reported overdue. There was a lightsouth south westerly breeze with a slightsea. Inquiries were made as to the boat'sexpected arrival and it was learnt thatshe should have returned at 10.30 theprevious evening. The life-boat Peterand Sarah Blake, on temporary duty atthe station, proceeded at 5.17 to carryout a search of the north coast of theisland. At 5,26 a message was receivedfrom the m.v. Gladonia by R/T thatthey had located the casualty and takenthe boat with her crew of two in tow.The life-boat met the Gladonia off LaCorbiere lighthouse at 6 o'clock and tookover the tow, arriving at St. Helier withthe casualty at 7.22.

At 12.45 a.m. on 27th June, 1966,concern was felt for the safety of theyacht Deux Amis and her crew of four.She was overdue on passage from Gran-ville and the weather was rapidly deter-iorating. There was a gale from thewest north west with a rough sea. It wasone hour before high water. The life-boat Peter and Sarah Blake, on temporaryduty at the station, proceeded 13 minuteslater searching along the south coast of theisland. In the meantime the Goreyharbourmaster put out with a crew of

238

two in the fishing boat My Fair Lady andstarted searching down the east coast tomeet the life-boat. The My Fair Ladylocated the yacht anchored in brokenwater on the rock strewn south eastcorner of the island. Her engine hadbroken down and her sails had beencarried away. The fishing boat stood bythe Deux Amis until the life-boat arrived.A line was made fast and the life-boattowed the yacht to St. Helier accompaniedby the My Fair Lady. The life-boatarrived back at her station at 5.40. Adonation was made to the Institution'sfunds.

SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT

Coverack, Cornwall - At 10.15 P-m-on 12th June, 1966, an internationaldistress signal was reported about twoand a half miles south east of Coverack.There was a moderate southerly breezewith a corresponding sea. The life-boatWilliam Taylor of Oldham was launchedat 10.25 on a flooding tide and after ashort search found the motor boatSheila with her engine broken down. Hercrew of two were not feeling well andwere transferred to the life-boat. Themotor-boat was towed back to Coverackby the life-boat, which reached herstation at 11.20.

At 12.48 p.m. on 26th June, 1966,information was received that an elderlywoman had fallen over Arrowan cliff,four miles west of Coverack, and theassistance of the life-boat was requiredas the position could not be approachedfrom the shore. A nursing sister wentaboard the life-boat William Taylor ofOldham, which was launched with adinghy in tow at 12.56 in a light westerlywind and a choppy sea. It was highwater. When the life-boat reached theposition given, the boarding boat wassent in, manned by three crew membersand the sister. Assisted by the coastguardthey took the casualty off and transferredher to the life-boat. She was then winchedinto a helicopter and taken to Trurohospital. The life-boat returned to herstation at 2.25.

Falmouth, Cornwall - At 6.21 p.m.on 23rd June, 1966, it was reported thata small sailing boat with two men onboard had capsized about four milessouth east of Portscartho. The life-boatCecil and Lilian Philpott on temporaryduty at the station left her moorings at6.47 in a fresh to strong south westerlywind and a moderate sea. It was threehours after low water. At 6.55 the coast-guard informed the life-boat that thecasualty's position was now one milesouth south east of Gull Rock, and thelife-boat proceeded towards the newposition. The coastguards then advisedher that a Royal Navy helicopter was overthe casualty but was returning to base asher assistance was not required. Thelife-boat reached the casualty, the yachtSaint, and found that when she hadcapsized her mast had broken. The crewhad rigged a jury sail and the life-boatescorted the Saint to the entrance toPortloe. She then returned to her station,arriving there at 9.16.

St. Mary's, Scilly Islands - Thirtyminutes after midnight on 5th June, 1966,a message was received that the m.f.v.Sanu was aground at Tresco and herowner had asked for life-boat assistance.There was a moderate westerly wind witha slight sea. It was decided to launch thelife-boat when the tide had made suffic-iently to tow the Sanu off. The life-boatGuy and Clare Hunter left at 3 o'clock, andwhen she reached Tresco she found thatthe casualty was badly holed and takingwater rapidly. The crew of four on boardthe Sanu were rescued together with theremaining six crew members who wereashore on Tresco. The life-boat arrivedback at her station at 7 o'clock.

Life-boat 70-001 - Off The Mum-bles, Glamorganshire - At 2.17 p.m.on 28th June, 1966, a dinghy was reportedin difficulties in Forth Eynon bay, andThe Mumbles IRB had been launched.The life-boat Charles H. Barrett (CivilService No. 35) proceeded at 2.23 in amoderate west north westerly wind witha moderate swell, and proceeded to theposition given. The life-boat's IRB waslaunched at 2.42 to assist in the search.

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A helicopter was seen to be searching thereported location, and a small boat in-formed the life-boat that the casualty - a12 foot outboard motor boat - had driftedwell out into the channel. The life-boatsighted the dinghy and a few minuteslater the helicopter was hovering overthe casualty. The three survivors weretaken aboard the life-boat which towedthe Clare back to The Mumbles IRBstation and beached her. The life-boatberthed at Mumbles Pier at 4.30 p.m.

The following life-boats were also called outin June:Berwick upon Tweed, Northumber-

land - 25th.Clacton-on-Sea, Essex - I9th, 26th

and 29th.Cromer, Norfolk - i5th.Dover, Kent - 2nd and I2th.Falmouth, Cornwall - i ith.Hastings, Sussex - 4th and 24th.Holyhead, Anglesey - i2th.

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Humber, Yorkshire - I4th.Lerwick, Shetlands - ifth and 22nd.Lytham- St.-Anne's, Lancashire - 4th.Mallaig, Inverness-shire, - 3rd.Margate, Kent - 26th.New Brighton, Cheshire - 3rd.Plymouth, Devon - 5th.Porthdinllaen, Caernarvonshire -

29th.Portpatrick, Wigtownshire - 3oth.Port St. Mary, Isle of Man - 25th.St. Peter Port, Guernsey - 3Oth.Salcombe, Devon - 2oth.Seaham, Co. Durham - i ith.Selsey, Sussex - 9th and 22nd.Skegness, Lincolnshire - 15th.Southend-on-Sea, Essex - xyth and

19th.Stromness, Orkneys - 6th and i5th.Stronsay, Orkneys - i2th.Sunderland, Co. Durham - 2yth.Torbay, Devon - 22nd.Valentia, Co. Kerry - nth.Walmer, Kent - i2th.Wells, Norfolk - 15*.Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - I4th.

IRB LAUNCHESRescues by IRBs in June were carried out

by the following stations:

NORTH-EASTERN DISTRICT

Bridlington, Yorkshire - At 7 p.m. on27th June, 1966, a dinghy was reportedadrift half a mile to seaward of Skipsea.The IRB was launched in a gale forcewesterly wind and a rough sea. It waslow water. She proceeded to Skipsea andafter a search located the dinghy aboutthree miles offshore. Before the IRBcould reach the dinghy, a helicopterarrived and winched up one man and adog. The dinghy capsized during thisoperation and lost her outboard motor.The IRB towed her to Skipsea beach withthe helicopter in attendance. The heli-copter lowered two crewmen to assist inbeaching the dinghy. When this hadbeen accomplished the IRB returned toBridlington, arriving back on station at10.30.

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Humber Month (Cleethorpes)Lines - At 7 p.m. on igth June, 1966,a small boat with two occupants wasstated to be in difficulties off the marineembankment, Cleethorpes. The IRB waslaunched immediately in a south easterlywind and a choppy sea. It was high water.She proceeded to the position given andtook three occupants off the dinghywhich had a broken mast. The IRB thentowed the casualty to Cleethorpes southbeach and landed the three men. TheIRB was about to return to her stationwhen signals from a yacht and a helicopterwere seen. The IRB went alongside asmall boat whose outboard motor hadfailed and took two small children off.While one of the adults was moving fromhis thwart the boat capsized throwingthe occupants into the water. All fourwere rescued while a helicopter stood by.The IRB returned to her station at 7.40and landed the six survivors. The dinghywas towed in by a yacht.

SOUTH-EASTERN DISTRICT

Southwold, Suffolk - At 4.31 p.m.on 4th June, 1966, a small motor boatwas reported in difficulties off Southwoldharbour. The IRB was launched at 4.35in a moderate south westerly wind and achoppy sea. It was one hour before lowwater. She found the motor boat Arodin broken water outside the harbour. Shehad had engine failure. There were twomen on board. The IRB took one manoff the casualty and then towed her intothe harbour, returning to her station at4-55-

Walmer, Kent - At 11.15 a.m. on5th June, 1966, it was noticed that anumber of sailing dinghies and cata-marans taking part in the Downs sailingclub regatta had capsized in the strongwest south westerly wind and choppy sea.The club rescue boat was unable to cope.The IRB was launched and in the next90 minutes the crew righted three ding-hies and a catamaran. The crew of thecapsized catamaran were entangled in thesails and rigging. The IRB rescued them

and towed the catamaran, together withtwo other craft, to the safety of the beach.She returned to her station at 12.40 p.m.

At 2.30 p.m. on 5th June, 1966, amessage was received that an inflatablerubber raft with four youths on boardwas drifting out to sea near the pier. TheIRB was launched in a fresh west southwesterly wind and a choppy sea. The tidewas ebbing. Before the IRB could reachher, the raft was taken in tow by a motor-boat. While returning to her station theIRB sighted a dismasted catamaran somedistance off shore, which was beingdriven seawards by the wind. The crewwere unable to clear the wreckage sothe IRB crew assisted them and towedthe casualty to safety. As a number ofcraft taking part in a regatta had capsized,the IRB remained afloat to help the club'srescue boats. She went to the assistanceof a dinghy whose sails had blown away,rescued her crew of two, and towed theboat to safety. The IRB gave assistanceto five other craft of various types beforethe regatta ended, and returned to herstation at 4.45.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT

Eastney, Hampshire - At 11.55 a-m-on I2th June, 1966, a boat was reportedon fire on Sword Sands, Langstoneharbour. The IRB was launched at 12noon in a moderate south westerly windand a calm sea. It was low water. Sheproceeded to the casualty, took off thefour occupants, and landed them atthe boathouse. The IRB returned to thespeedboat at 12.30 p.m. and put twofiremen aboard with fire extinguishers.She arrived back on station at 12.50.

SOUTH-WESTERN DISTRICTAtlantic College, Glamorganshire

- At 6.45 p.m. on 3rd June, 1966, areport was received that a girl had beencut off by the tide on a cliff ledge east ofNash point. The IRB was launched at6.52 in a gentle westerly wind and aslight sea. It was one hour from highwater. The IRB rescued the girl andlanded her safely on a nearby beach,returning to her station at 7.20.

Newquay, Cornwall - At 4.10 p.m.on i8th June, 1966, the police informedthe honorary secretary that two personswere in difficulties in the water at thewestern end of Fistral beach. The IRBwas launched immediately and proceededto the position stated in a moderate tofresh south westerly wind and a moderateswell. It was five hours after low water.When she approached the rocks at thewestern end of the beach, a man was seenon the rocks being helped by people onthe shore. A girl who was still in thewalor was taken aboard the IRB, whichreturned to her station at 4.33.

St. Ives, Cornwall - At 9 p.m. on3rd June, 1966, an IRB crew memberobserved that the speedboat Tigress wasnot on her moorings. Subsequent in-quiries revealed that the Tigress had beensighted about two miles north west ofSt. Ives Head, apparently stopped. TheIRB was launched at 9.10 in variablewinds and a smooth sea. It was one hourbefore low water. She proceeded towardsthe position given and sighted the speed-boat one and a half miles north west ofCanask rocks. The IRB closed with herand found that her engine had failed.She took her in tow back to St. Ives,reaching her station at 10.30.

At 7.45 p.m. on igth June, 1966, thetwo people were reported cut off by thetide on the cliffs between Hell's mouthand Fisherman's cove, about half a mileeast of Navax point on the eastern ex-tremities of St. Ives bay. The IRB waslaunched at 7.53 in a light, variable windand a smooth sea. It was one and a halfhours after high water. She found thetwo youths in the position indicated.They were about 20 feet above sea level.The IRB was taken in against the verticalcliff and the youths slithered down intothe boat. They had been on the cliff facesince 2 p.m. The IRB took the youths tothe pier. The IRB returned to her stationat 8.40.

At 2.33 p.m. on 2Oth June, 1966, twopeople were stated to be in difficulties offHayle Towans. The IRB was launchedat 2.37 in a moderate to fresh westerly

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wind and a slight sea with a moderateswell. It was one and a half hours afterlow water. When she reached HayleBeach her crew were informed that oneman had been brought ashore by peopleon the beach, but the other man was stillmissing. The IRB started a search of thearea and after about 15 minutes peopleon the beach indicated that they couldsee something in the surf. The IRBfound a man there floating. He wasimmediately taken aboard the boat andone of the crew applied mouth to mouthresuscitation. The IRB then went to thebeach where the man was transferred toa waiting helicopter and taken to ahospital in Penzance. The IRB returnedto her station at 3.45.

NORTH-WEST DISTRICT

Largs, Ayrshire - At 9.30 p.m. on2yth June, 1966, an IRB member re-ported that an Alacrity class yachtappeared to be in difficulties in Castlebay. The IRB was launched immediatelyin a strong south south easterly windgusting to gale force with a choppy sea.She found the yacht with a man and aboy aboard. The IRB put a man aboardthe yacht who lowered her sail andmoored her. The IRB took the casualty'screw ashore, returning to her station at10.30.

At 10.15 p.m. on loth June, 1966, ayacht was reported drifting throughLargs bay and out to sea. The IRB waslaunched at 10.30 in a moderate to freshsouth easterly wind and a choppy sea.She recovered the yacht Caol-iln, towedher back, and remoored her on anotherbuoy. When the IRB returned to herstation police informed the crew that theyacht Pablo was reported as being dis-masted on passage from Invership toLargs, and was drifting out into the mainchannel. The IRB found the yacht withone man aboard, and towed her to Largs.The IRB returned to her station at 11.45.

Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire - At9.55 p.m. on i8th June, 1966, two peoplewere reported stranded on a rock at thefoot of Constitution Hill, two miles north

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of the station. The IRB was launched at10 o'clock in a light south westerly windand swell. It was high water. She pro-ceeded to the position given and took aman and a women off the rock. The IRBreturned to her station at n o'clock andlanded them.

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire - At6.5 p.m. on zgth June, 1966, informationwas received that two girls were maroonedon a sandbank a quarter of a mile offWest shore. The IRB was launched at6.12 in a light westerly wind and amoderate sea. The tide was flooding. Onthe way the IRB picked up a man whowas swimming out to tell the girls tostay where they were until help arrived.The girls were taken aboard the IRBwhich landed them and returned to herstation at 6.40.

At 6.58 p.m. on 9th June, 1966, criesfor help were reported from the sea offthe West shore car park. The IRB waslaunched at 7.5 in very poor visibilityand a smooth sea. It was four hours afterhigh water. She found the motor launchPuffin, whose engine had broken down,and the launch's crew were not sure oftheir position in the mist. The IRB towedthem to the Conway. Afterwards theIRB was beached at Deganwy, re-carriaged, and towed back to her station,arriving at 9.15. A helicopter also tookpart in the search.

Blackpool, Lancashire. At 11.2 p.m.on 3rd June, 1966, an amphibious craftwith one man on board was reported indifficulties between the drilling rigBedford X and the shore. The IRB waslaunched at 11.10 in a moderate southerlywind and a choppy sea. It was one hourbefore high water. She carried out asearch without success. The IRB thensearched nearer the shore and found thecasualty about 150 yards off the sea wall.The landing craft had sunk and wascompletely awash. There was a manclinging to the superstructure, but theseas were breaking over him and hecould not have withstood the poundingmuch longer. The IRB made three runsbefore the man eventually jumped clear

and was rescued. Each time the IRB wasin danger of being damaged by the sunkencraft. The IRB returned to the shore at11.30 and transferred the survivor to awaiting ambulance.

Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire - At3.17 p.m. on I2th June, 1966, the coast-guard informed the mechanic that a boathad overturned off Abererch beach andthe crew were in the water. The IRB waslaunched in a moderate southerly windand a smooth sea. It was one hour beforehigh water. She proceeded to the positiongiven and found two youths clinging tothe upturned sailing dinghy. The twoyouths were taken aboard the IRB. Shereturned to her station at 3.45. A heli-copter also searched for the casualty.

Flint - At 10.38 a.m. on i8th June,1966, the Deeside police informed thehonorary secretary that four boys weretrapped by the tide near Connah's Quay

power station. At 10.42 the IRB waslaunched in a moderate westerly wind,while the tide was flooding. Within 20minutes of the alarm being raised the boyshad been picked up and safely landed bythe IRB. She returned to her station at11.20.

IRISH DISTRICT

Bangor, Co. Down - At 2.35 p.m.on 26th June, 1966, a youth in a rowingboat was reported to have lost an oarand was drifting out to sea. The IRB waslaunched at 2.40 in a moderate to freshsoutherly wind and a calm sea. It wasthree hours after low water. The IRBtook the youth off the rowing boat andrecovered the lost oar. She then towedthe rowing boat back to harbour, re-turning to her station at 3.15.

See page 279 for other IRB launches.

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243

JULYSOUTHERN DISTRICT

Bembridge, Isle of Wight - At 2.38a.m. on 5th July. 1966, it was reportedthat a small boat with a crew of four hadcapsized in the Solent. Two men had beenrescued and it was thought the other twowere near the Norris buoy. The life-boatJesse Lumb launched at 2.48 on an ebbingtide and proceeded to search the area inconjunction with the IRB and a helicopter.There was a light westerly breeze with asmooth sea. At 4.24 the life-boat rescuedone of the missing men from a positioninshore of the Norris buoy and at 5.7 thecoastguard reported that the Southamp-ton patrol boat had recovered the body ofthe other man. The life-boat and IRBarrived back at their station at 6.55.

Tor bay, Devon - At 11.28 p.m. onI4th July, 1966, a motor boat on hire fromTer'gnmouth was reported overdue. Theowner was searching along the coast. Itwas decided if the boat was not traced bydaylight the life-boat and a helicopterwould carry out a search. There was afresh north-westerly breeze with a choppysea. The tide was ebbing. The life-boatPrincess Alexandra of Kent proceeded at6.30 a.m. After the search had lasted anhour a message was received from ahelicopter that it had located the motorboat and rescued the three occupants.The life-boat proceeded to the positionand took the empty motor boat in tow,returning to her station at 9.15.

Newhaven, Sussex - At 5.40 p.m. onloth July, 1966, a cabin cruiser was seendrifting off Roedean gap. There was astrong south-westerly wind with a mod-erate sea. The life-boat Kathleen Marylaunched at 5.58 on an ebbing tide, and at6.45 came up with the yacht Erita whoseengines had broken down. The Erita,which had 14 people on board, some ofwhom were in a very distressed condi-tion, was taken in tow by the life-boat andbrought safely back to Newhaven at8.25.

Hastings, Sussex - At 4.30 p.m. on26th July, 1966, it was seen that the

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yacht Rosemary on an easterly coursehalf a mile south of the station was makingvery poor headway. The life-boat Fair-light was launched at 4.43 in a gale forcesouth-westerly wind and a moderate sea.It was high water. She intercepted theyacht and advised her to make for Ryeharbour. At the entrance to the harbourthe Rosemary experienced some difficultyand it was decided, with the life-boat stillin attendance, to proceed to the lee ofDungeness. After the yacht had beensafely anchored the life-boat returned toher station, arriving at 9.55.

Eastbourne, Sussex - At 4.44 p.m. onI2th July, 1966, a yacht with one man onboard was reported in difficulties fourmiles south-east of Beachy Head. A smallcoaster was standing by the boat. Therewas a gale from the south-west with arough sea. The tide was flooding. Thelife-boat Beryl Tollemache was launchedat 5.10 and at 5.45 came up with theyacht. A member of the life-boat's crewwas placed on board and a tow linesecured. At 7 o'clock the yacht suddenlysank and the yachtsman and the life-boatman were thrown into the sea. Bothwere rescued by the life-boat. She reachedher station at 7.50.

Plymouth, Devon - At 3.50 a.m. on16th July, 1966, a converted ship's life-boat with four men on board was statedto be overdue. The occupants had gonefishing at the ledges nine miles out. Thelife-boat Thomas Forehead and MaryRowse left her moorings at 4.15 in a gentlenorth-westerly wind and a smooth sea. Itwas half an hour before high water. Shefound the casualty - it had engine trouble- at 4.30 half a mile south of the Bridgebuoy. The life-boat towed the boat toPlymouth, and returned to her station at5.30.

Selsey, Sussex - At 10.43 P-m. on3<Dth July, 1966, flares were reported offEast Wittering. At 10.50 the life-boatCanadian Pacific was launched in a southwesterly wind and a rough sea. It was onehour after high water. By 11.25 she wasalongside the yacht Aquilo which hadthree men on board. The casualty had a

faulty engine. She was escorted throughrough seas into Chichester harbour. At2.40 a.m. on 3ist July the life-boatreturned to her station.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - At 11.10p.m. on 3ist July, 1966, red flares werereported about 400 yards east of theentrance to Lymington river. At 11.28 thelife-boat The Earl and Countess Howeproceeded in a southerly gale. The tidewas ebbing, the sea was very rough, anddue to rain visibility was poor. The yachtDido and the Lymington harbour master'slaunch, which had taken off the Dido'screw of two, were both aground. A linewas fired across the launch and a towlinemade fast. The life-boat refloated thelaunch which then proceeded to Lyming-ton to land the yacht's crew. The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at1.15 a.m. on ist August.

SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT

Walton and Frinton, Essex - At 2.50p.m. on 24th July, 1966, during the seacadets' regatta, the weather conditionsdeteriorated and on the advice of the life-boat coxswain the organizers decided theevent should be cancelled. The wind hadincreased and the sea off the Waltonfront had become rough. The life-boatEdian Courtauld proceeded at 3.33 in astrong south-westerly wind and a roughsea. It was four hours after low water. Shestood by until all the sea cadets wereashore. The life-boat then proceeded tothe anchored barge British King whichhad been used as a floating headquarters.A local boat was taking her in tow. After amember of the boat's crew had fallenoverboard and had been picked up, thelife-boat took over and towed the bargeto her moorings. The life-boat thenreturned to her station, investigating asmall motor boat on the way and advisingits three occupants to abandon their tripto Clacton. She arrived back on station at7.48 p.m.

At noon on 2yth July, 1966, a Belgianyacht was reported aground and cap-

sized on the Longsand Head. The life-boat Edian Courtauld left her moorings at12.20 in a strong north-north-easterlywind and a very rough sea. It was fourhours after high water. She reached theyacht Marie Galante at 2.30 but owing tothe state of the tide could not get within200 yards of her. A helicopter fromMansion had already taken three men offthe casualty, leaving the owner and theskipper aboard. As soon as the life-boathad anchored awaiting the flood tide, asecond helicopter took the remaining twomen off the yacht and transferred them tothe life-boat. At 6.28 the skipper and twomembers of the life-boat crew were putaboard the yacht and the life-boat tookher in tow. Later another two men wentaboard the yacht to assist in manning thepumps and baling her out, in an effort tosave her as she was taking in water fast. At7.15 the tow was let go and all handstaken off the yacht which was water-logged and sinking. The life-boat returnedto her station at 10.10.

At 2.19 a.m. on I3th July, 1966, a redflare had been reported about three milesoffshore in an easterly direction. The life-boat Edian Courtauld left her moorings at2.45 in a fresh westerly wind and a choppysea. It was one hour after low water. Sheproceeded to the position given. At 3.57the m.v. Sir John Snett reported that shehad the casualty alongside. The life-boatmet the ship and found the dismastedyacht Mona with a man and womanaboard. She towed the yacht to the Waltonriver. After mooring the yacht the life-boat returned to her station at 8.13.

At 8.7 p.m. on 7th July 1966, it wasseen that a cabin cruiser about two milesoff shore had her ensign at half mast andwas flashing an Aldis lamp. There was agentle north-north-westerly wind and achoppy sea. The life-boat Edian Courtauldproceeded at 8.24 and soon came up withthe motor boat Leomar. The Leomar,which had run out of fuel, had sevenpeople on board. She was taken in tow toHarwich, arriving at 11.30. The life-boatreached her station at 12.35 a-m- on 8thJuly.

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Ramsgate, Kent - At 7.45 p.m. on2ist July, 1966, it was seen that the yachtInigo off the north end of the South FallsHead required assistance. There was agale from the north with a very rough sea.The tide was flooding. The life-boat

Michael and Lily Davis launched at 7.57and at ii o'clock came up with thecasualty,, which had a crew of three onboard. As the life-boat bowman leaptaboard the yacht to connect a tow rope hefell injuring his shoulder. The yacht was

By courtesy of] (Leamington Sp* CourierThe James and Catherine MacFarlane, a 36-foot Oakley reserve life-boat, was ondisplay at Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, in July, 1966, while on its way to the

Royal Show.

246

towed to Ramsgate harbour, arriving at2.45 a.m. on 22nd July. The bowman,who was taken to hospital in a waitingambulance, was discharged after treat-ment.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex - At 3.3p.m. on 24th July, 1966, a small sloopappeared to be in difficulties off Wardenpoint. There was a gale from the south-west with a rough sea. The tide wasflooding. The life-boat Greater London II(Civil Service No. 36) launched at 3.24and soon came up with the sloop, theoccupants of which informed the cox-swain that no assistance was required.The life-boat then proceeded to investi-gate the small yacht Skim which wasabout one and a half miles west of Sheer-ness boom. The crew of three of theSkim were then taken on board the life-boat which with the yacht in tow pro-ceeded to Sheppey. The life-boat reachedher station at 5.30 p.m.

At 12.22 a.m. on i6th July, 1966, a smallfishing boat was seen drifting off No. 9Sea Reach buoy. There was a freshsouth-westerly breeze with a rough sea. Itwas one hour after high water. The life-boat Greater London II (Civil Service No.30} was launched at 1.48. After a shortsearch with the aid of parachute flares thefishing boat was located. The life-boatwent alongside and transferred the ownerand two policemen to the boat, which wastaken in tow to Southend. The life-boatarrived back at her station at 4 o'clock.

Walmer, Kent - At about noon oniyth July, 1966., two small boats werereported apparently broken down nearGoodwin Fork buoy. A joint watch waskept on the craft by the honorary secretaryand coastguard. The boats were seen toanchor in a dangerous position over theGoodwin sands. There was a strongnorth-westerly wind with a moderate sea.It was two hours after high water. Thelife-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No.55) launched at 12.54. The coxswainexplained to the occupants of the twosmall boats the danger they would be in asthe tide continued to ebb. It was agreedthat the boats should be taken in tow by

the life-boat which brought both craftsafely to the shore. The life-boat arrivedback at her station at 3 o'clock.

Dover, Kent - At 1.47 p.m. on I2thJuly, 1966, the harbour control stationinformed the honorary secretary that anauxiliary motor yacht was dismasted andin difficulties about one mile and a halfsouth of the breakwater. Her engine hadbroken down. The life-boat SouthernAfrica left her moorings at 2.6 in a strongsouth-westerly wind and a rough sea. Itwas four and a half hours before highwater. A small oil tanker stood by theauxiliary sloop Kenfine, of Dover, until thelife-boat arrived. The life-boat towed theKenfine to a safe anchorage in Doverharbour, returning to her station at 3.30.

Margate, Kent - At 9.39 p.m. on nthJuly, 1966, a sick man on board the m.v.Lady Sheena, near the east Margate buoy,required medical assistance. At 9.51 afurther message requested that the life-boat take a doctor to the vessel. The life-boat Elizabeth Elson, on temporary dutyat the station, was launched at 10.5 withthe honorary medical adviser on board.There was a light southerly wind and asmooth sea. It was one hour before highwater. The life-boat went alongside theLady Sheena one mile north east ofMargate and the doctor went aboard. Thepatient was lowered to the life-boat on astretcher, under the supervision of thedoctor, and the life-boat returned toMargate. The sick man was landed andtaken to Margate hospital by the waitingambulance. The life-boat returned to herstation at 11.15.

Lowestoft, Suffolk - At i o'clock on3rd July, 1966, the liner Dunera reportedthat a 13 year old girl on board had acuteappendicitis and required immediatehospital treatment. The life-boat Frede-rick Edward Crick proceeded at 1.30.There was a light north-easterly wind anda slight sea. It was low water. The life-boat met the liner off the Gorton lightves-sel and the patient was transferred to thelife-boat together with a doctor. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.50.

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At 8 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, the yachtChianti, with three people on board, wasreported aground on the Newcombesands. At 8.25 the life-boat FrederickEdward Crick set out. It was low water,there was a light westerly breeze, and thesea was choppy. The yacht had, however,refloated and the life-boat towed her tothe harbour. The life-boat returned to hermoorings at 9 o'clock.

Sheringham, Norfolk - At 8.42 a.m.on ist July, 1966 a message was receivedthat the m.v. Pantarali, lying off theDudgeon lightvessel, had a sick crewmember on board who required medicalattention. An R.A.F. helicopter was lower-ing a doctor aboard but life-boat assistancewas requested. The life-boat The Man-chester Unity of Odd Fellows was launchedat 9.16 in a light variable south-westerlywind and a slight sea. At 9.47 the coast-guard informed the life-boat that the sickman had died. The helicopter could nottake the body ashore, so the life-boat wasrequested to convey the body ashoretogether with the widow and a youngcrew member who was acting as inter-preter for her. The widow was a Greekwithout any knowledge of English. Thelife-boat reached the Pantarali at 11.40and took off the body, the widow and theinterpreter. The coastguard had informedthe coxswain that the widow was notaware that her husband had died so it wasrequested that a doctor stand by to meetthe life-boat at Sheringham. He wentaboard as soon as the life-boat arrived andgave the widow a sedative. She and theseaman were taken to the boathouse whilethe body was landed. The life-boat wasback on station at 4.10 p.m.

IRISH DISTRICT

Galway Bay - At 9.15 p.m. on lothJuly, 1966, the life-boat was requested toconvey a seriously ill man to hospital onthe mainland. At 10 o'clock the life-boatMabel Marion Thompson was launched ina westerly breeze and smooth sea. It washigh water. The sick man was landed atRossaveel. Afterwards the life-boatreturned to her station at 1.30 a.m. on i ithJuly.

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At 11.30 p.m. on igth July, 1966, thehonorary secretary was told that a youngman had been taken ill and urgentlyneeded hospital treatment. The life-boatMabel Marion Thompson left her mooringsat 12.30 a.m. on 20th July with the patienton board. There was a gentle west-north-westerly wind and a smooth sea. The tidewas flooding. The patient was landed atRossaveal where an ambulance took himto hospital. The life-boat returned to herstation at 4.30.

At 8.30 p.m. on 3ist July, 1966, a mess-age was received that a man had fallenfrom the pier and had sustained severehead injuries. It was two hours beforelow water. The life-boat Mabel MarianThompson left her moorings at 9 o'clockand took the injured man to Galway.There was a smooth sea and an easterlybreeze. The life-boat returned to herstation at 5.30 a.m. on ist August.

Newcastle, Co. Down - At 12.10 p.m.on 13th July, 1966, news was received thata motor boat, which had been trying totake another in tow, had had to leave thecasualty apparently broken down anddrifting two miles south of Newcastle.The life-boat William and Laura waslaunched at 12.15 m a moderate westerlywind and a choppy sea. It was low water.When the life-boat reached the casualtyshe had got under way, so the life-boatescorted the boat back to harbour,returning to her station at 2.10 p.m.

Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin - At8.20 p.m. on 23rd July, 1966, a smallyacht appeared to be in difficulties inDublin bay. There was a fresh westerlybreeze with a choppy sea. The life-boatDunleary II proceeded at 8.35 on anebbing tide. She soon came up with asmall dinghy with three people on boardwhich was rapidly drifting seaward. Thedinghy was taken in tow to Dun Laog-haire, arriving at 10.15.

Donaghadee, Co. Down - At 4.30p.m. on 24th July, 1966, a small motorboat appeared in difficulties off Millisle.There was a strong northerly wind with a

very rough sea. The tide was ebbing.The life-boat Sir Samuel Kelly proceededat 5.5 and came up with the motor boatSarna at 5.25. The Sarna was escorted toDonaghadee, arriving at 5.45.

Portrush, Isle of Man - At 7.25 p.m.on 9th July, 1966, it was reported thattwo army assault craft with two people oneach craft were drifting off Magilliganpoint. There was a moderate westerly windwith a corresponding sea. The life-boatLady Scott (Civil Service No. 4) launchedat 7.30 on a flooding tide and soon cameup with the assault craft. The fouroccupants were taken on board the life-boat which returned to her station - at10.10 - with the two craft in tow.

Howth, Co. Dublin - At 10.35 P-m-on I4th July 1966, Baily lighthousewatchkeeper informed the honorary sec-retary that a yacht two miles eastwardappeared to have broken down and wasflashing a light. The life-boat A.M.T. lefther moorings at 11.10 in a gentle south-

westerly wind and a smooth sea. It was onehour after high water. She went alongsidethe yacht Blue Peter and secured a towline. The life-boat then towed her toHowth harbour, returning to her stationat 12.16 a.m. on i5th July.

Ballycotton, Co. Cork - At 12.50 a.m.on 20th July, 1966, a small dinghy, withfour youths aboard, was reported missing.At 1.50, following a message saying thatboat could not be found in the harbour,the life-boat Ethel Mary left her mooringsin a choppy sea and a moderate northerlybreeze. It was low water. The life-boatsearched and at 4 o'clock sighted thedinghy off Roberts Cove. Her occupantswere given medical attention by a visitingdoctor who had volunteered to accom-pany the life-boat. The youths werewrapped in blankets on board the life-boat, which, with the dinghy in tow,returned to her station at 7.30.

At 5 p.m. on 25th July, 1966, informa-tion was received that a boat had been

By courtesy of ] [Eastern Evening Nevis

When a child became sick aboard the educational cruise ship Dunera in July, 1966,she altered course to rendezvous with the Lowestoft life-boat three miles off the coast.

The service is reported on page 247.

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driven ashore at Ballycreenan Strand,three and a half miles north east ofBallycotton. A search was carried outalong the shore but without success. Thelife-boat Ethel Mary proceeded at 6.15 ina strong south-westerly wind and achoppy sea. It was one and a half hoursafter low water. The life-boat, towing herboarding boat, searched the north side ofthe bay as far as Knockadoon Head andthen received a message that the boat hadbeen driven into a cave. She returned toCentre Strand and found the boat withher owner in the cave. The life-boattowed the boat, with her owner stillaboard, back to Ballycotton, arriving at10 o'clock.

SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT

Life-boat 70-001 off The MumblesGlamorganshire - At 7.21 p.m. on2nd July, 1966, the coastguard informedthe coxswain that a man had been carriedthrough Inner Sound by the tide. Thelife-boat Charles H. Barrett (Civil ServiceNo. 35) launched her IRB at 7.22 in amoderate west-south-westerly wind and aslight sea. It was one hour after high water.The IRB went to Inner Sound and founda man, in an inflated rubber tyre, amongthe rocks on Middle Island. He wastaken aboard the IRB and landed onBracelet bay beach. The IRB returned tothe life-boat, arriving at 7.32.

St. Mary's Isles of Scilly - At 6.40p.m. on 3ist July, 1966, it was reportedthat a yacht near Bishop rock had a splitsail. At 6.58 the life-boat Guy and ClareHunter was launched. The sea was roughand it was one hour after high water.There was a gale force north-westerlywind. The life-boat escorted the yachtMoshulu to St. Mary's harbour, returningto her station at 9 o'clock.

Sennen Cove, Cornwall - At 5.35p.m. on 2ist July, 1966, two men werereported cut off by the tide in a cave nearLand's End. A dinghy was put aboard thelife-boat Susan Ashley which was launchedat 5.55 in a moderate to fresh north-easterly wind and a moderate sea. It was

250

two hours after low water. When the life-boat arrived at Land's End the coast-guards burned a flare to indicate theposition of the cave. The dinghy wasmanned and went in to the cliff. The twoyouths who were on a ledge were takeninto the dinghy and transferred to the life-boat. She returned to her station at 6.45.

At 8.37 p.m. on 30th July, 1966, it wasnoticed that a motor boat one mile north-north-west of Cape Cornwall had fired adistress rocket. The life-boat SusanAshley was launched at 8.45 in a strongnorth-westerly wind and a very roughsea. It was three and a half hours afterlow water. She proceeded to the motorlaunch Kathleen and took off one of hercrew. The life-boat then escorted thecasualty to St. Ives bay, where the St.Ives IRB met them and saw the Kathleento a safe anchorage while the life-boatreturned to her station. The IRB took thecasualty's crew ashore where a car waswaiting to take them to their homes. Thelife-boat arrived back at Sennen Cove at3.30 a.m.

Penlee, Cornwall - At 7 p.m. on 5thJuly, 1966, news was received that therewas a sick man on board the Liberiantanker Alnair of Monrovia, which wassome distance out. The life-boat SolomonBrowne was launched at 4.25 a.m. on 6thJuly in a moderate north-westerly windand a slight sea. It was two hours afterlow water. She proceeded to Newlynwhere a doctor and two ambulance menwere embarked, and then sailed to herrendezvous with the tanker. The life-boat came alongside the tanker, five milessouth of Penzance, at 5.35. The patientwas taken on board and landed at Newlynat 7 o'clock. The life-boat arrived back onstation at 8.15.

Ilfracombe, Devon - On 30th July,1966, the life-boat Lloyd's II was afloatat Combe Martin in connection with thelocal life-boat flag day. After she leftCombe Martin Bay at 8.30 p.m. thepleasure steamer Cardiff Queen was seenabout one mile north of the Copras,making for Ilfracombe. About 10 minuteslater the coxswain noticed that the steamer

had stopped. There was a fresh northwesterly wind gusting to gale force, anda rough sea. It was three and a half hoursafter high water. The life-boat proceededto the Cardiff Queen and found that thesteamer had anchored because of anengine defect. At the request of thesteamer's master the life-boat stood byand later proceeded to Ilfracombe toadvise the agent of the steamer's position.The life-boat then returned to thecasualty and stood by for a further twohours, subsequently escorting her toIlfracombe. The life-boat arrived back onstation at n o'clock.

NORTH-WEST DISTRICT

Rhyl, Flintshire, and New Brighton,Cheshire - At 10.15 p.m. on i5th July,1966, news was received that the m.f.v.Lily had been towed from about 11 mileswest of the Bar lightvessel by the Barpilot boat and handed over to the Merseypilot cutter Puffin at the Bar. The masterof the pilot boat on station at the Barrequested that the New Brighton life-boat take over the tow as the station wasextremely busy. The life-boat Norman B.Corlett left her moorings at 10.15 in astrong north-westerly wind and a choppysea. It was high water. She met the Puffinat Crosby Buoy at 11.40 and took over thetowing of the m.f.v. Lily to Birkenhead.After completing this service the life-boat returned to her station at 1.50 a.m.On 16th July Rhyl life-boat also launched,but was recalled when the Bar pilot boatreached the casualty.

Rhyl, Flintshire - At 6.38 p.m. on19th July, 1966, the honorary secretary ofthe ladies' life-boat guild reported that ared flare had been fired from a fishing boathalf a mile to seaward of the boathouse.The life-boat Lucy Lavers, on temporaryduty at the station, was launched at 7.5 ina gentle north-north-westerly wind and asmooth sea. It was low water. She wentalongside the m.f.v. Seawitch and took offa sick man, together with nine otherpassengers who asked to be taken ashore.All were landed on the beach. The patientwas taken to hospital and was later dis-

charged. The life-boat returned to herstation at 7.45.

Holyhead, Anglesey - At 12.20 p.m.on i6th July, 1966, a motor boat appearedto be in difficulties off West Mouse andher occupants were seen waving anorange flag. There was a strong northerlybreeze with a rough sea. The tide wasebbing. The life-boat St. Cybi (CivilService No. 9) launched nine minuteslater and at 12.38 reported sighting asmoke float about half a mile west ofCarmel Head. At 12.53 a helicopterrescued three people from the motor boatwhich had run out of petrol and haddrifted to within fifteen yards of the cliffface. The life-boat took the motor boat intow to Holyhead, arriving at 2.30.

Portpatrick, Wigtownshire - At12.55 P-m- on Jyth Julys 1966, the m.f.v.King Fergus was reported to have hadengine failure north of Killintringanlighthouse. The life-boat The Jeanie lefther moorings at 1.6 in a gentle north-north-westerly wind and a slight sea. Itwas one and a half hours after high water.She reached the casualty at 1.20 andtowed her to Portpatrick. The life-boatreturned to her station at 1.55.

New Brighton, Cheshire - At 9.55p.m. on 2nd July, 1966, two dinghies werestranded off Guinea Gap. The life-boatNorman B. Corlett was launched at 10.10in a light west-south-westerly wind and asmooth sea. It was rour hours after lewwater. She found the craft afloat withengine failure. There were seven people inthe two boats. The life-boat towed bothcraft back to Garston dock, and returnedto her station at 12.55 a-m- on 3rd July.

At 2.30 p.m. on 8th July, 1966, twovessels were said to have collided inCrosby channel. The life-boat Norman B.Corlett left her moorings at 2.50 in a gentlenorth-westerly wind and a slight sea. Sheproceeded to the position given andarrived alongside the s.s. Bannercliffe at3.35. The other vessel involved, them.v. Manchester Engineer, had proceededup river toward Manchester. The life-

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By courtesy of] [Daily Mirror

Life-boats made an extensive search for survivors from the motor cruiser Dor/winwhich disappeared with little trace off the south west coast in July, 1966. Here theFalmouth life-boat is shown returning with flag at half-mast, with the first bodies.Thirty-one people were lost in the disaster. See page 267.

boat stood by the s.s. Bannercliffe until4 o'clock when the salvage vessel Salvorarrived. As her services were no longerrequired the life-boat returned to herstation, arriving at 5.50.

Barmouth, Merionethshire - At7.21 p.m. on 8th July, 1966, a fishing boatwas seen firing distress flares two miles offLlangelynin point. The life-boat TheChieftain was launched at 7.34 in a gentlewesterly wind and a moderate sea. Shefound the m.f.v. Violet Sinclair sevenmiles south-west of Barmouth. Herengine had broken down. A bather hadswum out to inform the casualty that thelife-boat had launched. He was in anexhausted condition and the life-boatreturned him to the shore. She thenreturned to the casualty and towed her tothe harbour. The life-boat arrived backon station at 10.30.

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SCOTTISH DISTRICT

Life-boat 70-002, Lerwick, Shet-lands - At 12.9 p.m. on loth July, 1966,a local visitor informed the coxswain thatthere was a dinghy apparently in diffi-culties off the harbour. Using his bino-culars the coxswain saw that the dinghywas dismasted. The life-boat GracePaterson Ritchie launched her small IRBat 12.11 in a gentle south by easterly windand a slight sea. It was four and a halfhours before high water. The IRB towedthe dinghy with her two occupants backto their slipway at Lerwick. She returnedto the life-boat at 12.30.

Montrose, Angus - At 6.50 a.m. on27th July, 1966, the m.f.v. Stormdrift IIof Montrose was reported immobilizedwith fouled propellers five miles south-east of Scurdyness. The life-boat The

Good Hope was launched at 7.19 in a lightwesterly wind and a calm sea. It was oneand a half hours after low water. Sheproceeded to the position given and foundthe casualty with a crew of four aboard.The life-boat towed the fishing vessel toMontrose, returning to her station at 9o'clock.

At 4.45 p.m. on 7th July, 1966, a radiomessage was picked up that the m.f.v.Angus Rose had run out of fuel 13 mileseast-south-east of Scurdyness. The life-boat The Good Hope was launched at 5o'clock with a supply of fuel on board.There was a light wind and a calm sea. Itwas one and a half hours before highwater. She found the fishing vessel in theposition given and transferred the fuel.The casualty's engine could not bestarted so the life-boat towed her toMontrose, arriving back on station at9.38.

Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire - At12.10 p.m. on 2ist July, 1966, a vessel offBroadsea was seen firing rockets andappeared to be on fire. The life-boat TheDuchess of Kent was launched at 12.20 ina gentle north-westerly wind and a choppysea. It was two and a half hours after lowwater. She reached the f.v. Harvester IIand found that her electrical equipmenthad been on fire and her engine hadstopped. The life-boat took the fishingvessel in tow and returned to Fraser-burgh. She arrived back on station at 1.20.

At 6.35 p.m. on 30th July, 1966, thecoastguard informed the honorary sec-retary that the Icelandic vessel Magnus IVhad engine trouble and required a tow.The life-boat The Duchess of Kent waslaunched at 6.56 in a fresh north-westerlywind and a moderate sea. It was low water.When the life-boat arrived at 7.55 atrawler was already taking the casualty intow. The life-boat stood by until 8.23,then returned to her station, arriving at9.30.

Barra Island, Outer Hebrides - At9.20 p.m. on 30th July, 1966, the localdoctor reported that a sick man on Rhu,Castlebay, required hospital treatment.

The life-boat R. A. Colby Cubbin No. 3was launched at 9.45 in a moderate tofresh south-westerly wind and a com-parable sea. The tide was flooding. Sheconveyed the patient from Rhu, Castle-bay, to South Uist, and returned to herstation at 5 o'clock.

Aith, Shetlands - At 12.45 a.m. on 3rdJuly, 1966, the medical authorities reques-ted the assistance of the life-boat to take adoctor and nurse to Foula Island wheresomeone was seriously ill. The life-boatJohn and Frances Macfarlane was launchedat 2.5. There was a moderate south-westerly wind and a heavy swell. It wasthree and a half hours after high water.The life-boat reached Foula and landedthe doctor and nurse at 5.30 after en-countering some difficulty in reaching thesmall pier, due to the low state of the tide.The doctor returned to the life-boat at7.5. She sailed immediately and arrivedback on station at 10.45.

Stornoway, Outer Hebrides, andLife-boat 70-002 - At 5.20 a.m. on15th July, 1966, a vessel was reportedashore at Renish point off Rodel. Thelife-boat The James and Margaret Boydleft her moorings at 5.50 in a moderatevariable wind and a slight sea. It was fivehours after low water. She reached thes.s. Stassa, of Panama, at 10 o'clock andstood by. As the tide flooded the life-boat edged alongside the vessel andsubsequently towed her off the rocks. TheStassa was anchored in Rodel Bay withthe help of the m.v. Isle of Lewis. TheJames and Margaret Boyd continued tostand by until relieved by the life-boat70-002 Grace Patterson Ritchie. The Jamesand Margaret Boyd returned to Storno-way, arriving at 12.15 a-m- °n J6thJuly. The Grace Patterson Ritchie arrivedalongside the Stassa at 11.15 P-m- TheStassa was taking water rapidly andthe life-boat 70-002 started pumping thevessel out with her salvage pump. Thepumping continued through the nightand the next day. At midnight on i7thJuly the tug Crusader from Glasgowarrived, and at 3.50 a.m. the life-boatrecovered her salvage hose and stood bywhile the tug took the Stassa in tow. At

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6 o'clock the Stassa was again anchoredand the tug departed as the casualty wasconsidered unfit to tow. The life-boat con-tinued to stand by, but further pumpingtended to induce a dangerous list, so itwas discontinued. The Stassa settledfurther and was soon awash. At 2 p.m.an IRB from the life-boat helped threecrew members of the Stassa to reachshore in one of the ship's life-boatswhich had become waterlogged. At 11.15the master requested that the life-boatland him and his remaining crew of four.This was accomplished and at 11.59 onthe iyth July the Grace Patterson Ritchielife-boat continued on passage to Mallaigafter being on service for almost 56 hours.The casualty continued to settle and listand by noon the base of her funnel was inthe water.

NORTH-EAST DISTRICT

Seaham, Co. Durham - At 8.1 p.m.on 26th July, 1966, a yacht about one mileoffshore, to the north of Seaham, wasseen to be making heavy weather. TheSunderland IRB was requested to inves-tigate. As the yacht was closing shore fastit was decided to launch the Seaham life-boat. The life-boat The Will and FannyKirby was launched at 8.35 in a moderatenorth-easterly wind and correspondingsea. The tide was flooding. She reached theyacht Sirius, which was very close to therocky shore, and took her in tow toSeaham. The life-boat returned to herstation at 10 o'clock.

Tynemouth, Northumberland - At12.45 P-m- on J4tn July, 1966, news wasreceived, that the Dutch trawler Noorder-kroon, of Scheveningen, had a mine onboard. H.M.S. Belton had put ratingsaboard to secure the mine. The honorarysecretary agreed that the life-boat couldbe used to put the bomb and mine dis-posal party from Rosyth aboard thetrawler. The life-boat Tynesider waslaunched at 3 o'clock in a moderate north-easterly wind and a slight swell. It wasthree hours after high water. The life-boat found the trawler six miles off theharbour and escorted her to a position

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three miles off the Tyne. The bomb andmine disposal party were embarked atNorth Shields and put aboard the traw-ler. The master asked the coxswain totake off 11 men, leaving two of the crew,the mine party and two TV cameramenon board. The mine was exploded under-water at 9.56. The life-boat then wentalongside the trawler and took off themine party, together with the TVcameramen. The trawler crew were putback aboard their vessel which returnedto the fishing grounds. The life-boat metthe cameramen's small charter boatabout two miles from North Shields, andtook her in tow to North Shields fishquay. The Tynesider returned to herstation at 11.30.

At 4.20 p.m. on 2nd July, 1966, thecoastguard informed the honorary secre-tary that the Dutch trawler Pollux had amine on board. She was making for theTyne and a R.N. bomb and mine disposalparty were on their way from Rosyth.The life-boat Tynesider was launched at10.5 in a moderate north north westerlywind and a slight sea. It was low water.The officer in charge asked the coxswainto put his men aboard the Pollux, take offall her crew, and cruise at a safe distanceuntil the mine was made safe. The life-boat stood off until the detonator had beenremoved and then escorted the trawlerinto North Shields where her crewassisted in off-loading the mine. The life-boat escorted the Pollux down river to thesea, and returned to her station at Io'clock next morning.

North Sunderland, Northumber-land - At 7.56 a.m. on 28th July, 1966,the IRB seemed to have broken down on aservice call to the tanker Ross Cleveland.The life-boat Grace Darling was launchedat 8 o'clock in a light west-south-westerlywind and a moderate sea. The tide wasflooding. The life-boat proceeded to theIRB and took her in tow, arriving back ather station at 8.30.

Bridlington, Yorkshire-At 7.57 p.m.on 28th July, 1966 a man was reportedoverdue from a fishing trip in a smalldinghy.. There was a moderate south

westerly wind with a corresponding sea.It was one hour before low water. Thelife-boat Tillie Morrison, Sheffield IIlaunched at 8.16 shortly after the inshorerescue boat. At 8.45 the IRB crew sawflares from a helicopter, which was alsosearching, and on proceeding in thedirection indicated came up with themissing dinghy. The helicopter hadrescued the man. The IRB beached thedinghy and then fired a flare to indicateto the life-boat that the casualty had beenlocated. At 9.46 the IRB was secured tothe life-boat which returned to harbour,arriving at 11.45.

Whitby, Yorkshire - At 10.58 a.m. on2ist July, 1966, a small boat three milesnorth east of Whitby buoy was requestingassistance. At 11.10 the life-boat MaryAnn Hepworth was launched in a strongnortherly wind and a rough sea. It wasfour hours after high water, and verysqually. The casualty proved to be thePanamanian motor vessel Taurus. A tugwas summoned from Tees, and the life-boat stood by until the tug took thecasualty in tow. The life-boat returnedto her station at 3.45 p.m.

The following life-boats were also called outin July:

Aberdeen - 23rd.Aldeburgh, Suffolk - I2th and iyth.Angle, Pembrokeshire - 3151.Appledore, Devon - i8th and 22nd.Barrow, Lancashire - 24th.Bembridge, Isle of Wight - i6th.Bridlington, Yorkshire - 20th and

28th.Caister, Norfolk - 20th and 24th.Campbeltown, Argyllshire - 28th.Clacton-on-Sea, Essex - 22nd

(twice), 24th and 28th.Criccieth, Caernarvonshire - i6th.Cromer, Norfolk - I2th.Donaghadee, Co. Down - I3th and

20th.Dover, Kent - 23rd.Dungeness, Kent-9th, igth and 28th.Dunmore East, Co. Waterford -

30th.Exmouth, Devon - 28th.Falmouth, Cornwall - iyth and 3ist.Fishguard, Pembrokeshire - 26th.

Flamborough, Yorkshire - 24th.Fleetwood, Lancashire - loth.Hastings, Sussex - igth and 28th

(twice).Holyhead, Anglesey - I5th.Humber, Yorkshire - nth.Ilfracombe, Devon - I2th.Islay, Hebrides - iyth.Kirkcudbright - 2ist.Llandudno, Caernarvonshire - igth

and 29th.Margate, Kent - iyth.Minehead, Somerset - roth.Newhaven, Sussex - 3151.New Quay, Cardiganshire - 23rd.Penlee, Cornwall - iyth and 30th.Plymouth, Devon - iyth.Portrush, Co. Antrim - 9th, igth

and 22nd.Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire - 29th.Ramsgate, Kent - 4th.Rhyl, Flintshire - i8th.St. Abbs, Berwickshire - iyth.St. Davids, Pembrokeshire - 2Oth

and 2ist.St. Helier, Jersey - I4th.St. Peter Port, Guernsey - ist and

24th.Salcombe, Devon - nth and zyth.Selsey, Sussex - 2ist and 24th.Southend-on-Sea, Essex - 24th.Swanage, Dorset - 30th.Tenby, Pembrokeshire - 3rd and

3ist.Troon, Ayrshire - 24th.Tynemouth, Northumberland -

22nd.Walmer, Kent - 28th.Weymouth, Dorset - 25th.Whitehills, Banffshire - iyth.Wicklow - iyth.Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - I2th and

30th.Life-Boat 70-001 - zoth, i8th and

26th.

IRB LAUNCHESIRISH DISTRICT

Rescues by IRB's in July were carriedout by the following stations:

Tramore, Co. Waterford - At3 p.m. on 2ist July, 1966, some batherstold the crew of the IRB which was on a

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training exercise that a boy wearing a life-belt was being blown out to sea. He couldnot swim. The IRB went to the boy'shelp in a moderate to fresh north-easterlywind and a corresponding sea. When shereached the boy he was half a mile off-shore. The boy was taken aboard the IRBwhich then went to a beach guard who wasendeavouring to assist in the rescue. Hetoo was taken aboard and the IRB returnedto her station, arriving at 3.5.

NORTH-WEST DISTRICT

Largs, Ayrshire - At 9.15 a.m. on26th July, 1966, a motor boat was repor-ted in difficulties one mile off Keppelpier. The IRB was launched at 9.30 in amoderate east south easterly wind and acorresponding sea. The tide was ebbing.The IRB reached the casualty, which wasdrifting seawards, took her in tow to Mill-port, and returned to her station at no'clock.

At 4 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, a dinghywas reported to have capsized about 200yards off shore. At 4.15 the IRB waslaunched in a fresh north westerly wind.Her crew righted the dinghy and the IRBtowed the boat to the pier, returning toher station at 5 o'clock.

Blackpool, Lancashire - On 3istJuly, 1966, a small boat was reported indifficulties off Gym Square. At 12.45p.m. the IRB was launched in a southwesterly wind and a choppy sea. It wastwo hours after high water. On reachingthe casualty - a small rowing boat - it wasfound that the two boys could not restarttheir outboard motor. The two boys weretaken aboard the IRB and their boat wastowed ashore. The IRB returned to herstation at 1.45.

Moelfre, Anglesey - At i p.m. on20th July, 1966, information was receivedthat a small boat and a canoe had capsizednear St. David's bay. The IRB waslaunched at 1.5 in a fresh gusting tostrong south westerly breeze and roughsea. The tide was ebbing. On arrival atthe scene the IRB crew saw a helicopter

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from R.A.F. Valley taking off the occup-ants of the two boats and landing them onthe beach. The canoe was taken in tow tothe beach by the IRB. She then returnedto her station at 2.55.

SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT

Southend-on-Sea, Essex - At 11.41a.m. on iyth July, 1966, a small boat withtwo youths on board appeared to be indifficulties one mile west of the pierhead.The IRB, which was already afloat, wentimmediately to the casualty in a moderatenortherly wind and a moderate sea. It wasfive hours after low water. She reachedher at 11.47 and to°k off the two youths.The IRB then towed the casualty to theThorpe bay patrol boat and handed bothboat and youths over to her. The IRBthen raced to a yacht which was beingsteered with an oar, half a mile west of thepier. She escorted the yacht to shallowwater where repairs could be made to herrudder. After the IRB had attended to theyacht the coastguard advised her crew thatanother yacht had capsized three quartersof a mile east of the pier. The IRB againresponded and assisted the crew to rightthe yacht. The IRB returned to her sta-tion, arriving at 12.35 p.m.

At 3.15 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, it wasseen that a small boat two miles west ofSouthend pierhead did not appear to bemaking progress. The IRB launched at3.20 in a moderate south westerly windand a smooth sea. It was three hours afterhigh water. She reached the casualty, asmall boat whose engine had failed, andtook off the three occupants. The IRBsecured a towline to the casualty andtowed her to Southend pier where thethree youths were landed. The IRBreturned to her station at 4.21.

At 3.30 p.m. on 9th July, 1966, theIRB was patrolling slowly west of thepier. The yacht Golden Storm wasmanoeuvring to a buoy mooring when anexplosion occurred, followed by fire. TheIRB went alongside and passed a fireextinguisher to the yacht's crew. While thefire was being fought the IRB radioed formore fire extinguishers from the pier and

towed the yacht to a mooring buoy andmoored her securely. She then landed theperson in charge of the yacht at the pier.The IRB then went at full speed to ayacht which had capsized near the no. 2sea reach buoy. She stood by while theyacht Mouette was righted and towed herclear of the coaster. The yacht was water-logged and had no rudder, so the IRBradioed for the motor boat Thameserverwhich towed the yacht to Thorpe bay.While the yacht was being handed over alarge 15-foot clinker built motor boat wasseen half a mile to the west with three mentrying to paddle it inshore. The IRB wentto the casualty, as it was 10 minutes afterhigh water, and towed her slowly to herThorpe bay mooring. The IRB returnedto her station at 6.25.

Walmer, Kent - At 3.40 p.m. on30th July, 1966, the IRB crew at the boat-house noticed that several catamarans andsailing dinghies competing in a regatta offWalmer had capsized in a sudden squall.Most of them were righted, but onedinghy out beyond the Deal bank buoyremained capsized, and her crew were indifficulties in the water. The IRB launchedin a fresh northerly wind. It was almostlow water. She righted the dinghy, tookone of the crew aboard, and towed thecasualty to the beach. The wind was stillgusty so the IRB remained afloat until allthe boats were safely ashore. The IRBreturned to her station at 5.30.

Whitstable, Kent - At 5.23 p.m. on24th July, 1966, it was reported that twogirls were in a sailing dinghy which hadcapsized half a mile east of the station.The IRB was launched at 5.27 in a steepbreaking sea and a strong south westerlywind gusting to gale force. It was half anhour before high water. She reached thecasualty and took the two girls aboard.The Tankerton Bay sailing club rescueboat arrived at the same time as the IRBand a helicopter from Mansion followed afew minutes later. The IRB returned toWhitstable harbour, landed the two girls,and arrived back on station at 5.55.

At 3 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, theWhitstable yacht club reported that a

yacht, with six people aboard, hadcapsized off the east coast of the Isle ofSheppey. The IRB \vas launched at 3.5in a strong south westerly wind gusting togale force and a steep breaking sea. It wasthree hours before high water. Sheand the yacht club's rescue boat went tothe casualty. As it was impossible to rightthe capsized yacht and the occupants hadspent three-quarters of an hour in thewater, the IRB took two of the survivorsto the harbour and the yacht club rescueboat took the remaining four people. TheIRB returned to her station at 4.15.Three of the survivors were taken tohospital.

At 6.10 p.m. on 3151 July, 1966, a smallsailing cruiser, which had capsized in asquall, was reported to be sinking oneand a half miles north east of the station.At 6.25 the IRB was launched in a moder-ate sea and a south westerly wind. It waslow water. The IRB picked up the twooccupants, brought them ashore, and re-turned to her station at 7.15.

West Mersea, Essex - At about 11.5a.m. on 7th July, 1966, news was receivedthat a speedboat had capsized one milenorth of the station. The IRB waslaunched at n.8 in fine weather. It waslow water. The five-man crew of thespeedboat were rescued by the IRB andput ashore at Strood road. The IRBreturned to her station at 12.5.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT

Eastney, Hampshire - At 3.50 p.m.on 3oth July, 1966, a member of the IRBcrew noticed that a sailing dinghy hadcapsized. The IRB was launched at 3.53in a strong westerly wind and a choppysea. It was half an hour before low water.She went to the casualty, helped to righther, and stood by. At 4.5 another sailingdinghy capsized and was dismasted. TheIRB attended this boat and when she hadbeen righted towed her to the Lockssailing club. The IRB returned to herstation at 4.30.

At 3.35 p.m. on i7th July, 1966, it wasreported that a cabin cruiser had brokendown 400 yards south of Frazor Battery,

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and a boy had rowed ashore in a pramdinghy to say that his father was still onboard. The IRB was launched at 3.36 in astrong south-westerly wind, gusting togale force, and a very choppy sea. Thetide was at half ebb. She reached thecasualty at 3.37 and towed her to theEastney ferry pontoon. When the cabincruiser was securely moored the IRBreturned to her station, arriving at 4.36.

Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent - At 3.30p.m. on loth July, 1966, a member of thepublic reported that an airbed was drift-ing out to sea and someone had been seenclinging to it. The IRB was launched at3.32 in a moderate to fresh south westerlywind and a choppy sea. It was one and ahalf hours before high water. She foundthe airbed but there was nobody onboard it. The IRB searched the area for anhour without success and then madeinquiries on the beach to ensure thatnobody was missing. On her way back toher station a capsized sailing dinghy wassighted. The IRB went to investigate andfound a man in difficulties in the water.One of the crewmen went overboard toassist and the man was taken aboard theIRB. She landed him on the shore andthen went back to the dinghy. A line wasmade fast and the dinghy towed ashore.The IRB returned to her station at 5o'clock.

At 4.30 p.m. on iyth July, 1966, asailing dinghy with a crew of two cap-sized three times in succession and hercrew appeared to be having difficulty inrighting her. The second member of hercrew could not be seen after the yacht hadcapsized for the fourth time. The IRB waslaunched at 4.46 in a gentle west-north-westerly wind and a choppy sea. It wasfive and a half hours after high water. Oneof the dinghy's crew was rescued by theIRB and the boat was righted. An IRBcrew member was put aboard to assist theowner, who refused to leave the casualty.They bailed the dinghy out and reachedthe shore in safety. The IRB returned toher station at 5.20.

Mudeford, Hampshire - At 6.25p.m. on 3ist July, 1966, a crew member

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informed the coastguard that a catamaranwith women and children aboard hadgone ashore on one of the spits off Avabeach. The IRB was launched at 6.30 in astrong south westerly wind and a mod-erate sea. It was two hours after lowwater. She took off the women and chil-dren and landed them on the quay. TheIRB, together with a local motor boat,proceeded to the casualty and afterrefloating her towed the catamaran intoharbour. The IRB returned to herstation at 7.20.

SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT

Porthcawl, Glamorganshire - At4.37 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, informationwas received that a canoe had capsizedat Newton Point, throwing the crew ofthree into the water. The IRB waslaunched at 4.41 in a fresh gusting to galeforce north westerly wind and moderatesea. The tide was ebbing. On arrival atNewton Point the IRB crew saw aspeedboat had already started picking upthe people in the water. The IRB rescueda 12 year old boy, who was taken ashore tothe life-guard hut where he was treatedfor cold and exhaustion. The canoe wasthen towed in by the IRB, and shereturned to her station at 5.45.

St. Ives, Cornwall - At 4.58 p.m. onloth July, 1966, it was reported that asmall boat with four people on board wasbeing rowed towards St. Ives by one pairof paddles, and the weather was deteri-orating rapidly. The IRB was launched at5.2 in a moderate gusting wind and arough sea. The tide was flooding. Shefound the casualty two and a half mileseast by north from St. Ives Head, makingno headway, shipping water and a in verybad position. The occupants were takenaboard the IRB which towed the boatback to St. Ives, arriving at station at5-47-

At 2.55 p.m. on 28th July, 1966, afisherman informed the life-boat cox-swain that a small boat appeared to be indifficulties in the broken water near theSound of Godrevy at the north eastern

extremity of St. Ives bay. The IRB waslaunched at three o'clock in a strongwest north westerly wind gusting to galeforce and a moderate sea. It was one hourafter high water. She found the motorskiff Sea Mist which had broken down.The IRB towed the Sea Mist to a safeanchorage in the area and went to investi-gate another small boat which had beensighted. This craft was not in trouble sothe IRB returned to the Sea Mist, tookoff two of the occupants, and towed herback to St. Ives harbour.

Porthcawl, Glamorganshire - At4.15 p.m. on I4th July, 1966, news wasreceived that three canoes were in diffi-culties about 400 yards off the Blackrocks. The IRB was launched in a gentlenorth westerly wind and a smooth sea.It was high water. She reached the canoesand took two boys and their instructoraboard. The IRB towed the canoes backto her station, arriving at 5 o'clock.

Newquay, Cornwall - At 2.4 p.m.on 13th July, 1966, the fire station toldthe honorary secretary that some peoplewere cut off by the tide at Ttevelgue. TheIRB was launched at 2.8 and set coursefor Trevelgue in a moderate northwesterly wind and a moderate swell. Itwas half an hour before high water. TheIRB took five people aboard from thefoot of the cliff and landed them atthe harbour. She returned to her stationat 2.35.

Port Talbot, Glamorganshire - At5.35 p.m. on iyth July, 1966, the crew ofthe IRB station noticed that a smallyacht with two occupants about two and aquarter miles south south west of thestation was making no progress against ahead wind. The IRB was launched at 5.40in a moderate north north westerly windand a choppy sea. It was high water. Sheproceeded towards the position but, beforereaching the yacht, the yacht capsizedtwice. The casualty's rudder had shearedoff and the boat had become unmanage-able. The IRB took her in tow. Shejreached her station at 6.40.

Rude, Cornwall - At 4.17 p.m. on2 ist July, 1966, a bather was reported indifficulties at Sandy Mouth. The IRBwas launched at 4.23 in a moderate gust-ing to fresh north easterly breeze andmoderate sea. It was low water. The IRBproceeded together with a helicopter fromChivenor and the Bude Surf L.S.A. team.The helicopter winchman tried to recoverthe casualty but due to the surf and depthof water he was unable to do so. The IRBcrew were unable to see the casualty andso returned ashore to obtain more informa-tion. Two members of the Bude SurfL.S.A. team were embarked and the IRBreturned to the scene of the casualty whichhad been indicated to them by the heli-copter's winch hook. The two members ofthe Surf L.S.A. team immediately jumpedoverboard from the IRB and recoveredthe bather who was then pulled on boardand artificial respiration applied. TheIRB returned to the shore where a doctorand ambulance were waiting to take overresuscitation but without success.

SCOTTISH DISTRICT

Helensburgh, Dumbartonshire -At 4.30 p.m. on 2yth July, 1966, thepolice reported that a bather was swim-ming out to sea, possibly into danger. At4.35 the IRB was launched in a moderatenorth westerly wind, and into a swellwhich was rising off shore. It was highwater. The bather was picked up andreturned to the shore.

See page 279 for other IRB launches.

AUGUSTSOUTH-EAST DISTRICT

Skegness, Lincolnshire - At 1.17p.m. on I4th August, 1966, a small motorboat was reported to have broken down aquarter of a mile east of Chapel point. At1.30 the IRB was launched in a heavyswell and a fresh westerly wind. It wasone hour and a quarter before low water.The IRB, after an extensive search, foundthe casualty and took her in tow. Owingto the heavy swell and surf breaking onthe beach the life-boat Charles FredGrantham was launched at 4.10 to take

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over the tow. The IRB returned to herstation at 6.40. The life-boat took thethree survivors on board and towed theboat to the river Haven at Gibralter point,returning to her station at 7 o'clock.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex - At 10.8p.m. on 3151 August, 1966, two cabincruisers were reported aground at SouthShoebury. At 10.28 the life-boat GreaterLondon II (Civil Service No. 30) waslaunched in a moderate south westerlybreeze and a slight sea. It was two hoursafter low water. The two casualties, Apexand Gloria J., had been refloated by aPort of London Authority launch. Theboats were towed by the life-boat toSouthend where their three occupantswere landed. The life-boat returned toher station at 11.50.

Lowestoft, Suffolk - At 5.50 p.m. on9th August, 1966, distress flares were seencoming from the auxiliary yacht Fargo offthe West Holm buoy. At 6.3 the life-boatFrederick Edward Crick proceeded in awesterly gale and a rough sea. The tidewas ebbing strongly. The casualty, whichhad a blocked fuel pump and could notmake harbour under sail, was towed intoLowestoft by the life-boat. The yacht hadthree people on board. The life-boatreturned to her moorings at 7.26.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston,Norfolk - At 10.20 p.m. on 3151 August,1966, a doctor was urgently requiredaboard the m.v. Hudson Strait, makingfor Yarmouth Roads. There was a lightnorth west by westerly breeze with aslight sea. At n.8, as soon as the doctorwas available, the life-boat Louise Stephenswas launched and took him to the casualty.The doctor decided that the patient re-quired hospital treatment. He was trans-ferred to the life-boat, which took him toa waiting ambulance at the life-boatstation, arriving at 12.6 a.m. on 1stSeptember.

Walton and Frinton, Essex - At 3.10p.m. on gth August, 1966, a small yachtwas reported to have capsized betweenthe lookout and Walton pier. The life-boat Edian Courtauld left her moorings at

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3.24 in a moderate to fresh south westerlywind and a rough sea. It was four hoursafter low water. She proceeded to theyacht and took off the two occupants.The casualty was then towed towards theAlbion beach. A little way off shore thelife-boat handed over the yacht to the crewof a dinghy who had rowed out. Thedinghy's crew landed the yacht and hauledher up the beach. The life-boat, mean-while, had landed the survivors and re-turned to her station, arriving at 4.30.

At 5.34 p.m. on 29th August, 1966, itwas reported that a fishing boat, one mileoff shore, had burned an orange smokesignal. The life-boat Edian Courtauld lefther moorings at 5.50 and proceeded in aneast north easterly breeze and a choppysea. It was nearly low water. The life-boattowed the m.f.v. Nil Desperandum, whoseengine had failed, to the Walton river andreturned to her moorings at 8.22.

At 2 p.m. on 5th August, 1966, thecoastguard informed the honorary sec-retary that four youths in a hired rowingdinghy were missing. At 2.37 the life-boatEdian Courtauld left her moorings in afresh west north westerly breeze and arough sea. It was five hours after lowwater. The life-boat intercepted a messagebetween the tender Offshore I and NorthForeland radio stating that the fouryouths, who had rowed out to the privatetransmitting station Radio London, wereon board the tender. The life-boat metthe Offshore I and took the four boys onboard. She returned to her station, ar-riving at 3.37.

At 4.24 p.m. on I2th August, 1966, ayacht was reported to have capsized abouta mile and a half off Frinton-on-Sea. Therewas a moderate south westerly breeze witha corresponding sea. It was two hours afterlow water. The life-boat Edian Courtauldlaunched 10 minutes later and proceededto the position given. She found thesailing dinghy Lady B. capsized with oneof her crew sitting astride the boat. Theother two members of the crew had beenrescued by a motor boat. The man wastaken on board the life-boat which, with

the dinghy in tow, returned to her station,arriving at 5.35.

At 1.18 p.m. on 28th August, 1966, ayacht was reported aground on the Sunksands near the Great Sunk beacon. Therewas a fresh easterly breeze with a rough sea.It was two hours after high water. The life-boat Edian Courtauld proceeded at 1.35 tothe position (it was later amended to theLittle Sunk beacon) and found theAmerican yacht China Bird hard aground.There were five people on board. A towrope was connected and at 10.9, when thetide had flooded sufficiently, the ChinaBird was refloated. The yacht was towedby the life-boat to Harwich harbourwhere she was moored. The life-boatreturned to her station, arriving at 4.45a.m. on 29th August.

Margate, Kent - At 5.37 p.m. on i3thAugust, 1966, a small yacht was reportedaground about five miles north west ofMargate and her crew were flashing alight. The life-boat Elizabeth Elson, ontemporary duty at the station, waslaunched at 5.55 in a strong to gale forcesouth westerly wind and a very rough sea.It was one hour after low water. Shereached the yacht Ann of Whitstable at6.30. The yacht, however, had refloatedbut was making little headway. The life-boat escorted her until she was clear of thesands. The yacht then proceeded toWhitstable and the life-boat returned toher station, arriving at 8.15.

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crew swam 20 yards to her and secured aline. Soon after i o'clock the cabincruiser refloated on the rising tide. Bothher propellers were fouled by ropes. Thelife-boat towed the cabin cruiser toMargate, and returned to her station at6 o'clock.

At 11.13 a.m. on 9th August, 1966,a yacht was seen firing distress signalsin the vicinity of the Tongue sands. Thelife-boat Elizabeth Elson, on temporaryduty at the station, was launched at 11.20in a strong south south westerly windand a moderate sea. It was almost lowwater. Just before she reached thecasualty, a message was received that theoccupants had all been taken off byhelicopter. The life-boat then stood by thecabin cruiser Juan Therese which was ona sandbank half a mile to the south west ofNorth Tongue buoy. As there was nobodyaboard the casualty, and the life-boatcould not reach her, one of the life-boat's

Ramsgate, Kent - At 12.40 p.m. on3rd August, 1966, a yacht with enginetrouble was seen dragging her anchor offEast pier. The life-boat Michael and LilyDavis left her moorings at 12.47 m a gale

force south westerly wind and a veryrough sea. It was half an hour before high.water. She came up with the yacht Rimudotwo miles north east of Ramsgate, puttwo men aboard the casualty, and took herin tow. While the two life-boatmen weretrying to raise the yacht's anchor, thewinch, which had jammed, suddenly ranfree and one of the handles struck alife-boatman, injuring his wrist. The life-boat towed the yacht to Ramsgate harbour

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and moored her. The life-boat thenwent to investigate a small yacht whichappeared to be in difficulties, but shewas not in need of assistance, so the life-boat re-entered Ramsgate harbour andreturned to her station at 3.20.

Cromer, Norfolk-At 8.15 a.m. on 5thAugust, 1966, owing to the deterioratingsea conditions, concern was felt for thesafety of three crab boats still at sea. TheNo. 2 life-boat William Henry and MaryKing was launched at 8.30 in a moderateto fresh west north westerly wind and arough sea. She met the crab boats MyBeauty, Autumn Rose and Lewis James,distributed life-belts to their crews, andstood by until the three boats were safelybeached. The life-boat returned to herstation, arriving at 10 o'clock.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk - At 7.10 a.m. on22nd August, 1966, a yacht off Dunwichrequired assistance. There was a galefrom the north east with a rough sea. Itwas two hours before high water. Thelife-boat Charles Cooper Henderson, ontemporary duty at the station, launchedat 7.35. She found the yacht Droombootwith a crew of two on board. Her enginehad failed and the mainsail could not behoisted. The life-boat towed the yachtto Shingle Street where a member of thelife-boat crew was put on board. He sailedthe yacht up to Aldeburgh. The life-boatreturned to her station, arriving at 1.25p.m.

Dover, Kent - At 10.17 P-m- on 5tn

August, 1966, the brigantine Centurion,returning from the tall ship race toCopenhagen, radioed that one of hercrew needed medical attention. At 10.40the life-boat Southern Africa was launchedwith a doctor on board in a light westsouth westerly breeze and a moderatesea. It was three hours after low water.The doctor boarded the brigantine andthe life-boat escorted her into Dover. Thepatient was transferred to the life-boatand landed at the Dock head. The life-boat returned to her station at 1.28 a.m.on 6th August.

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Clacton-on-Sea, Essex - At 5.50a.m. on I4th August, 1966, a yacht wasaground on East Barrow sands. She wasnot showing any distress signals but inview of the weather conditions the life-boat Edward and Isabella Irwin, on tem-porary duty at the station, left herBrightlingsea moorings at 6.45. Therewas a fresh west south westerly wind anda moderate sea. It was two hours after lowwater. The life-boat stood by until theyacht refloated at 8.4, and then returnedto her station3 arriving at 9 o'clock.

Walmer, Kent - At 10.4 a.m. on i3thAugust, 1966, the honorary secretaryheard an S.O.S. call from the Dutchcoaster Hunzeborg reporting that she hadbeen in collision with the Greek freighterDiamandis, south of the East Goodwinlightship. The lifeboat Charles Dibdin(Civil Service No. 32} was launched at10.16 a.m. in a slight sea. It was one hourafter high water. The collision hadoccurred in dense fog. Four of the crewof the Hunzeborg who had been taken onboard the German tug Albatross weretransferred to the life-boat. At theDutch captain's request the life-boatstood by while the tug towed the casualtyround the South Sand Head. While shewas rounding the head only the casualty'safter deckhouse and deck cargo wereabove the water, and then she settledanother six to eight inches. The life-boatwent alongside and took off the engineerand remained close in case her captainhad to abandon ship. It was then decidedto beach the casualty at the Small Downsnorth of Deal. The life-boat's secondcoxswain was put aboard the Hunzeborgtogether with her engineer and mate. Thecasualty was safely beached about sevenhours after the collision. The life-boatstood by and then returned to her station,arriving at 9.30 p.m. A helicopter couldnot locate the casualty owing to the densefog.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT

Dungeness, Kent - At 10. 50 p.m. on8th August, 1966, a fishing boat neededassistance four and a half miles south eastof Dungeness. At 11.5 the life-boat Mabel

E. Holland was launched in a rough seaand a strong westerly wind. It was 90minutes after low water. The skipper ofthe fishing boat Industry //-he had abroken arm-was taken ashore to a waitingambulance while two of the life-boat crewhelped man the pumps aboard his leakingboat, whose engines had broken down.The Industry II, with her other occupant,was towed to Rye harbour, and the life-boat returned to her station at 5.20 a.m.on gth August.

At 10.20 a.m. on I4th August, 1966,a small sailing boat was seen being carriedto seaward by the wind and tide. At 10.40the life-boat Mabel E. Holland waslaunched in a fresh westerly wind and achoppy sea. It was one hour and a halfafter high water. The life-boat took thetwo occupants on board and towed theboat back to Dungeness. The life-boatreturned to her station at 11.40.

At 3.23 a.m. on 2ist August, 1966, redflares were reported to the south ofDungeness. The life-boat Mabel E.Holland was launched at 3.40 in a lighteasterly wind and a slight sea. It was oneand a half hours after high water. She foundthe cabin cruiser Brim, with both enginesbroken down, anchored one and a half mileseast of the station. One of the life-boat'screw was put on board. The life-boat thentowed the cabin cruiser to Dover. Aftermooring the Brita in the harbour thelife-boat returned to her station, arrivingat 11.15.

Selsey, Sussex - At 7.54 p.m. on 2istAugust, 1966, a motor cruiser was seenburning distress flares about two miles offMiddleton. The life-boat Canadian Pacificwas launched at 8.7 in a calm sea with fogpatches. It was four hours after highwater. At 9.3 the life-boat came alongsidethe motor yacht Tessa and towed her,with three people on board, to Little-hampton. The life-boat returned to herstation at 12.15 a-m- on 22nd August.

At 3.32 p.m. on 3Oth August, 1966, themotor yacht Blue Marlin was seen driftingtwo miles south of Chichester. At 3.50 thelife-boat Canadian Pacific was launched in

a rough sea and a south westerly wind. Itwas three and a half hours after highwater. A helicopter informed the life-boatof the casualty's position, and landed aman on her to help. At 5.8 the life-boatreached the casualty, put two crewmenaboard, and towed her to Portsmouthharbour. The life-boat returned to herstation at 9.10.

Hastings, Sussex - At 4.48 p.m. on17th August, 1966, red flares were re-ported off Camber. At 5.8 the life-boatFairlight was launched to the fishingvessel Gratitude, which had a fouledpropeller. It was an hour before highwater. There was a calm sea and a lightsouth westerly breeze. The life-boat towedthe Gratitude to Hastings and returnedto her station, arriving at 9.01. Rye IRBwas also launched and stood by.

At 8.58 a.m. on ist August, 1966, itwas felt that, in view of the deterioratingweather conditions, a small yacht waslikely to find herself in difficulties in Ryebay. The life-boat crew assembled andstood by. At the request of the coastguardthe life-boat Fairlight was launched at9.23 in a gale force west south westerlywind and a moderate sea. It was threehours before high water. She foundthe yacht Waterbaby in shoal water to theleeward of Rye harbour entrance. Thecasualty had made an unsuccessful at-tempt to enter the harbour. The life-boat,having towed her into the harbour,returned to her station at 12.50.

At 3.52 p.m. on 23rd August, 1966,information was received that a hover-craft had broken down west of the bathingpool. At 4.9 the life-boat Fairlight waslaunched. It was one hour before highwater. The life-boat towed the hover-craft, which had a full load of passengers,to the beach, and stood by while repairswere made. The life-boat returned to herstation at 6 o'clock.

At 11.1 a.m. on 3rd August, 1966, ayacht was reported to be making littleheadway in very heavy seas in Rye bay.The life-boat Fairlight was launched at11.17, three hours after low water, in a

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strong south westerly gale and a veryrough sea. At 12.29 P-m- tne life-boatreached the yacht Kate, with three personson board, and towed her to Rye harbour.The life-boat returned to her station at3.16.

Newhaven, Sussex - At 6.25 p.m. onI3th August, 1966, a small boat was re-ported in difficulties just outside thebreakwater. The life-boat Kathleen Marywas launched at 6.50 in a rough sea and asouth westerly gale. It was three hoursafter low water, there were rain squalls,and the weather was deteriorating. Thelife-boat reached the yacht Northern Starwhose engine had broken down. The life-boat's bowman was put aboard and shewas towed into Newhaven. The life-boatreturned to her station at 8.5.

At 11.4 p.m. on 4th August, 1966, avessel was seen flashing a light south of theharbour entrance. There was a fresh northwesterly breeze with a moderate sea. Thelife-boat Kathleen Mary launched at 11.30at low water and proceeded to the positiongiven. She found the Dutch trawler Gumwith engine trouble and uncertain of herposition. The life-boat bowman boardedthe trawler which then proceeded intoNewhaven harbour escorted by the life-boat. The life-boat arrived back at herstation at 12.25 a.m. on 5th August.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey - At 8 p.m.on 29th August, 1966, local residents sawa yacht in difficulties in Pembroke bay.At 8.20 the life-boat Lloyd's, on temporaryduty at the station, proceeded in a freshnorth westerly breeze and a moderate sea.The tide was ebbing. The yacht Tasmanwas towed into St. Peter Port by the life-boat, which returned to her moorings at9-45-

At noon on 26th August, 1966, the AirCommandant, Guernsey Airport, told thehonorary secretary that an aircraft hadcrashed off Alderney and asked if thelife-boat could be sent to investigate.Three aqua-lung divers, who had offeredtheir services, were taken aboard, and thelife-boat Lloyd's on temporary duty at

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the station, proceeded at 3 o'clock in theafternoon. There was a strong east northeasterly wind and a rough sea. Whenthe life-boat arrived at the scene of thecrash, two of the divers went down to thesunken aircraft which was in 60 ft. ofwater. Two helicopters were hoveringoverhead. The divers released the bodiesof the three occupants and brought themto the surface. The whole operation tookno more than 15 minutes. The diversand the bodies were taken aboard the life-boat which then proceeded to Alderney.While the life-boat had been carrying outthe former service, a call for assistancehad been received from the steam yachtMedea, whose boiler had burst. She wasadrift to the north east of Alderney. Thevessel Barbelotte, which had also been atthe scene of the crash, proceeded tosearch for the Medea. The life-boat foundthe casualty and took her in tow toAlderney where the yacht was safelyanchored. The life-boat returned to herstation at 4.30 a.m. on 2yth August.

Torbay, Devon - At 10.51 p.m. on istAugust, 1966, a boy was reported to havefallen over the cliff at Sharkham point.At 11.15 tne life-boat Princess Alexandraof Kent left her moorings with a boardingboat in tow. There was a light northwesterly breeze, a calm sea, and it wasthree hours after high water. The life-boatreached the position given and in thelight of a parachute flare the casualty wastransferred to her by the boarding boat.The life-boat conveyed the injured boy toBrixham harbour. She returned to hermoorings at 12.35 a.m. on 2nd August.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - At 2.1p.m. on i3th August, 1966, informationwas received that a man had fallen over-board from a yacht in the Needleschannel. At 2.10 the life-boat The Earland Countess Howe was launched. Thetide was flooding. There was a rough seawith a south westerly gale. The life-boatmade an extensive search with a heli-copter, pilot cutter and a private yacht,but no trace of the missing man could befound. The life-boat returned to herstation at 4.45.

At 9.52 p.m. on 6th August, 1966, ayacht with two people aboard was re-ported in difficulties off Fort Albert. At10.6 the life-boat The Earl and CountessHowe was launched. The tide was flood-ing. There was a westerly wind and amoderate sea. The life-boat found theyacht, which had lost her rudder, along-side the sea wall near Fort Albert. A linewas fired and she was taken in tow backto Yarmouth. The life-boat returned toher station at 11.20.

Exmouth, Devon - At 8.40 p.m. on2nd August, 1966, a yacht was in distressoff Brandy Head near Beer. There was afresh west south westerly breeze with amoderate sea. It was high water. The life-boat Cecil and Lilian Philpott, on tem-porary duty at the station, proceededeight minutes later and at 9.50 came upwith the yacht Harmony two miles east ofthe position originally given. The Har-mony had a crew of four, two of whomwere very young boys. The yacht wastaken in tow, and as her crew had hadnothing to eat since 8 a.m. they weretaken on board the life-boat and givenfood and drink. The life-boat with theyacht in tow arrived back at her stationat ii o'clock. The owner of the yachtmade a donation to the life-boat crew'slocal welfare fund.

Swanage, Dorset - At noon on I4thAugust, 1966, a small sailing dinghy ap-peared to be in difficulties off DurlstonHead. The life-boat R.L.P. was launchedimmediately in a light south westerlywind and a slight sea. It was two hoursafter high water. While the life-boat wason passage a full description of thedinghy was circulated by R/T, and thecoastguard at St. Albans Head reportedthat a boat answering this description hadsafely negotiated the Race and washeading for Lulworth. Having carriedout a search the R.L.P. turned forSwanage. When she had reached AnvilPoint the coxswain's attention was at-tracted by a number of people at the footof the cliff. The life-boat's rubber dinghywas launched and it was found that a manhad fallen down the cliff and was seriouslyinjured. He was taken aboard the life-

boat together with the doctor who wasattending him, and the R.L.P. returnedto her station, arriving at 3.50.

Salcombe, Devon - At 5.50 p.m. on5th August, 1966, it was reported that awoman had fallen from a cliff path atMoorsands near Prawle. The life-boat TheBaltic Exchange left her moorings at 6.12with her boarding boat in tow. There wasa light west north westerly wind and aheavy swell. It was three hours after lowwater. She reached the scene of the acci-dent at 7.10 and put a party ashore. Theinjured woman was transferred to the life-boat, which returned to the Customs quaywhere the patient was tranferred to awaiting ambulance. The life-boat returnedto her station at 7.36.

At 12.12 a.m. on I9th August, 1966 itwas reported that a small dinghy with oneoccupant was overdue from a fishing trip.There was a calm sea. It was two hoursbefore low water. The life-boat The BalticExchange proceeded at i o'clock andcarried out an extensive search of the areathrough the night,being joined at 6 o'clockby a helicopter. At 6.20 the fishing boatNewbrook sighted a small boat six milessouth west of Bolt Head and informedthe life-boat by R/T. The life-boat cameup with the dinghy at 6.53. The occupantwas taken on board the life-boat and givena hot drink. The life-boat took the dinghyin tow and returned to her station, arrivingat 8 o'clock.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight - At 2.26a.m. on i8th August, 1966, two girls, whohad set out to walk from Sandown toBembridge along the shore, were reportedmissing. There was a calm sea. It wasjust after high water. The life-boat JesseLumb launched at 3 o'clock and locatedthe girls on the Bembridge side of theNostril caves. The girls were taken onboard the life-boat which took them toBembridge. The life-boat arrived backat her station at 4.15.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex - At 10a.m. on gth August, 1966, a white cabincruiser appeared to be in distress about

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four miles south west of the station.There was a moderate south westerlybreeze with a slight sea. It was low water.A motor boat, John VI, registered in theinshore rescue scheme, proceeded andtook the cabin cruiser Belinda J. in tow.As the boats entered the harbour theBelinda jf. overran the John VI causingthe latter to capsize about 200 yards offthe life-boat slipway. The life-boatDorothy and Philip Constant was quicklylaunched and rescued the two occupantsof the motor boat. The life-boat towedthe two boats to safety and then returnedto her station, arriving at 11.20.

Plymouth, Devon - At 2.25 p.m. on2nd August, 1966, red flares were re-ported from a yacht in Cawsand bay. At2.36 the life-boat Thomas Forehead andMary Rowse left her moorings. It wasthree hours after low water. There was asouth easterly gale with a rough sea. Thelife-boat came up with the cabin cruiserClovelly Lass just as her crew of two wererescued by a helicopter. The helicopterthen informed the coxswain that theassistance of the life-boat was needed atJennycliffe. The life-boat proceeded andfound a French yacht which requested atow to a safe anchorage. The yacht, whichhad a crew of seven on board, was towedto moorings in Millbay docks. The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at4.30.

At 4.45 p.m. on 28th August, 1966, ared dinghy seemed in trouble off Penlee.Meanwhile, Penlee fog station reportedthat the dinghy was in danger of beingcarried on to the rocks. The life-boatThomas Forehead and Mary Rowse waslaunched at 4.58 in an east south easterlywind and a choppy sea. It was one hourand a half before high water. The life-boat arrived at the position of the casualtyto find that she had got under way andbroken down again. The dinghy wastowed to Laing Bridge. The life-boatreturned to her station at 6.30.

SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT

Barry Dock, Glamorganshire - At1.40 p.m. on 7th August, 1966, news was

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received that a boat had been swampedoff Lavernock Point and her three oc-cupants were in the water. At 1.50 thelife-boat Rachel and Mary Evans waslaunched in a strong westerly wind. Itwas three hours after high water. Thelife-boat found the converted whalerSearanger one mile mile west of SullyIsland. Her three occupants had beenrescued by helicopter. The life-boattowed the Searanger to Barry, returningto her station at 3.25.

Coverack, Cornwall - At 7.45 p.m.on 5th August, 1966, it was learnt that aman had fallen over the cliff four mileswest of Coverack. The life-boat WilliamTaylor of Oldham was launched at 7.59and with a dinghy in tow proceeded tothe position given. There was a lightwest north westerly breeze and a slightsea. It was five hours after low water. Thedinghy manned by three of the crew wasrowed ashore. After receiving first-aid thepatient on a stretcher was placed in thedinghy, which with the three life-boatmenon board was towed to harbour. On ar-rival the injured man was attended to bythe honorary medical adviser. The life-boat returned to her station at 10 o'clock.

Penlee, Cornwall - At 8 p.m. on 24thAugust, 1966, the honorary secretary in-formed the coxswain that the life-boatwould be needed at 7 a.m. on 25thAugust to land a sick man from a Nor-wegian motor vessel. At 6.45 the life-boatSolomon Browne was launched in a lighteast south easterly breeze and a calm sea.She embarked a doctor and ambulancecrew at Newlyn, and at 9.30 met the ironore ship Beltana eight miles south ofPenzance light. The life-boat returnedwith the patient to Newlyn at 10.45, an^arrived back at her station at 11.30.

Life-boat 70-001 - At 6.25 p.m. on28th August, 1966, three boys were repor-ted stranded on some rocks north of Hart-land quay. The 7O-foot life-boat Charles H.Barrett (Civil Service No. 55) proceeded at6.30 in a south easterly wind and a choppysea. The casualties were picked up by theIRB from the life-boat and landed on anearby beach. The IRB was recovered and

the life-boat returned to Clovelly Roadsat 8.10. A helicopter was also called out.

Appledore, Devon - At 5.30 p.m. on24th August, 1966, a visitor informed themechanic that a person had disappearedwhile swimming across the river Tor-ridge. At 5.40 the life-boat Louisa AnneHawker set out. It was thirty minutesbefore low water and the sea was calm.The life-boat rescued the swimmer whowas exhausted. She returned to hermoorings at 6 o'clock.

At 4.30 p.m. on 2ist August, 1966, itwas noticed that a cabin cruiser wasbroaching to in broken water on theNorth Tail. The life-boat Louisa AnneHawker proceeded at 4.45 in a moderatewesterly breeze and a choppy sea. It waslow water. A helicopter was also alerted,but the cabin cruiser cleared the roughwater without assistance. The life-boatthen went to the aid of a small boataground off Airy point. A life-boat crewmember swam across with a tow line, andthe small boat was towed clear of thebreakers. The life-boat returned to hermoorings at 7.45.

St. Ives, Cornwall - At 8.28 p.m. oni2th August, 1966, two men, who hadleft St. Ives for Carbis Bay at 4 o'clock ina rubber dinghy, were reported missing.The life-boat Edgar, George, Orlando andEva Child was launched at 8.45 in a mod-erate west south westerly wind and aslight sea. It was one hour after low water.The IRB was also launched and in con-junction with the life-boat searched thebay. The life-boat found the dinghy andthe two missing men at Jenny's Cove at9.15. The men, together with theirdinghy, were taken aboard the life-boatand landed on Carbis Bay beach. Thelife-boat and the IRB returned to theirstations, arriving at 10 o'clock.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire - At 3.1 p.m.on I3th August, 1966, information wasreceived that a man had fallen over thecliffs at Monkstone Point. At 3.18 thelife-boat Henry Comber Brown waslaunched with a punt in tow. There wasa choppy sea and a moderate west north

westerly breeze. It was four and a halfhours after low water. The man was takenoff the beach in the punt and conveyed toTenby harbour in the life-boat. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.15.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire - On 2ythAugust, 1966, the life-boat Henry ComberBrown rescued six people who had beentrapped by the tide. An account of thisservice will appear in the March, 1967,number of THE LIFE-BOAT.

Falmouth, Coverack, Fowey, Corn-wall and Salcombe Devon - At 5.37a.m. on ist August, 1966, the Coastguardrequested the Falmouth coxswain tolaunch the life-boat to search for themotor cruiser Darlwin which had beenreported overdue. The life-boat Crawfordand Constance Conybeare left her mooringsat 5.50 and, aided by an R.A.F. Shackle-ton aircraft, searched the area seaward ofDodman Point. At 6.8 the Fowey life-boat Deneys Reitz left her station to helpin the search and recovered some wreck-age. At 3.15 p.m. the Crawford and Con-stance Conybeare transferred the Darlwin'sdinghy, which had been found by thetanker £550 Caernarvon, to an R.A.F.launch. The search was abandonedshortly after 9 o'clock by both life-boatswhich returned to their stations. The nextmorning the Salcombe life-boat TheBaltic Exchange searched from 11.46 to4.55 and again from 6.20 to 9.37. TheCoverack life-boat William Taylor ofOldham searched from 3.58 in the after-noon to 11.45 but without success. On4th August the Crawford and ConstanceConybeare proceeded from Falmouth at6.58 a.m. after a report had been receivedthat wreckage had been sighted four mileseast of Dodman Point. After a search inconjunction with a helicopter the life-boatfound two bodies. The Fowey life-boatDeneys Reitz, which had been launchedat 7.05 in the morning, also recovered twobodies, one of which was transferred tothe Falmouth boat. After the bodieswere landed both life-boats continued thesearch throughout the day but nothingfurther was found. The sea was calm.The life-boats returned to their respectivestations at about 10.15. The next day a

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report was received that an aircraft hadseen some wreckage and the Fowey life-boat was launched at 10.25 a-m- Thelife-boat searched until 4.40, when shereturned to her station, arriving at6 o'clock.

NORTH-WEST DISTRICT

Barrow, Lancashire - At midnighton 3rd August, 1966, a red flare wasreported about two miles offshore. At12.45 a distress signal was observed fromthe fishing boat Luella. At 1.5 the life-boat Cunard, on temporary duty at thestation, was launched in a moderate seaand an east south easterly wind. It wasthirty minutes before high water. Withthe help of the m.v. Duke of Lancaster thelife-boat found the fishing boat with hercrew of two at 2.20, and towed her toFleetwood. The life-boat returned to herstation at 8.35.

Holyhead, Anglesey - At 3.30 a.m.on loth August, 1966, the catamaranTsulamaran, with five men on board, wasreported aground in Treadder bay. At4 o'clock the life-boat St. Cybi (CivilService No. 9) was launched in a roughsea and a south westerly wind. It was fivehours after low water. The life-boatsuccessfully negotiated the difficult ap-proach to the casualty, fired a line, andtook her in tow back to Holyhead harbour.The life-boat returned to her station at8 o'clock.

At 11.44 a-m' on 4tn August, 1966, itwas reported that two canoes had cap-sized off Rhoscalyn head. At 11.58 thelife-boat St. Cybi (Civil Service No. p),with a boarding boat in tow, was launch-ed. It was four and a half hours after lowwater, there was a moderate west northwesterly wind and a rough sea. Afterascertaining that the two occupants of thecanoes had safely reached the shore thecanoes were taken on board, and the life-boat returned to her station at 2.47. Ahelicopter was also alerted.

Beaumaris, Anglesey - At 2.50 p.m.on 9th August, 1966, during the local

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town regatta, a strong south westerly winddeveloped which suddenly capsized manyof the smaller craft which were near thestarting line. This kept the regatta'srescue boats busy and as the largeryachts were getting into difficulties nearthe outside marker buoy it was decidedto launch the life-boat. The life-boatField Marshall and Mrs. Smuts waslaunched at 3.15 in a rough sea. It wasfour hours after low water. The life-boatwent to a yacht which had been blownashore and refloated her. She then towedthe casualty, together with three otheryachts that were in difficulty, back to thepier. The life-boat was secured to thepier at 5.30 until all the competing yachtswere accounted for, and then waited afavourable opportunity to rehouse. Adonation was made by the regattaauthorities to the Institution's funds.

Troon, Ayrshire - At 6.45 p.m. on5th August, 1966, a pilot at Irvine har-bour informed the honorary secretarythat the cabin cruiser Girl Pat appearedto be in difficulties about 500 yards off theentrance to Irvine harbour. There was amoderate westerly breeze with a corres-ponding sea. It was three hours after highwater. The life-boat Rosa Woodd andPhyllis Lunn launched at 6.55 and at 7.30came up with the Girl Pat whose enginehad failed. The cabin cruiser was takenin tow by the life-boat to Troon, arrivingat 8.20. A donation was made to theInstitution's funds.

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire - At8.55 p.m. on 4th August, 1966, news wasreceived that a coaster about 12 milesnorth east of Orme's Head had requestedthe services of a doctor to attend an in-jured man on board. At 9.55 the life-boatLilly Wainwright was launched. Therewas a north westerly wind, it was two anda half hours after low water, and there wasa moderate sea. The life-boat met thecoaster two and a half miles offshore. Theinjured man was transferred to the life-boat and landed at Llandudno. The life-boat returned to her station at 11.20.

New Brighton, Cheshire - At 7.10p.m. on 27th August, 1966, a speedboatwas seen in distress in the Rock Channel.

The life-boat Norman B. Corlett left hermoorings at 7.25. There was a calm sea.It was two hours before high water. Thespeedboat and her two occupants weretowed to New Brighton, and the life-boatreturned to her moorings at 7.50.

At 5.15 p.m. on 20th August, 1966, acabin cruiser was reported in distress inthe Rock Channel. At 5.30 the life-boatNorman B. Corlett left her moorings. Thesea was calm. It was four hours after highwater. The cabin cruiser Comet was towedto a safe anchorage, and the life-boatreturned to her moorings at 6.35.

At 3 p.m. on 9th August, 1966, newswas received that the yacht Reedbird wasin distress one mile west of the Bar light-vessel. The life-boat Norman B. Corlettleft her moorings at 3.8 and proceeded ina south south easterly gale and a roughsea. It was high water. She took over theyacht's tow from a pilot vessel, and re-turned to her moorings at 7.30.

At. 1.30 p.m. on 9th August, 1966, adinghy was seen in difficulties in the RockChannel. The life-boat Norman B. Corlettleft her moorings at 1.45 and proceededin a strong south south easterly wind anda rough sea. It was two hours before highwater. The dinghy with one man onboard was towed to New Brighton, andthe life-boat returned to her moorings at2.45.

Fleetwood, Lancashire - At 1.20p.m. on 4th September, 1966, news wasreceived that a yacht was being drivenashore on Pilling sands. At 1.30 the life-boat Ann Letitia Russell was launched in asoutherly gale and a rough sea. It was onehour before low water. The yacht, withthree occupants on board, was towed toJubilee quay. The life-boat returned to herstation at 2.50.

Fleetwood, Lancashire - At 2.10a.m. on I4th August, 1966, red flareswere noticed in the Wyre channel. Thelife-boat Ann Letitia Russell was in Ferrydock and proceeded at 2.15 in a strongnorth north westerly gale and a veryrough sea. It was four and a half hours

after high water. She found a Fleetwoodfishing vessel ashore on the east side ofthe channel between Nos. 6 and 8 buoys.While the life-boat was standing by, them.f.v. Harriet went ashore half a mileaway. The life-boat stood by both vesselsuntil the tide turned and then refloatedthe m.f.v. Harriet. High seas were break-ing over the first vessel, which was stillaground, and the crew took to their liferaft. They were picked up by the life-boatand landed at Fleetwood. The m.f.v.Harriet went ashore again and was re-floated by the life-boat which escortedher to Jubilee quay. The life-boatreturned to her station at 10 o'clock.

At 10 p.m. on 2ist August, 1966, avessel was seen flashing a light about aquarter of a mile east of Kings Scar. Therewas a moderate north east by easterlybreeze with a choppy sea. It was one hourafter low water. The life-boat Ann LetitiaRussell launched at 10.5. The life-boatfound the cabin cruiser Gibralta agroundon a sandbank. At 11.33, when the tide hadflowed sufficiently, the Gibralta was re-floated by the life-boat and towed to Fleet-wood. The life-boat arrived back at herstation around midnight.

Fleetwood and Barrow, Lancashire- At 5.20 p.m. on i3th August, 1966, thecoastguard informed the Fleetwood hon-orary secretary that a mayday call hadbeen heard from a vessel south west ofLune buoy. This followed a report fromBarrow that the fishing boat Teal wasoverdue. The Fleetwood life-boat AnnLetitia Russell was launched at 5.36. Thelife-boat Canard, on temporary duty atBarrow, proceeded at 7.13 to assist in thesearch. The sea was very rough and astrong north westerly gale was blowing.It was nearly three hours to high water.A thorough search was made by bothboats until 11.45, when it was learntthat the Teal had arrived at Whitehaven.The life-boats returned to their stations.The Fleetwood life-boat arrived back at11.59, but on her way back to Barrow theCunard came up with the yacht Tinkerwhich had broken away from her moor-ings at Piel. The yacht was taken in tow,

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and the life-boat returned to Barrow at1.45 a.m. on I4th August.

Rhyl, Flintshire - At 6.2jp.m. onzothAugust, 1966, an aircraft had reported asmall boat making distress signals abouttwo miles west of the life-boat house. Thelife-boat Lucy Lovers, on temporary dutyat the station, was launched at 6.30 in alight north north easterly wind and aslight sea. It was four hours after highwater. The life-boat found the powerboat Ingrid drifting, with her propellordamaged. She took two adults and twochildren off the Ingrid and towed her toRhyl. The life-boat returned to her stationat 7.50.

At 6.22 p.m. on 2yth August, 1966,a report was received that a vessel offthe Happy Days Holiday Camp, Towyn,had fired a distress signal. At 6.36 thelife-boat Lucy Lavers, on temporaryduty at the station, was launched in aeast south easterly breeze and a choppysea. It was three hours after low water.Meanwhile, the m.f.v. Sultan hadarrived half a mile off the boathousewhere she fired a red flare. The life-boatlanded an injured man from this vessel,which proved to be the same as thatsighted off Towyn, and returned to herstation at 6.53.

Fishguard, Pembrokeshire - At8.20 p.m. on 4th August, 1966, a body wasseen drifting off Cat rock in Newport bay.At 8.35 the life-boat Howard Marryatwas launched one hour before high water.There was a fresh south westerly windwith a choppy sea. The body was re-covered and handed over to the police.The body was of the man missing from acapsized dinghy, for which the life-boatand two helicopters had searched on 26thJuly, 1966. The life-boat arrived back ather station at 10.35.

Atnoonon2istAugust, 1966, the Frenchfishing vessel Marie and Therese was statedto have broken down about 30 milesnorth by west of Strumble Head. Therewas a fresh north north easterly breezewith a choppy sea. It was one hour afterlow water. The life-boat Howard Marryat

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launched 10 minutes later and proceededto the position given. Visibility was verypoor due to fog. Valuable help was givenby the tanker Esso Ottawa in locating thefishing vessel. The life-boat took theMarie and Therese in tow at 5.33 andreturned to Fishguard harbour, arrivingat 10.45.

At 9.41 p.m. on i5th August, 1966, redflares were reported off Strumble Head.At 9.51 the life-boat Howard Marryatwas launched on a smooth sea. It was twohours after high water. The life-boatfound the fishing vessel Ajax with asheered engine shaft. The crew assistedwith the repair, and then the coxswainsaw other red flares three miles to thesouth west. The life-boat proceeded anddiscovered the sloop Rosebud, also brokendown. She was towed to Fishguard. Thelife-boat returned to her station at 2.31a.m. on i6th August.

New Quay, Cardiganshire - At 3.25p.m. on 4th August, 1966, the coastguardinformed the motor mechanic that theyacht club rescue launch was in difficultiesoff Llanena reef. At 3.45 the life-boat St.Albans was launched in a strong northwesterly wind and a rough sea. It wasfour hours after high water. The launchand her crew of three were taken in towby the life-boat to New Quay. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.25.

On 7th August, 1966, the life-boatSt. Albans rescued a boy who had fallenover a cliff. An account of this servicewill appear in the March, 1967, numberof THE LIFE-BOAT.

IRISH DISTRICT

Valentia, Co. Kerry - At 5.15 p.m.on 29th August, 1966, it was learnt thata small open fishing boat with six men onboard was missing. It was presumed to besheltering near Puffin island. At 5.35 thelife-boat Rowland Watts was launched ina strong westerly wind and a rough sea.The casualty was found in the lee of Puffinisland and escorted to harbour. The life-boat returned to her moorings at 8.30.

Newcastle, Co. Down - At 3.8 p.m.on 9th August, 1966, a flare was reportedto have been fired from a yacht one milesouth of Newcastle harbour. At 3.15 thelife-boat William and Laura was launchedin a southerly gale and a rough sea. It wasthree hours after low water. The yachtPandora of Dublin, with three people onboard, was towed into harbour by thelife-boat. She returned to her station at4 o'clock.

Wicklow - At 11.25 P-m- on 25tn

August, 1966, the coxswain was told thata man had fallen overboard from a yacht.The life-boat J. W. Archer left her moor-ings at 11.50 in a gentle easterly breezeand a choppy sea. It was four hours afterhigh water. The life-boat proceeded to aposition two miles north of the harbourand came up with two motor boats carry-ing out a search. One of the boats reportedthat she had lost a man overboard whiletrying to refloat a yacht. The life-boatproceeded to the position of the yachtand found that the missing man hadmanaged to reach the shore safely. Anattempt was made to refloat the yachtbut this was abandoned and the life-boatreturned to her station, arriving at i a.m.on 26th August. The J. W. Archer pro-ceeded at 6 o'clock to the position of theyacht and refloated her on the flood tide.With the yacht in tow, the life-boat re-turned to her moorings, arriving at 7.30.

Galway Bay - At 10 a.m. on 9thAugust, 1966, the doctor requested theservices of the life-boat to transport aseriously ill patient to hospital on themainland. At 11.10 the life-boat John R.Webb, on temporary duty at the station,launched. There was a strong southeasterly gale with heavy rain and a roughsea. It was high water. The sick man wastransferred to an ambulance at Roassaveelat 12.45 P-m- The life-boat then proceed-ed to Inishere island to collect anotherpatient who had had a heart attack, andtransferred him safely to a ferry boat. Thelife-boat returned to her station at 4.30.

At ii p.m. on ist August, 1966, thedoctor informed the honorary secretary

that a critically ill patient neededurgent hospital attention on the main-land. The life-boat Mabel MarionThompson left her moorings at 11.59and conveyed the patient to Galway.It was low water. The life-boat returnedto her station at 7 a.m. on 2nd August.

Ramsey, Isle of Man - At 5.41 p.m.on 2nd August, 1966, the Master Frankwas seen flying a distress signal. She wasdue in harbour at 3 o'clock. At 6.14 thelife-boat Thomas Corbett was launched in-to a moderate east north east wind and asmooth sea. It was four and a half hoursafter high water. The casualty was reach-ed at 7.3 and towed to Queen's pier,arriving at 8.25. The life-boat and fishingvessel waited until 9.40 when there wassufficient water to enter harbour. Thelife-boat arrived back at her station at9-53-

At 11.36 p.m. on 22nd August, 1966,a yacht was reported ashore near theharbour entrance. The life-boat ThomasCorbett was launched at 11.45 in aneasterly breeze and slight sea. Low waterwas at midnight. The life-boat came upwith the yacht Cotick which had a brokendown outboard motor. The yacht, withher three occupants, was towed toQueen's pier and then into harbour whenthe water was high enough at 1.24 a.m. on23rd August.

Courtmacsherry Harbour, Co.Cork-At 7.50 p.m. on 3Oth August, 1966,a visitor informed the Barry's Cove life-saving station that a launch was indifficulties in Dunworley bay. The life-boat Sir Arthur Rose proceeded at8 o'clock on an ebbing tide. There was afresh south easterly breeze with a roughsea. The life-boat found the motor boatSea Rambler, whose engine had failed,drifting towards the rocky shore. TheSea Rambler was taken in tow and broughtsafely to Courtmacsherry. After the boathad been moored at the jetty the life-boatreturned to her station, arriving at 10.50.Each member of the life-boat crewreceived a letter of thanks from the ownerof the Sea Rambler.

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SCOTTISH DISTRICT

Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire - At1.42 a.m. on 2nd August, 1966, a vesselwas reported ashore off Cairnbulg point.There was a slight sea. It was high water.The life-boat The Duchess of Kent pro-ceeded at 2.6 and came up with thefishing vessel Staronia at 2.30. The crewof six of the casualty were picked up froma rubber dinghy by the life-boat, whichreturned to her station at 3.35.

Aith, Shetlands - At 9 p.m. on 6thAugust, 1966, the local doctor informedthe honorary secretary that an injuredman on Foula Island urgently neededhospital attention. At 10.15 the life-boatJohn and Frances Macfarlane left hermoorings with a nurse on board. Therewas a moderate south westerly breeze anda moderate sea. It was two hours afterhigh water. The life-boat reached Foulaat 1.45 a.m. on iyth August and thepatient was embarked. The life-boatreturned to her station at 6.15.

Stromness, Orkneys - At 8.40 p.m.on 5th August, 1966, the coastguardinformed the honorary secretary thatflares had been reported from a vessel offBreckness point. The life-boat Archibaldand Alexander M. Paterson was launchedat 8.55 in a light north westerly wind anda calm sea. It was one hour after lowwater. She found the m.f.v. Golden Waytwo miles off Breckness point with enginetrouble. The life-boat towed her toStromness. The life-boat returned to herstation, arriving at 10.22.

At 8.22 p.m. on 20th August, 1966, asmall fishing boat was reported indifficulties off the Island of Cava. Therewas a light north westerly breeze with acalm sea. The tide was flooding. The life-boat Archibald and Alexander M. Patersonlaunched at 8.30 and proceeded to theposition given. The life-boat found thefishing vessel Silver Stream at anchorwith engine failure. The Silver Streamwas taken in tow and brought to Strom-ness. The life-boat arrived back at herstation at 10.17.

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Wick, Caithness-shire - At 3.22 a.m.on igth August, 1966, the Danish trawlerRobert Schou was reported aground atProudfoot. There was a light south southwesterly breeze with a slight sea. The life-boat Thomas McCunn, on temporary dutyat the station, launched at 3.40 on anebbing tide. The life-boat came up withthe Robert Schou at 3.55 and at therequest of her master took off the crew offive. The five rescued men were placedon board the Danish trawler Winston. At5.55 the life-boat returned to the RobertSchou, which had refloated on the floodtide, and took the vessel in tow. The life-boat met the Winston which returned thecasualty's crew to their vessel. TheRobert Schou then proceeded to Wickharbour escorted by the life-boat. Thelife-boat arrived back at her station at8.15.

NORTH-EAST DISTRICT

North Sunderland, Northumber-land - On I5th August, 1966, four traw-lers were sheltering in the lea of the FameIslands awaiting the tide, and the seaswere very heavy across the harbourmouth. At 11.30 a.m. the life-boat GraceDarling was launched. There was a lightnorth north westerly breeze and it wasthree hours to high water. The life-boatstood by until the trawlers were safely inharbour, and returned to her station at12.40.

Boulmer, Northumberland - At5.30 p.m. on 28th August, 1966, a smallboat was reported in difficulties near thereef. At 5.39 the life-boat Robert andDorothy Hardcastle was launched in alight easterly breeze and a moderate sea.It was two and a half hours after highwater. The life-boat found an R.A.F.launch, whose engines had failed, andtowed her back to Boulmer, arriving at6.15. A donation was made to the In-stitution's funds.

At 4.20 p.m. on loth August, 1966, itwas reported that the coble Sea Flowerwas at sea in rapidly deteriorating weather.At 4.57 the life-boat Robert and Dorothy

Hardcastle was launched in a southwesterly gale and a rough sea. It was 45minutes after low water. The coble wasescorted to Boulmer, and the life-boatreturned to her station at 8.45.

Amble, Northumberland - Duringthe afternoon of loth August, 1966, thepleasure boat Kathleen was reportedoverdue. The life-boat Millie Walton lefther moorings at 4.56 p.m. in a gale forcewesterly wind and a rough sea. It was lowwater. She found the Kathleen shelteringbehind Coquet island. The five occupantswere taken off and in view of the pre-vailing weather conditions the Kathleenwas left at anchor. The life-boat returnedto Amble, arriving at 6.5. The life-boatcrew stood by until 7.50, when the windmoderated, and then the Millie Waltonproceeded to the Kathleen and towed herto Amble. The life-boat arrived back onstation at 9.50.

Cullercoats, Northumberland - At4.50 a.m. on 3Oth August, 1966, a fishingvessel was reported aground south of St.Mary's island. Red flares had been sightedat 5.10. The life-boat Sir James Knott waslaunched in a rough sea and and eastnorth easterly wind. It was one hour afterhigh water. The vessel -the Polish trawlerSzkuner - was aground. After an unsuc-cessful attempt had been made to refloather the life-boat stood by until the casualtywas high and dry. She returned to her sta-tion at 7.30. At 2.30 p.m. the life-boat wasagain launched and met the tug which re-floated the casualty at 4.10. The life-boatescorted the trawler into the River Tyneand returned to her station at 6.30.

Newbiggin, Northumberland - At3.27 p.m. on 2ist August, 1966, news wasreceived that the sailing club rescuelaunch had broken an engine shaft whiletowing a dinghy out of difficulty near theNeedle's Eye rocks. At 3.39 the life-boatRichard Ashley was launched. She towedthe rescue boat and dinghy with theiroccupants back to the beach. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.20.

Scarborough, Yorkshire - At 4.55a.m. on i4th August, 1966, attention was

drawn to the fact that three fishing cobleswere at sea in rapidly deterioratingweather. At 5.5 the life-boat J. G. Gravesof Sheffield was launched in a strongnortherly gale with a rough sea. It wasnearly three hours after high water,visibility was poor, and it was rainingheavily. The cobles Hilda II, BettySheader and Rachel were escorted intoharbour. The life-boat then stood by fourkeelboats, also making for harbour, andreturned to her station at 7.10.

Bridlington, Yorkshire - At 9.50p.m. on 24th August, 1966, informationwas received that the trawler Delga I ofGrimsby had an injured man on boardand required a doctor. The life-boatTillie Morrison, Sheffield II was launched,with a doctor onboard,at 12.503.m.on 25thAugust. There was a moderate north bywesterly wind and a choppy sea. It wasone hour after high water. She met thetrawler at 2 o'clock. The doctor and thesecond coxswain were then transferredto the Delga I and both vessels proceededto calmer water. The doctor and thesecond coxswain were then transferredback to the life-boat together with theinjured man. The life-boat returned toher station at 2.44.

Newbiggin, Blyth, Amble andTynemouth, Northumberland - On5th August, 1966, life-boats from thesestations carried out a search for the miss-ing fishing coble Eventide whose crew ofthree - a father and two sons - were allat some time members of the Newbigginlife-boat crew. An account of this servicewill appear in the March, 1967, numberof THE LIFE-BOAT.

Whitby, Yorkshire - At 7.42 p.m. on3Oth August, 1966, it was reported thatthe sloop Kalispera had left Scarboroughat 1.15 p.m. bound for Whitby and wasoverdue. The life-boat Mary Ann Hep-worth was launched at 9.20 in a moderateto strong north north easterly wind and arough sea. It was three and a half hoursafter high water. She proceeded to searchin very poor visibility and found the yachtinshore of the outer reef of Whitby rock.The life-boat escorted the yacht intoharbour, returning to her station at 9.45.

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The following life-boats were also called outin August:

Aldeburgh, Suffolk - I5th.Amble, Northumberland - ifth.Barmouth, Merionethshire - 25th.Barrow, Lancashire - I4th.Bembridge, Isle of Wight - 6th.Boulmer, Northumberland - 9th,

I4th and 29th.Clacton-on-Sea, Essex - isth.Clogher Head, Co. Louth - 2yth.Coverack, Cornwall - 2nd.Criccieth, Caernarvonshire - 9th.Donaghadee, Co. Down - ist and

loth.Dover, Kent - igth.Falmouth, Cornwall - yth.Fishguard, Pembrokeshire - i8th

and 28th.Fleetwood, Lancashire - I3th and

28th.Fowey, Cornwall - 2ist.Galway Bay - 8th.Hartlepool, Co. Durham - 2oth.Holyhead, Anglesey - ist and 6th.Howth, Co. Dublin - 4th.Islay, Hebrides - ist and 27th.Mallaig, Inverness-shire - 8th and

2ISt.Margate, Kent - I4th and lyth.Montrose, Angus - 2yth.New Brighton, Cheshire - ist and

i8th.North Sunderland, Northumber-

land - 29th.Plymouth, Devon - 4th.Porthdinllaen, Caernarvonshire -

9th and I5th.Port St. Mary, Isle of Man - I3th.Portpatrick, Wigtownshire - i8th.Ramsgate, Kent - i8th.Rhyl, Flintshire - lyth and 2yth.Runswick, Yorkshire - I3th.St. Helier, Jersey - loth, lyth and

22nd.St. Ives, Cornwall - 9th.St. Peter Port, Guernsey - loth.Salcombe, Devon - 25th.Scarborough, Yorkshire - ifth.Selsey, Sussex - ist and 13*.Sennen Cove, Cornwall - 28th.Southend-on-Sea, Essex - i3th.Swanage, Dorset - 8th.Teesmouth, Yorkshire - 20th.Tenby, Pembrokeshire - i5th.

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Torbay, Devon - 2nd, i8ths igth and26th.

Troon, Ayrshire - 2yth.Valentia, Co. Kerry - 3rd and nth.Walton and Frinton, Essex - ijth.Wells, Norfolk - 2ist.Weymouth, Dorset - 26th and 30th.Whitby, Yorkshire - yth and 2ist.Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - 3 ist.Life-boat 70-001 - 5th (twice).

IRB LAUNCHESNORTH-WEST DISTRICT

Rescues by IRBs in August were carriedout by the following stations:

Moelfre, Anglesey - At 4.55 p.m. on8th August, 1966, a small boat was re-ported drifting out to sea off Moelfreisland. The IRB was launched at 5 o'clockin a moderate sea and a south westerlybreeze. It was one hour after high water.The IRB returned to her station at 5.45with the two small boats, Edith and Glen,in tow and their five occupants aboard.

At 7.45 p.m. on 8th August, 1966, amotor launch with four people on boardwas stated to be in distress with a brokendown engine one mile north east of theboathouse. At y.5O the IRB was launchedin a choppy sea and a south westerlybreeze. It was three hours after highwater. The launch Marilyn was foundclose to some rocks from which she wastowed clear. The IRB then picked up oneof the Marilyn's crew off Moelfre beach,where he had previously been landed,and towed the launch with her fouroccupants to Dinas beach. The IRBreturned to her station at 8.45.

At 8.35 a.m. on loth August, 1966, asmall boat with three people on boardwas reported in distress one mile south ofthe IRB station. At 8.40 the IRB waslaunched in a strong south westerly windand a rough sea. It was three hours afterhigh water. The IRB brought the boatand her three occupants safely ashore,and returned to her station at 9.30.

West Kirby, Cheshire - At 12.40p.m. on 3rd August, 1966, a boat wasreported to have capsized off West Kirbyslipway. One man was clinging to thecapsized boat and another was wavingfrom a moored fishing boat. The IRBwas launched at 12.50 in a moderate tofresh north westerly wind and a heavyground swell. It was one hour before highwater. She proceeded to the casualty and,as she approached, the man lost his holdand floated face down in the water. Oneof the IRB crewmen entered the water tohelp get the man into the IRB. Artificialrespiration was applied to the survivor,who was unconscious, while the IRBreturned to the slipway. He was thentaken to hospital where he later recovered.The IRB then went out to the fishing boatand picked up the second survivor. Shereturned to her station at 1.30.

Blackpool, Lancashire - At 3.55p.m. on 6th August, 1966, a cabin cruiserappeared to be in difficulties off the Southpier. The IRB was launched five minuteslater in a north westerly wind and amoderate sea. It was two hours beforehigh water. The casualty was found tohave broken down. She was towed by theIRB to Squires Gate. The IRB returnedto her station at 4.45.

Largs, Ayrshire - At 9 p.m. on 29thAugust, 1966, a motor boat with twopeople on board had broken down inLargs bay. At 9.15 the IRB was launchedin a strong south easterly wind and corres-ponding sea. The motor boat with hercrew of two on board was towed ashoreby the IRB. She returned to her station at945-

At 9.30 a.m. on loth August, 1966, ayacht with three persons aboard was re-ported ashore at the north end of Largsbay. At 9.45 the IRB was launched in astrong south south westerly wind and arough sea. The IRB towed the yacht toLargs pier. On the way to her station theIRB crew noticed the motor boatSamantha filling with water at her moor-ings. She, too, was towed to Largs pier.The IRB returned to her station at 11.30.

NORTH-EAST DISTRICT

Amble, Northumberland - At 7.45p.m. on I5th August, 1966, a sailingdinghy was in distress outside the harbourentrance. The IRB was launched at 7.50in a north westerly breeze. It was lowwater. The IRB rescued the dinghy'screw of three who had managed to boardthe dinghy after being thrown into the seawhen she broached to in the brokenwater on the harbour bar. The life-boatMillie Walton stood by as the IRB re-turned to her station at 8.25.

Tynemouth, Northumberland - At12.38 p.m. on loth August, 1966, thenorth pier light-keeper reported that asmall boat with a broken down outboardmotor was in difficulties off the pier. TheIRB was launched at 12.43 in a southwesterly gale and heavy seas. It was threehours after high water. The IRB reachedthe casualty and towed the boat back tothe beach. The IRB returned to herstation at 1.15.

At 5.17 p.m. on i2th August, 1966, asmall boat was in distress to the east ofthe pier. At 5.30 the IRB was launched ina slight swell and an easterly breeze. Itwas just before high water. The IRBfound a boat being towed by a motor boatand checked outside the harbour to deter-mine whether she was the reportedcasualty. On returning, it was seen thatthe tow had been cast off in the harbour,but the small boat had again broken down.She was taken in tow by the IRB and herthree occupants landed on the beach. TheIRB returned to her station at 6.1.

Redcar, Yorkshire - At 4.10 p.m. on28th August, 1966, a small boat was indistress half a mile off the beach betweenMarske and Redcar. At 4.12 the IRB waslaunched in a moderate sea with a southeasterly wind. It was one hour after highwater. The IRB reached the boat, theMarney Lunn, which had engine failure,and took her in tow, reaching her station4.40.

Cullercoats, Northumberland - At2.15 p.m. on 25th August, 1966, a canoe

275

was reported to have capsized 150 yardseast south east of Cullercoats harbour.The IRB was immediately launched in amoderate northerly breeze with a mod-erate swell. It was two and a half hoursafter high water. The occupant of thecanoe was rescued and the IRB returnedto her station at 2.40.

SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT

Southwold, Suffolk - At 4.41 p.m. on28th August, 19663 a small outboarddinghy was reported to have capsized onthe bar outside the harbour entrance. At4.45 the IRB was launched in a southeasterly breeze and a moderate swell. Itwas low water. The IRB picked up one ofthe occupants of the dinghy and tookaboard the other occupant who had beenpicked up by a rowing boat, which wastowed back to the beach. The IRB thentowed in the dinghy, returning to herstation at 5.30.

At 4.5 p.m. on ist August, 1966, asmall yacht was noticed aground on thesand bar at the harbour entrance. It wasbeing pounded by breaking seas. At 4.12the IRB was launched in a north northeasterly wind and a rough sea. It was onehour before low water. The crew of theyacht Calypso - a man and his two sons -were taken off and landed, then the IRBstood by as attempts were made to refloatthe yacht. These were later abandoned,and the yacht sank. A helicopter was alsocalled out. The IRB returned to herstation at 5.25.

At 9.30 a.m. on 23rd August, 1966, asmall outboard dinghy was reported tohave capsized on the shoal outside theharbour. The IRB was launched at 9.35in a north westerly breeze. It was at highwater. The IRB picked up a man and asmall boy, in a state of exhaustion who wereclinging to the dinghy's hull. They werelanded at the station at 10 o'clock andtaken to hospital where they recovered.A helicopter was also alerted.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston,Norfolk - At 11.6 a.m. on loth August,1966, information was received that a girl

276

bather was drifting out to sea on an airbed. At ii.8 the IRB was launched in asouth westerly wind and a slight sea. Itwas just after low water. The girl wasrescued and taken to the beach. The IRBreturned to her station at 11.35. A R.A.F.helicopter was also called out.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex - At 2.55p.m. on 20th August, 1966, a dinghywas washed ashore at the ThamesEstuary yacht club. The IRB waslaunched at 3.2 in a slight south easterlybreeze and calm sea to search. The tidewas flooding. The IRB rescued twopeople. She returned to her station at3.50.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT

Eastney, Hampshire - At 11.50 a.m.on gth August, 1966, a number of peoplewere reported stranded on the East Win-ner bank. At 12.5 the IRB was launchedin a choppy sea and a south westerlywind. It was two hours after low water.The IRB picked up three adults andthree children, transferred them to theharbour master's launch, and returned toher station at 12.25.

Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent - At I p.m.on ist August, 1966, a sailing dinghy wasreported in difficulties with a torn sailabout one and a half miles offshore. TheIRB was launched at 1.2 in a strongsouth westerly wind and a rough sea. Itwas 40 minutes after high water. Anunsuccessful attempt was made to tow inthe dinghy, and eventually her occupantshad to be transferred to the IRB and thedinghy abandoned. The survivors werelanded, and the IRB returned to herstation at 1.25.

At 1.45 p.m. on i4th August, 1966,an IRB crew member informed thehonorary secretary that a sailing dinghyhad capsized and, although havingrighted her, the crew were making noheadway in the direction of the shore.The IRB was launched at 1.55, nearlythree hours after high water, in a southwesterly breeze and a moderate sea.When the IRB reached the casualty, a 10

year old boy was taken aboard, and hisfather stayed in the dinghy while it wasbeing towed. After the dinghy had againcapsized, the father was also taken aboard,the dinghy righted by the crew, andsuccessfully towed back to the IRBstation, arriving at 2.55.

Exmouth, Devon - At 5.50 p.m. onagth August, 1966, two boys were re-ported trapped by the tide at Parson andClarke point. The IRB was launched at6.5 in a westerly breeze and a slight sea.It was one hour before high water. Theboys were picked up and landed onDawlish beach. The IRB returned to herstation at 6.51.

Mudeford, Hampshire - At 2.40p.m. on 3rd August, 1966, informationwas received that a sailing dinghy hadcapsized in the harbour and her crewappeared to be in difficulties. She hadbeen under observation for some time.The IRB was launched at 2.45 in a galeforce south westerly wind and a choppysea. It was high water. When she reachedthe casualty she found that the crew werestruggling to right the dinghy, whosemast was stuck in the mud. The IRBrighted the dinghy, took her occupantsaboard, and towed her ashore. The IRBreturned to her station at 3.5.

SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT

Newquay, Cornwall - At 1.30 p.m.on 28th August, 1966, while on passageto Fistral, the crew of the IRB saw twoskin divers in difficulties offCrebba rocks.There was a south easterly wind with amoderate swell. It was three hours afterlow water. The skin divers were takenashore at Little Fistral. The IRB con-tinued on her way at 1.47.

At 7.21 p.m. on 20th August, 1966,four youths were reported to have beencut off by the tide at Barrowhead. At 7.25the IRB was launched in a light northerlybreeze and a moderate swell. It was fivehours after low water. The four youthswere rescued. The IRB arrived back ather station at 7.35.

Borth, Cardiganshire - At 3.20 p.m.on 2oth August, 1966, a skin diver wasreported missing off the causeway atWallog. At 3.24 the IRB was launched ina north easterly wind. The tide was ebb-ing. The missing diver was spotted abouta quarter of a mile north of the causewayand was picked up. The IRB returned toher station at 5 o'clock.

Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire - At 4p.m. on 5th August, 1966, a speedboatwas stated to have capsized off Gimblettrock and its occupants were in the water.The IRB was launched at 4.10 in amoderate sea with a corresponding westsouth westerly breeze. It was low water.The speedboat's crew of three were res-cued and landed, and the speedboat thenrecovered. The IRB returned to herstation at 6.30.

The Mumbles, Glamorganshire -At 12.45 P-m- on 4tn August, 1966, avisitor on the sea front informed thecoxswain that a small sailing craft withthree people on board had capsized in themiddle of Swansea Bay. The IRB waslaunched at 12.43 in a strong westerlywind and a moderate sea. It was fivehours after high water. She righted theyacht and towed the casualty to the life-boat house. The IRB returned to herstation at 1.15.

At 9 p.m. on i3th August, 1966, awitness informed the coxswain that asmall boat with four occupants was indifficulties in Swansea bay. At 9.5 theIRB was launched in a moderate sea anda south westerly wind. It was four hoursafter high water. The casualty was foundto have a fouled anchor and a brokendown engine. She was towed to the IRBstation, which was reached at 9.30.

At 2.50 p.m. on I5th August, 1966, asmall dinghy was reported to be driftingabout three miles offshore. The enginehad failed. It had three persons on board.At 2.55 the IRB was launched in a wester-ly wind and a moderate sea. It was fourafter low water. The IRB took the dinghyin tow, and returned to her station at 4.5.

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By courtesy of ] [North Wales Press Agency

A nice turn by the Flint IRB.

Porthcawl, Glamorganshire - At1.5 p.m. on 27th August, 1966, a batherwas reported in difficulties. The IRB waslaunched at 1.7 in an easterly breeze, twohours after low water. The bather, a boyof n, was picked up exhausted. He waslanded and taken to hospital where hewas detained for 24 hours. The IRBreturned to her station at 1.20.

At 7.26 p.m. on igth August, 1996,two life-guards were noticed drifting outto sea off Locks Common on their surfboards. The IRB was launched at 7.29.It was five hours after low water. Thelife-guards were landed safely, and theIRB returned at 8.5. The life-guards hadgone to assist two women thought to becut off by the tide, which proved toopowerful for the life-guards. The womenwere, in fact, safe.

See page 279 for other IRB launches.

MAY

SCOTTISH DISTRICT

Thurso, Caithness-shire - At 6.2p.m. on 2nd May, 1966, it was reportedthat a small fishing boat was drifting onto rocks at St. John's Point, Mey. The

278

life-boat Pentland (Civil Service No. 31)was launched at 6.30 in a slight southeasterly wind and a slight sea. It was onehour before high water. When she wasoff Dunnet Head the life-boat receivedan R/T message that the casualty - them.f.v. Rose Valley of Wick - was under-way and proceeding slowly towardsStroma harbour. As the vessel's enginewas still faulty the life-boat towed herto Scrabster harbour, arriving back onstation at 11.35.

NORTH-WEST DISTRICT

Largs, Ayrshire - At 6.50 p.m. on25th May, 1966, a message was receivedthat a motor boat had broken down offAshcraig, between Largs and Skel-morlie. The IRB was launched at 7.15in a moderate to fresh south westerlywind and a slightly choppy sea. Shefound the motor boat, which had enginefailure, about a quarter of a mile offshore and drifting towards the shore.There were five people on board. TheIRB towed the casualty back to Largs.She returned to her station at 8.30.

At ii a.m. on 28th May, 1966, whileout on exercise, the crew of the IRB sawa dinghy capsize. There was a strong

south south easterly wind and a swell, yard-arm to the IRB station at Mudeford,When the IRB reached the dinghy one and the Highcliffe Sailing Club hasof her crew had to go overboard to assist contributed £30 towards the cost of itsin getting the dinghy's crew - a man and installation. The mast, incidentally, wasa young boy - aboard the IRB. The from a sailing boat owned by Mr.dinghy was righted and towed to Cairnie's Derham's grandfather.quay. Information was then received thattwo catamarans were missing. The IRB i icarried out a search and found them | CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS |beached at Fairlie. She returned to her Ad¥ertisemei)tSi with remittance, should be sentstation at 12.30 p.m. to Cheiron Press, 3 Cork Street, London, W.I

(Tel. Regent 5301). Rate 1s. per word; minimumiyi 4. charge £1. Panels £4 an inch.

BINOCULARS. 20% Discount, all makes,Mr. K. Der ham, of Mudeford, Christ- Nascroft Trading Co., 164 Manor Road,

church, Hants., has given a mast and Chigwell, Essex. Tel. 01-500-0033. _

OTHER IRB LAUNCHESIn addition to the services by IRBs which resulted in saving lives and which are recorded in full

on pages 240, 255 and 274, the following launches on service were made during the months of Juneto August, 1966, inclusive:

Aberdovey, Merionethshire - August 29th.Abersoch, Caernarvonshire - June I3th, July i8th, August yth and I3th.Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire - July i6th (twice), August yth, 8th and 2ist (twice).Atlantic College, Glamorganshire - August iSth and 2ist.Barrow, Lancashire - August 28th.Bembridge, Isle of Wight - June 6th, July 5th and 3Oth.Blackpool, Lancashire - June 2ist, July 3rd, roth, 2Oth (twice), August 8th and 29th.Blyth, Northumberland - June gth and I2th.Borth, Cardiganshire - June i8th, July I9th, August 3rd and 2oth (twice).Bournemouth, Hampshire - June 24th and July I2th.Bridlington, Yorkshire - June i8th, 28th, July 26th and 28th.Brighton, Sussex - June 13th, July 9th, August 4th and 26th.Broughty Ferry, Angus - July 3rd, I9th, 24th, August ist iyth and 19th.Bude, Cornwall - June 29th, July 2ist, August 2ist and 28th.Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex - June 3rd and J9th.Clacton-on-Sea, Essex - August 29th.Conway, Caernarvonshire - July I9th, August 5th, 6th, yth and 2yth.Cullercoats, Northumberland - June lyth and July 22nd.Eastbourne, Sussex - August 5th (twice).Eastney, Hampshire - June 3Oth, July loth, 3ist, August 28th (twice) and 2gth.Exmouth, Devon - June nth, lyth, 2ist, 26th, July 28th, August 4th, I3th, and 2ist.Filey, Yorkshire - June 13th, July i6th, 3Oth, 3ist, August I9th and 2yth.Fleetwood, Lancashire - July 4th, 6th and August 28th.Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk - June 8th, lyth, I9th, 22nd, August 5th and

12th (twice).Happisburgh, Norfolk - July 2Oth, 24th, 29th, August loth and 2ist.Harwich, Essex - June 4th, 5th, igth, 2Oth and 2yth.Hastings, Sussex - June I2th, 26th, July I2th, igth, 28th, 3ist, August I3th (twice), 25th

and 2gth.Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire - June nth, July lyth, 24th, and August 5th.Humber Mouth (Cleethorpes), Lincolnshire - June 4th and I4th.Kinghorn, Fifeshire - August yth, I3th, I5th and igth.Kippford, Kirkcudbrightshire - July 2ist, August loth and i8th.Largs, Ayrshire - June I2th, 25th, August 9th (thrice), I3th, I4th (thrice).Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent - July 5th, August 9th and 3Oth.Llandudno, Caernarvonshire - June nth, I2th, July 2nd (twice), loth, iSth, 22nd (twice),

25th, 2yth (twice), August 4th, 5th, 6th, I4th and i6th.

279-

Lymington, Hampshire — July 3Oth and August 3151.Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire - July loth, I5th, August I3th and I5th.Margate, Kent - June igth, 26th, July 23rd, 3ist, August nth, lyth and l8th.Moelfre, Anglesey - June 5th, igth, 23rd (twice), July 2Oth, 22nd and August loth (twice)Morecambe, Lancashire - July 4th.Mudeford, Hampshire - June igth, July 1st, 8th, 24th, 3ist and August 24th.Newquay, Cornwall - June 3rd, 5th, I2th, i8th, 26th, 27th, 28th, July 3rd (twice), 14th

igth, 2ist, 24th, 3ist, August 2nd, 3rd, i6th, iyth, i8th (twice), igth, 26th and 29th.North Sunderland, Northumberland - June 4th, I5th, July iyth and 28th.Porthcawl, Glamorganshire - June 1st, 8th, 29th and August 2ist.Port Talbot, Glamorganshire - July i6th and August 25th.Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire - June I3th, igth, July igth and 25th.Redcar, Yorkshire - June 26th.Rye Harbour, Sussex - July gth, August 9th and iyth.St. Ives, Cornwall - June nth, i8th, 28th, 29th, July loth, I4th (twice), i6th (twice), 20th

2ist (twice), 26th, 3ist, August 5th, 9th, I2th, I4th, i8th, 25th and 28th.Scarborough, Yorkshire - July 3rd, August I2th, 15* and 28th.Skegness, Lincolnshire - June 3rd, 4th, July I4th (twice)3 23rd, 24th, August 2nd, I3tfc

I4th, 15th and 24th.Southend-on-Sea, Essex June I2th, i6th, igth (twice), 2oth, 25th, 27th, July loth, iyth

23rd, 24th, August I3th, I4th and 2Oth.Southwold, Suffolk - July 6th, 27th, 28th, 3131, August i6th and 2ist.Sunderland, Durham - June 4th, July 2nd, gth, I5th, 26th, 3Oth and August 15th.The Mumbles, Glamorganshire - June I ith, 28th, August 3rd, 5th and 3Oth.Torbay, Devon - June i8th, July 2ist and August igth.Tynemouth, Northumberland - June 4th, 5th, 2oth, July I2th, 22nd, August 1st and 6tlWalmer, Kent - June I2th and August 8th.West Kirby, Cheshire - June 23rd, July 7th and 2Oth.West Mersea, Essex - Tune igth, 23rd (twice), July 9th (twice).Weston-super-Mare, Somerset - August 7th and 22nd.Whitby, Yorkshire - June 2nd, 23rd, 3Oth and July 3Oth.Whitstable, Kent - June 2ist (twice), 26th, 29th, July loth, August 7th, 8th, I4th (twice

and 25th.Worthing, Sussex - June I2th, I3th, August nth, 22nd and 3ist.Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - June loth, I4th, i6th, July 3rd, 26th and 3oth.

CAPSIZING TESTS ON 44-002

by courtesy of] [Ford Jenkins

As we closed for press the life-boat 44-002 John F. Kennedy, the first of theInstitution's fleet of six 44-ft. steel life-boats, was undergoing trials at Lowestoft,Suffolk. Here she is shown during capsizing and self-righting tests at the shipyard

of Brooke Marine Ltd.280