THE LIFE-BOAT...554 THE LIFE-BOAT [DECEMBER, 1963 Norwegian Life-boat Institution, which was hel od 13th/14tn Septemberh , Coxswain Hubert Peti ot f St. Pete r Port, Guernsey, receive

THE LIFE-BOATThe Journal of the Royal National Life-boat Institution

VOL. XXXVII DECEMBER, 1963 No. 406

Notes of the Quarter

A NUMBER of important developmentstook pJace during the late summer of1963 in the process, which is a con-tinuous and unending one, of moderniz-ing and improving the life-boat fleet.A decision was taken to install ultra highfrequency radio telephones in all life-boats. At the same time it was decidedto install very high frequency (frequencymodulation) equipment in a number oflife-boats for direct ship-to-shore com-munications with certain coastguardand port control stations. Details ofthese new methods of communicationand their advantages are given in anarticle on page 557.

NEW DEVELOPMENTSAt the meeting of the Committee of

Management at which these decisionswere taken it was also decided to adaptthe life-boat stations at Kirkcudbright,Seaham and St. Abbs to allow newlife-boats of the 37-foot type to beplaced there, and to equip the life-boatsat Bembridge, Hartlepool, Montroseand Peterhead with new and morepowerful diesel engines.

The process of modernization is notonly unending but also inevitably ex-pensive. The new U.H.F. and V.H.F.(P.M.) sets will be installed on a hiremaintenance basis at an annual rental ofabout £15,000. The structural work onthe three stations will cost more than£11,000, and the new engines will costmore than £8,000.

The experiment which was first triedout in the summer of 1963 of placingfast inshore rescue boats at a number ofselected points on the coast was un-questionably successful, and the Institu-tion has decided to provide up to 25 ofthese boats next summer. There is littledoubt that they will serve a valuable pur-

pose in reducing the number of casual-ties which occur at sea in the summermonths. The experiences of 1963 haveonce again shown that the calls on thelife-saving services during the summerare remarkably - it might even be saidalarmingly - high. From the beginningof May until the end of September, forexample, life-boats were launched onservice no fewer than 467 times. Theyrescued 215 lives.

Evidence of the success of the inshorerescue scheme is also provided by fig-ures. In 1962 the number of rescues orattempted rescues by shore boats whichwere brought to the Institution's noticein the summer months was 98, the num-ber of lives rescued being 133. In 1963 theInstitution learnt of no fewer than 226rescues or attempted rescues, as a resultof which 225 lives were saved.

The value of inshore rescue boatsduring the winter months is a questionwhich is being investigated by a seriesof empirical tests. The Institution haschosen three points at which to stationthese boats during the winter months of1963-64 in order that they may be triedout in a variety of testing conditions.The three places selected are the life-boat station at Great Yarmouth andGorleston, the Outward Bound SeaSchool at Aberdovey, and AtlanticCollege, St. Donat's Castle, LlantwitMajor, Glamorganshire. The results ofthese trials are likely to be instructive.

NORWEGIAN AWARDA pleasant ceremony took place at

Bodo in Norway, which again illustratedthe close co-operation between the life-boat services of different countriesand the respect and admiration felt forthe crews of life-boats all over the world.At the Annual General Meeting of the

554 THE LIFE-BOAT [DECEMBER, 1963

Norwegian Life-boat Institution, whichwas held on 13th/14th September,Coxswain Hubert Petit of St. Peter Port,Guernsey, received the Norwegian Insti-tution's gold medal for outstandingseamanship and bravery. The awardwas made for the service in which theSt. Peter Port life-boat rescued nine menfrom the Norwegian motor vessel JohanCollett on the night of 5th/6th Februarythis year. The Norwegian Institution'ssilver cup with diploma was alsoawarded to Motor Mechanic E. C.Pattimore and to another member ofthe crew, John Petit.

Coxswain Petit's medal was presentedby the President of the Norwegian Life-boat Institution, Commodore OlafBjornstad. It was only the third goldmedal to be awarded and the first fora life-saving service. The other two goldmedals were awarded to the King ofNorway and the Secretary of the Nor-wegian Life-boat Institution.

THE INSTITUTION'S FLAGA schoolmaster from the Faroe

Islands, Mr. Alex Solstein, who hap-pened to be passing through GrosvenorGardens, was struck by the similarity ofthe design of the R.N.L.I. flag, which isflown outside the headquarters, and theFaroe Islands flag. He therefore calledto make enquiries about the origin ofthe Institution's flag.

The information for which he askedwas not immediately available from theInstitution's records, but we are in-debted to Mr. I. O. Evans, an historianof the life-boat service who is also anexpert on the history of flags. From himit has been learnt that the Institution'sflag was designed about 1884 by MissLeonora Preston, a sister of a memberof the Committee of Management. Ithas been known as the "house flag"since 1908, and from 1920 onwards ithas been the custom to have it paintedon the bows of all life-boats.

LIFE-BOAT LIMERICKThe Encyclopaedia Britannica quotes

the following as an example of a wellknown limerick:

"The life-boat that's kept at TorquayIs intended to float in the suay:The crew and the coxswainAre sturdy as oxswain,And as smart and as brave as can

buay."An enquiry made through the cor-

respondence columns of the "DailyTelegraph" was answered by Mr. P. V.Mataraly, of Lansdown, Bath, whostates that the limerick appears inLangford Reed's Complete LimerickBook published in 1925. The author isstated to be A. P. Trotter.

Bronze Medal For Norfolk Second CoxswainAT half past nine on the evening ofSaturday the 18th May, 1963, the Wellscoastguard told the honorary secretary,Dr. E. W. Hicks, that a cabin cruiserwas aground at the entrance to Blake-ney harbour.

The life-boat Cecil Paine, which is a35-foot 6-inch Liverpool type, waslaunched at 10.5 with Francis Taylor thesecond coxswain in charge. The hon-orary secretary was also on board. Thedelay in launching was due to the stateof the tide. The tractor and carriage hadto negotiate deep water before reachingthe launching site. There was a strong

breeze from the west-north-west and arough sea. It was low water.

The life-boat reached the casualtyforty-five minutes later. She wasaground on the bar but had let go ananchor which had fouled, making theboat lie with her stern to the seas whichwere breaking on board and graduallyfilling her. The cruiser, the Seamu, ofFrinton, with a crew of two on board,was constantly under observation by thewarden of the Blakeney Point birdsanctuary. He assisted the rescue opera-tion by passing information to thecoastguard, who relayed it to the life-boat.

DECEMBER, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 555

In her first exploratory approach tothe Seamu the life-boat touched bottomon a sandbank before she could getclose enough to render assistance.Second Coxswain Taylor then workedhis boat westward round the sandbankand anchored about 200 yards from theSeamu. The life-boat's searchlight wasthen trained on the cruiser.

At eleven o'clock Second CoxswainTaylor found there was sufficient wateron the sandbank for the life-boat tocross, and he took her about ninetyyards upwind of the Seamu, where helet go his anchor again. By this time thewind had increased to near gale forceand the sky had become overcast withpoor visibility.

Four Attempts to go AlongsideFrom this position the life-boat was

veered down on the anchor cable andfour attempts had to be made beforethe life-boat could get alongside theSeamu. At the fourth attempt the life-boat was alongside for a few secondsand the Seamu's crew of two werepulled on board the life-boat. But in

these few seconds the life-boat bumpedagainst the cruiser's quarter and wasslightly damaged.

Anchor Cable Parted

The life-boat then hauled clear andSecond Coxswain Taylor stood by in thehope that there would be an opportunityto take the Seamu in tow, but heranchor cable parted and she was drivenashore on the beach near the coast-guard look-out. When this happened thelife-boat sailed for her station, whereshe arrived at 3.15 on the morning ofMay 19.

For this service, undertaken in haz-ardous conditions, the bronze medalfor gallantry was awarded to SecondCoxswain Taylor, D.S.M., and medalservice certificates were issued to the sixother members of the crew: BowmanJohn Cox, Motor Mechanic James Cox,Assistant Mechanic Alan Cox and toRobert Taylor, Barry Leggatt, AlanCooper, as well as to Dr. E. W. Hicks,honorary secretary. Additional mon-etary awards were made.

Night Launch to Capsized DinghyABOUT 10.45 on the night of Thursday,the 13th of December, 1962, the motorboat Zephyr, with Mr. John Smith theowner, who is a member of the Long-hope life-boat crew, and William Mowaton board, returned to her moorings atNorth Bay, Longhope. Mr. HughScatter, junr., who had been driving hisvan from South Walls, knowing theZephyr was due, stopped to see if shehad arrived.

Headlights Shone on BoatHearing a shout Mr. Scatter turned

his van round so that the headlightsilluminated the motor boat. All appear-ed to be in order, so he walked downto the shore to await the arrival of thetwo men in their dinghy. It was then anhour and a quarter before high waterand there was a moderate gusting to

fresh south-westerly breeze with a shortsteep sea. The sky was overcast and itwas raining heavily.

Hearing further shouts, Mr. Seatterrealized someone was in the water andran to the nearest cottage to raise thealarm. Since there was no boat immed-iately available he got back into his vanand drove at full speed to his house atMelsetter Farm, half a mile away, andcalled out his employee, Mr. AngusHeddle.

Together they lifted Mr. Seatter'sflat-bottomed 10-foot dinghy into thevan and raced back to the shore. Theythen launched the dinghy and pulledtowards the area where the shouts hadbeen heard. Mr. Seatter took the oarswhile Mr. Heddle searched with a torch.

They found nothing in their firstsweep and returned to the Zephyr.

They then searched down wind and


about 250 yards from the motor boatsighted her dinghy capsized. Some 20yards further on they found Mr. Smith,and Mr. Heddle pulled him aboard thedinghy while Mr. Scatter kept the boattrimmed. Almost immediately they sawMr. Mowat floating face downwards.There was no room to get Mr. Mowatinto the boat so Mr. Heddle lay over thebows and held him under his arms whileMr. Seatter pulled for the shore. Bothmen were apparently unconscious.

It was now about half past eleven.The short, steep sea was beginning tofill the overladen boat, and they wereunable to make for the nearest landwhich lay to windward. They pulleddownwind and about ten minutes latercame ashore near a school about half amile south-east of the Zephyr's mooring.By this time the dinghy was half full ofwater and in danger of sinking.

Mr. James Swanson, a member of the

crew of the Longhope life-boat, wadedout to meet them and brought Mr.Mowat ashore. He immediately applieddirect mouth to mouth resuscitation andsucceeded in bringing him round. Bythis time other members of the life-boatcrew had arrived with a larger boat,which they had carried overland fromAith Hope and launched at the scene ofthe accident. They brought Mr. Smithashore, but Mr. Swanson's efforts torevive him failed. Mr. Swanson hasbeen awarded the Resuscitation Certi-ficate of the Royal Humane Society.

Neither Could SwimIt was later reported by the Institu-

tion's District Inspector who investi-gated the case that neither Mr. Seatternor Mr. Heddle could swim. For thisservice the thanks of the Institution in-scribed on vellum have been accordedto Mr. Hugh Seatter, junr., and toMr. Angus Heddle.

Vellums Awarded to Three MenAT Porthclais harbour in Pembroke-shire about 3.30 on the afternoon ofFriday the 19th of July, 1963, Mr. B. J.Williams heard a woman shouting thata man had fallen over the cliff. With thehelp of a friend, Mr. T. J. Davies,Mr. Williams immediately decided toput out in his 10-foot fibre-glass dinghywhile another friend, Mr. J. Hier ofHayes, Middlesex, volunteered to goalong the cliff path to give what helphe could.

Guided by People on CliffsOn reaching the boat Mr. Williams

and Mr. Davies found that the engineand rowlocks were missing, but anoutboard engine and rowlocks wereborrowed from another boat anchorednear by. Unfortunately the engineclamps would not fit the chocks on thetransom of Mr. Williams' boat and theengine had to be held in position byhand.

On leaving the harbour the two men

found that there was a moderate breezefrom the south-west and a considerableswell from previous weather. The sceneof the accident - about a mile and ahalf away - was reached in 20 minutes,the dinghy being guided by people onthe cliffs.

In the meantime Mr. Hier hadclimbed down the cliff to the injuredman.

In the shelter of Crow Rock Mr.Davies was able to scramble ashore onto the rocks. Mr. Williams managed tokeep the boat alongside while the heavyand badly injured man was got into theboat over the stern. To facilitate this theengine had to be removed. The man wasthen placed under the thwarts and Mr.Hier joined the boat for the returnjourney.

Most Dangerous Part of RescueThere was considerable danger that

the boat would plough her stem underwhen the stern was lifted by following


seas, and with the wind, sea and swellon the starboard quarter it was difficultto handle the boat, which might easilyhave broached to. This third, and mostdangerous part of the rescue, lasted halfan hour.

The whole operation was watched byCouncillor S. W. Mortimer, a formerSt. David's life-boat coxswain, who

reported the rescue to the Haverford-west Rural District Council, who inturn reported it to the Institution.

For this service the thanks of theInstitution inscribed on vellum havebeen accorded to Mr. J. T. Davies andMr. B. J. Williams of St. David's,Pembrokeshire, and Mr. J. Hier ofHayes, Middlesex.

The Change to Ultra High FrequencyEFFICIENT means of communication atsea between life-boats and aircraft havebeen of growing importance in recentyears. Particularly vital is the link be-tween life-boats and helicopters, forthe number of services in which life-boats and helicopters co-operate hasbeen increasing rapidly. In 1961, forinstance, the number of such serviceswas 57; in 1962 it was 141.

Until a few years ago the methods bywhich the coxswain of a life-boat and apilot of a helicopter communicated atsea were somewhat cumbersome. Anycall had to pass through the G.P.O.coast station, the coastguard and theaircraft's base. An important changeoccurred in 1956 when the Institutiondecided to install very high frequencyradio telephones. As a result there was adirect link at sea between helicopter andlife-boat, and the value of this link hasbeen proved over and over again.

Much Less InterferenceThe helicopters which normally take

part in sea rescue operations are allprovided by the Royal Navy or theRoyal Air Force, and the Services arenow abandoning the very high fre-quency of 123.1 m/cs., which has hithertobeen in use. Instead they are commu-nicating in the ultra high frequencyband. Their calling and distress fre-quency is now 243 m/cs., and the"Search and Rescue - Scene of Action"frequency is 282.8 m/cs.

The ultra high frequency sets aremuch less subject to interference andvoices are heard more distinctly. The

R.N.L.I. has therefore decided to makethe same change from very high fre-quency to ultra high frequency as theServices have done, and a contract hasbeen entered into for the hire and main-tenance of 170 ultra high frequency sets.They will be fitted in all life-boats inthe active and reserve fleet. The annualcost will be £15,000.

Harbour Control and Radar ServiceAnother important decision which

has been taken by the Institution is toinstall very high frequency (frequencymodulation) equipment in a number oflife-boats. The International MaritimeVHF/FM band is now being usedextensively by shipping for communica-tion with certain shore stations as wellas for harbour control and radar advi-sory services. The number of life-boatswithin range of such shore stations islimited, and at present 25 life-boatsonly can be fitted with the VHF/FMsets. H.M. Coastguard and the Institu-tion's life-boats will also be able to com-municate on Channel O (156.0 m/cs.).

These new and important forms ofcommunication do not mean that theexisting medium frequency radio tele-phones fitted in all life-boats are out-dated or can be dispensed with. Thesesets will continue to be used for thepassing of all messages in services inwhich other shipping is involved. TheVHF/FM sets will normally be usedonly when inshore rescue serviceswhich do not call for the help of othershipping are being carried out.


Medical Aspects of the Life-boat Service*

by GEOFFREY HALE, M.B.E., M.B., B.ch.

ESTABLISHED by Sir William Hillary in1824 when the seas around the BritishIsles were crowded with small sailingvessels, fishing and carrying cargoes, theR.N.L.I. was primarily concerned withsaving lives from shipwreck. One of theoriginal suggestions of the founder wasthat a doctor should be attached to eachlife-boat station; and although manydoctors around the coast have joined inthe work it was not until after the lastwar that it became the general policy ofthe Institution that each station shouldhave an honorary medical adviser. Un-doubtedly this has had the effect ofraising the standard of first aid amongthe life-boat crews.

Apart from calls that result in thelife-boat rendering no service at all andthose numerous occasions when cold,lost, frightened and bruised survivorsare given general attention, first aid insome form is required in about onefifth of the services (90-100 a year). Onhalf these occasions there is enoughwarning for a local doctor to go out withthe boat. As a rescue service theR.N.L.I.'s medical problems are notwith the long-term survival of cast-aways, but with resuscitation, first aidduring the journey to port, and themovement of casualties often in verydifficult conditions.

Calls Through Medico Service

Calls for service generally come toR.N.L.I. stations through the Coast-guard, and these include a number thathave originated in the G.P.O. MedicoService for ships at sea. By this radiotelephone service the G.P.O. provides arapid means for ships to obtain medicaladvice and assistance.

On the occasions when there is adoctor on board the life-boat, whichnumber 45-50 a year, he will be able toperform or direct the resuscitation and

* This article is reproduced by kindpermission of Medical News.

treatment, but there remain a numberof occasions when the crews, being iso-lated, must know how to deal withemergencies themselves, though ofcourse it is often possible for them toobtain advice from a doctor on shoreover the radio-telephone.

The R.N.L.I. boats, except for a fewfast dinghies mentioned later in thearticle, are all between 35 ft. 6 in. and 52ft. long, built of wood, of shallowdraft and very buoyant. They are there-fore very lively, and the extremelyviolent movements they perform in aheavy sea both hamper and limit thefirst aid measures that can be under-taken.

Training of CrewsIn order that the crews may be as well

equipped as possible to preserve thelives of those they rescue the Institutiondoes all it can to encourage at least twomembers of each crew to obtain firstaid certificates from the St. John Ambu-lance or equivalent organizations, andprovides a first aid book written withthe special conditions in mind.

For moving casualties the Neil Rob-ertson stretcher, which can be foldedand stowed in a small space, is foundthe most practical. This stretcher, prop-erly applied, prevents the patient fromtaking panic action which might en-danger his life, and can be easily handledduring transit from one vessel toanother, or when lifted to a helicopter.It has been used as a strait-jacket torestrain a lunatic in transit to the shore.

The relief obtained when becomingairborne on the way to a helicopter,after being carried in a stretcher onboard a buoyant life-boat, has to beexperienced to be appreciated. There isno doubt that a helicopter gets thepatient to hospital in better condition,and this advantage is further increasedif a long road journey by ambulancecan also be eliminated. Fortunatelythere is very good co-operation betweenthe service helicopters round our coasts,


the Coastguard and the Royal NationalLife-boat stations, and thanks to mod-ern radio equipment we are able tokeep in direct communication with eachother when on service.

Authority for MorphineDoctors who go out with life-boats

take with them what they require, be-cause on board there is no more thanthe usual simple equipment a first aidercan use. But in some boats, whose firstaiders have received special instructionfrom their medical advisers, thus ful-filling regulations, authority has beengiven by the Home Office to carrymorphine in the form of tubunic am-poules containing ̂ grain of Omnopon.As more and more crews become quali-fied it is hoped that nearly all thoseseriously injured at sea will be able toobtain relief before reaching shore.

The whole crew is trained in resus-citation. They are taught both the "kissof life" and the Holger Nielsen methodsof artificial respiration. The mouth-to-mouth or nose-to-mouth methods aretaught by means of the ResusciannieMannikin. Great stress is laid upon theimportance of beginning resuscitationimmediately as a matter of the greatesturgency, if possible even before thepatient is lifted from the water. Byvirtue of their waterside work life-boat-men find opportunities of saving liveswith artificial respiration quite apartfrom their life-boat services, and at theend of last year one of them received theRoyal Humane Society's medal for re-suscitating a man found floating facedownwards in the water.

Cramped Conditions on BoardIt is not easy to accomplish artificial

respiration by any method in the cramp-ed conditions on board a life-boat whichis being tossed on a rough sea, so inorder to make the mouth-to-mouth, orexpired air, method more practical inthese conditions every life-boat carries asimple piece of apparatus. This consistsof a Brooke airway connected by apiece of unkinkable anaesthetic tubingto an inspiratory valve and mouthpiecewhich can be gripped in the rescuer'steeth. By this means the first aider can

perform expired air artificial respirationwith his head moving independently ofthe patient's head and with both handsfree to maintain the position of thepatient's jaw and the airway. With thisapparatus artificial respiration can alsobe maintained while the patient is beingcarried on a stretcher.

Since oxygen is the most efficient gaswith which to give artificial respirationa number of life-boats have been equip-ped to deliver oxygen at 7 Ibs to thesquare inch to three or four points onthe boat to which a tube leading to amask can be plugged.

In recent years there has been a greatincrease in the number of holiday-makers using our shores and coastalwaters with a corresponding increase inthe number of accidents happening toinexperienced bathers, boaters and cliffclamberers.

New Medical ProblemsMany of these have such rapidly fatal

results, even in calm weather, that onlyfast boats in the right place can hope toget there in time. For this reason theInstitution has begun to operate rubberdinghies with outboard motors capableof doing over 20 knots. These very fastrescue craft, which have already savedlives, have an action when at speed evenmore violent than the ordinary life-boat,and it will be of interest to see what newmedical problems they bring to light.

The following stories of accidentshave been extracted from the Institu-tion's records and serve to illustrate thekind of work done.

On October 30th, 1960, the coast-guard informed the coxswain of theHumber life-boat that a trawler with aninjured man was making for the Humberand that the services of a doctor wereurgently needed.

Three quarters of an hour later, at3 p.m., the life-boat was launched with adoctor, who had ten miles to come. Shemet the trawler 25 miles from SpurnPoint and put the doctor on board. Itwas too rough for the patient, whosearm was severely injured, to be trans-ferred to the life-boat till they wereunder the shelter of the land. Once in


the life-boat the patient was given asaline drip and injection by the doctorand he was later landed at Grimsby andtaken to the hospital. The life-boatreturned to her base just after midnight,the doctor probably after 7 a.m.

The patient had to have his arm am-putated but made a good recovery.

Dutch Vessel on Fire

On December 8th, 1962, in a roughsea, the Dutch motor vessel Temar wason fire and the Southend-on-Sea life-boat was launched. A tanker, two tugs,and a local boat had gone to the helpof the Temar, who reported she did notneed the life-boat. Nevertheless the cox-swain took the decision to continue ashe believed lives might be in danger.

He circled the Temar, and as he didso a man's head could be seen jammedin a cabin port-hole. A ship's boat hadalready put aboard the tanker's chiefengineer and others with an asbestossuit and oxygen breathing apparatus,but they could not reach the man.

Although the wind had increased to agale the coxswain was able to secure thelife-boat in the lee of the Temar andjust below the man's head.

Two members of the crew boardedthe Temar and took turns at keeping theman's head out of the port-hole bypulling on his ears while the coxswainand motor mechanic, although hinderedby smoke, administered oxygen eachtime the life-boat came up on a wave.Equipment from one of the tugs wasused to cut away the deck above thecabin and a jet of water was played onthe man to protect him from the effectsof the molten metal falling on his back.This enabled the chief engineer of thetanker in an asbestos suit to pull himfrom the cabin.

Call to Norwegian Vessel

The life-boat then took him to South-end where a doctor gave morphia.He was lifted ashore on a blanket toprevent pressure on his burns and ad-mitted to hospital.

At 8.45 p.m. on April 14th, 1963, thehonorary secretary of the Moelfre life-

boat was informed by the coastguardthat a Norwegian vessel had a sick manon board who needed a doctor. Therewas a strong gale from the south-westand a rough sea. At 9.5 p.m. the life-boat was launched with a doctor onboard, who boarded the motor vesseland decided to land the sick man. Hewas taken on board the life-boat withdifficulty as the motor vessel was drag-ging her anchor. Weather conditionswere too bad to land the patient eitherat Moelfre or Beaumaris and the life-boat then made for Menai bridge pier,where the patient and doctor were trans-ferred to a waiting ambulance. Whenthe weather moderated the life-boatreturned to Moelfre, arriving at 8,0 a.m.next day.

At 7.0 p.m. on May 18th, 1963, theHowth life-boat went to a cliff accident.There was a westerly gale and a high sea.With a small boat in tow they soonreached the scene. The small boat wentclose inshore with a stretcher, withwhich they were able to bring an in-jured boy to the life-boat, together withthree firemen who would have haddifficulty in climbing the cliff again. Theytook the patient back to Howth harbourpier, where he was transferred to anambulance.

Landed by HelicopterOn May llth, 1963, the Eastbourne

life-boat was launched in a very roughsea with an honorary medical adviser onboard and proceeded to the s.s. Onshun,where a man had received severe burns.The doctor went on board the steamer,and in view of the man's injuries andthe prevailing weather conditions ar-rangements were made for a helicopterto land both injured man and doctor.

On May 13th, 1963, as no other boatwas available the Galway Bay life-boatwas launched in a very strong westerlywind and a very rough sea to take adangerously ill woman from Aran to themainland at Rossaveel.

When the life-boat reached the main-land a team of doctors with a specialambulance were waiting to perform anemergency operation on the woman,who was then taken to hospital.

DECEMBER, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT

Five New Life-boats Named561

FIVE life-boats at stations as far apart asSunderland and Shoreham Harbourwere named during the last quarter. Onthe 4th of July at Sunderland a life-boatprovided out of a legacy left by MissEmily Myers was named. Mr. R. CyrilThompson, president of the Sunderlandbranch, opened the proceedings fol-lowed by Commander L. F. L. Hill, dis-trict inspector of life-boats, whodescribed the new boat, which is one ofthe 47-foot Watson type.

Miss Annie Myers, sister of the lateMiss Emily Myers, presented the life-boat to the Institution. The .boat wasaccepted by Field Marshal Sir FrancisFesting, a member of the Committeeof Management. Major Norman Dug-dale accepted the life-boat on behalf ofthe branch, of which he is honorarysecretary. There was an address by theMayor of Sunderland followed by thededication of the life-boat by the LordBishop of Jarrow.

Mrs. Marion Dawson named the life-boat William Myers and Sarah JaneMyers and a vote of thanks was pro-posed by Mr. John Short, chairman ofthe Sunderland branch, and seconded byMr. John Rutherford, honorary finan-cial secretary of the branch.

New Boulmer BoatAt Boulmer on the 6th of July a 37-foot

Oakley type life-boat was named by theDuchess of Northumberland. This sta-tion was established in 1825 and in 165launches has saved 228 lives.

The Duke of Northumberland openedthe proceedings and Commander Hilldescribed the life-boat. Mrs. M. C.Hardcastle presented the life-boat to theInstitution on behalf of the trustees ofthe late Mr. Hugh Robert Hardcastle,who provided the boat. Captain theHon. V. M. Wyndham-Quin, DeputyChairman of the Committee of Manage-ment, accepted the life-boat and handedher over to Brigadier Sir George Walton,Chairman of the Boulmer and Districtbranch.

The life-boat was dedicated by the

Rev. J. L. Crawley and a vote of thankswas proposed by Cllr. Miss A. M.White, chairman of the Boulmer ladies'life-boat guild. It was seconded by Mrs.S. H. Lishman, secretary of the Alnwickladies' life-boat guild. The life-boat wasthen named Robert and Dorothy Hard-castle.

Named by Princess MarinaThe weather at Shoreham Harbour on

the 18th of July was very bad and theaircraft bringing Princess Marina,Duchess of Kent, to the ceremony, hadto be diverted, but in spite of theappalling conditions Her Royal High-ness named the new life-boat in thepresence of a large crowd.

Mr. G. B. Crow, president of thebranch, opened the proceedings andLieut.-Commander W. L. G. Dutton,Chief Inspector of Life-boats, describedthe boat, a 42-foot Watson type, whichhad already been launched on servicetwice.

Mr. Philip Constant, on behalf ofhis wife and himself, donors of thelife-boat, presented her to the Institu-tion. She was accepted by Captain theHon. V. M. Wyndham-Quin and re-accepted on behalf of the branch byMr. J. C. Harrison, honorary secretary.The life-boat was dedicated by the Rt.Rev. J. H. Morrell, Bishop of Lewes.Mr. L. G. Jackson, chairman of thebranch, proposed a vote of thanks.

Princess Marina then named thelife-boat Dorothy and Philip Constant.

New Boat for LowestoftThe naming of the life-boat Frederick

Edward Crick at Lowestoft on the 25thof July was performed by the CountessHowe. This station was established in1801 and taken over by the Institutionin 1855.

The Mayor of Lowestoft opened theproceedings, and Lieut. E. D. Stogdon,south-eastern district inspector of life-boats, described the boat, which is of the47-foot Watson type. Captain the LordAilwyn, a Vice-president of the Institu-


tion, handed her over to Lady Somerley-ton, president of the Lowestoft branch.

The Rector of Lowestoft and RuralDean, the Rev. W. J. Westwood, dedica-ted the life-boat and a vote of thanks wasproposed by Mr. F. E. Catchpole,chairman of the branch. This wasseconded by Mr. E. K. Tucker, honorarystation secretary. The life-boat wasthen named by Lady Howe.

Large Crowd at SeahamA crowd of several thousands wit-

nessed the naming ceremony of theSeaham life-boat, which replaces theboat in which five members of the crewwere drowned while on service in Nov-ember 1962.

It was a fine day on the 21st Septem-ber when Mr. H. C. Wilson, chairman

of the Seaham branch, opened the pro-ceedings. Commander Hill describedthe 37-foot Oakley type life-boat, andMrs. A. C. Welch, daughter of the lateMr. and Mrs. Kirby, who donated theboat, presented her to the Institution.Professor E. A. Pask, a member of theCommittee of Management, acceptedthe life-boat and handed her over toCaptain R. Hudson, honorary secretaryof the branch.

The life-boat was dedicated by theRev. V. Roy Brain, Vicar of Seaham,and a vote of thanks was proposed byMrs. M. I. Robinson, Chairman of theSeaham Urban District Council, andseconded by Mr. W. F. Smith, branchhonorary treasurer. The life-boat wasthen named The Will and Fanny Kirbyby the Marchioness of Londonderry.

Centenary at New BrightonA centenary vellum has been awarded

to the life-boat station at New Brighton,Cheshire. The station was establishedby the Institution in 1863 after a meetinghad been held in Liverpool the previousyear, when it was stated that a life-boatpositioned at New Brighton would beable to reach wrecks quicker than thosestationed at Liverpool and run by theMersey Docks and Harbour Board.

The Institution's first life-boat at thestation was a tubular vessel and wasbuilt in Liverpool. She had a tremendoussend-off, having taken part in a "granddemonstration" in Liverpool. She ar-

rived at the station on the 24th January.In the following year a second life-boatwas added and at various times therehave been three stations operating sim-ultaneously.

The present New Brighton life-boatis of the 52-foot Barnett type and wasbuilt in 1950. The boat, Norman B.Corlett, was donated by Mr. W. E.Corlett and members of his family.

Twenty-four medals have beenawarded at this station—11 silver and13 bronze—the most recent being votedto Coxswain George Stonall in 1957 forthe rescue of the crew of a coaster.

New Ways of Raising Money

The following letter and a cheque for3Q dollars from Mr, Charles de BurghDaly (Chuck Daly) was received by hisaunt, Mrs. E. Stewart of Kilbrittain,Co. Cork, and forwarded to theCourtmacsherry life-boat branch:

"The. White House, Washington,U.S.A.

Gentlemen—Through the courtesyof Mrs. Stewart, you provided mewith one of your life-boat collectioncontainers. This has been docked onthe window ledge of my office forsome time. It will interest you toknow that every time Richard K.Donahue, a staff assistant to thePresident and an Irishman by heri-


tage and instinct, has entered thisroom he has deposited a coin or twoin the boat. He has even persuadedme to contribute.

The attached cheque for 30 dollarsrepresents the degree to which ourpockets have been lightened.

More power to the men who manyour boats - may their elbows neverweaken and their shadows never growless.

Sincerely - Chuck Daly."

There are, however, more painfulways of "lightening pockets" for theInstitution's funds as a certain lady insouth-east England found. She donatedan expensive model hat to a bring-and-buy coffee morning and suddenly fear-ing her husband's wrath, bought itback again.

A well-known yachtsman grantedMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer filming facili-ties at his north London home andinsisted that the location fee should besent to the Institution.

A farm house kitchen feast after anorganized pigeon shoot in Co. Corkbrought to light so much singing, danc-ing and story-telling talent that theguests departing in the early dawnbegged the host to give another party.He did so some weeks later in aid of theBallycotton life-boat branch; raised over£40 and planned a similar "hooley" atthe autumn lobster harvest.

A school girl in Fishguard gave upsweets for Lent and presented the result-ing £1 which she had saved to theR.N.L.I.

There was dirty work afoot at Waltonand Frinton life-boat week: a flour and

soot battle was organized outside thelife-boat house and a fashion show withthe crew, their wives, daughters andfriends as models. The crew displayedjeans while the ladies demonstratedbeach wear and bikinis.

A 12-year-old girl at Byfleet raised5/- a week throughout last winter bychopping firewood and keeping herneighbours supplied. The entire pro-ceeds were placed in a life-boat box.

One of the most original ways wasdevised by Paignton Sea Angler'sAssociation when they fished a competi-tion in aid of the R.N.L.I. They gaveaway over 1,000 scallop shells tovisitors. In return the visitors donated£21 in small coin.

The honorary secretary at DunmoreEast, Co. Waterford, organized a raffleon life-boat and regatta day. The drawwas carried out on the sea bed by mem-bers of a sub-aqua club.

A hairdressing competition was or-ganized in Scotland with the co-operation of Crosse and Blackwell andthree local hairdressers. Spectators werecharged 2/6d. a head, and as there wereno expenses the takings were all profit.

An electrician in Penmaenmawr, whooften does very small repairs for whichhe usually makes no charge, now askshis customers to put something in hislife-boat collecting box.

A family in Orpington has a hard ten-nis court which they often lend to friendsand neighbours. Instead of charging for


it they ask people to contribute to thelife-boat collecting box.

An Isle of Wight publican used to passa collecting box around his bar when-ever a glass was accidentally broken.During the Christmas season when thebreakage rate was high, the box oftentoured the inn with everyone contribut-ing.

At a garden fete held at Wallington,Surrey, an original feature was amuseum exhibiting Victorian curios andtreasures. They ranged from an auto-graphed letter from Felix Mendelssohnto a typewriter made in 1882. There wasalso a tooth said to have come from ahorse which died at the battle ofWaterloo.

A branch recently organized a carrally, treasure hunt and barbecue attheir local cricket club. It proved apopular event as it involved completefamilies and their friends. Starting inthe early afternoon, cars followed apre-arranged route along which ques-tions had to be answered and variousspecimens collected. The route ended atthe club.

One of the most curious ways ofraising money was evolved in Somersetwhen a group of boys competed in abarrel race on a river. The barrels werelashed upright in the centre of rafts andthe competitors had to paddle down thecourse. The event was made excitingas all the competitors wore fancy dressand the barrels were "dressed overall".

Veteran Life-boatmen's Dinner

ONE of the most unusual reunions in thehistory of the Isle of Wight life-boatservice took place in October when thedirectors of the Isle of Wight CountyPress entertained nineteen veterans ofthe old pulling and sailing life-boats to adinner at Newport.

Mr. W. G. Sibbick, J.P., a directorand consultant editor of the CountyPress, proposed the health of theveterans and said:

"Those present were the immediatesuccessors of those sturdy gallantpioneers (who had given their liveson life-boat service), inheriting theircourage and devotion - carrying onundaunted until their hardened mus-cles and lusty lungs had at last to giveway to the power of the petrol anddiesel engine."

Responding to his speech, Mr. G. F.Mew said that he was the last survivingmember of the crew of the Atherfieldlife-boat - the station was closed in 1915

- when he had joined he was the young-est and was now aged 84.

Not all those present were veterans interms of ages. One of the youngest wasMr. H. Morris, aged 54, who served inthe Brook life-boat until the stationclosed in 1937. He was accompanied byhis father, Mr. J. Morris, aged 89.

Sir Charles Baring, guest of honour,President of the Isle of Wight Life-boatBoard and a member of the Institution'sCommittee of Management, thankedthe County Press for their generosity.

The veterans present were F. C.Attrill (Bembridge), A. E. Baker (Bern-bridge), A. A. Buckett (Arreton), F.Buckett (Downend, Newport), J. R.Buckett (Brighstone), R. Cassell(Brook), H. Cooke (Freshwater), A. J.and E. Cooper (Bembridge), W. R.Cotton (Ryde), F. A. Downer (Brigh-stone), F. W. Holbrook (Bembridge),G. F. Mew, B.E.M. (Wootton), H. and J.Morris (Brook), W. Newberry(Brook), H. Simmonds (Totland) andA. Woodford (Brook).


Services of the Life-boats in July, August and September138 LIVES RESCUED

JULY

DURING July life-boats were launchedon service 89 times and rescued 34 lives.

LIGHTVESSEL CREWMAN BROUGHTASHORE

Ramsgate, Kent. At 4.22 a.m. on Mon-day the 1st of July, 1963, the coastguardinformed the honorary secretary that amember of the crew of the NorthGoodwin lightvessel was very ill. At4.40 the life-boat Michael and Lily Davisleft her moorings in light airs and a calmsea. It was three hours before highwater. The life-boat took trie sick sea-man onboard and returned to Ramsgateharbour, where he was transferredto a waiting ambulance and takento hospital. The life-boat returned toher moorings at 6.15.

FISHING BOAT ADRIFT ALL NIGHTKhyl, Flintshire. At 10.38 on the

morning of Tuesday the 2nd of July, 1963,the coastguard informed the honorarysecretary that a call had been receivedfor help from the motor fishing vesselBoy Bryn approximately a mile offAbergele railway station. The life-boatAnthony Robert Marshall was launchedat 10.50 in a light south-easterly breezeand a slight sea two hours after highwater. The life-boat found the Boy Brynwith one man on board. A tow line wasconnected and the boat taken to Rhyl,arriving there at low water. After wait-ing for the flood tide the tow wasresumed and the Boy Bryn was subse-quently berthed at the quayside inRhyl harbour. Her owner said that hehad lost his anchor off the HoyleBanks and had been adrift all night witha broken engine. The life-boat reachedher station at 9.15 p.m.

RECORD NUMBER LANDEDGreat Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor-

folk. At 10.2 on Tuesday the 2nd of July,1963, the coastguard informed thehonorary secretary that the pleasureboat Eastern Princess, of Yarmouth, hadrun aground in thick fog on the Spend-

ing beach, 200 yards from the life-boat-house. The life-boat Louise Stephens waslaunched eight minutes later in light airsand a smooth sea. It was three hoursafter high water. In three trips the life-boat was successful in taking 112 pass-engers off the Eastern Princess. Shereturned to her station at 11.10. Thenumber of persons landed on this occa-sion is a record for the station.

FISHING VESSEL AGROUND IN FOGWhitby, Yorkshire. At 7.15 on the

evening of Friday the 5th of July, 1963,the honorary secretary was told that them.f.v. Wakefield was ashore in densefog a mile and a half north of Whitby.The life-boat Rosa Woodd and PhyllisLunn, on temporary duty at the station,was launched at 7.30 in a light air andslight sea three and a half hours afterhigh water. The life-boat arrived at thecasualty where she found that anotherfishing vessel had laid out the Wakeful'skedge anchor. A towline was streamedand buoyed in preparation for high water.As there was nothing the life-boat coulddo until high water she returned toWhitby harbour. At 11.45 the life-boatreturned to the casualty to help pass atowline to a motor fishing vessel whichwas going to tow the Wakeful when sherefloated. After this was done the life-boat guided the vessels through thethick fog back to Whitby harbour. Thelife-boat returned to her station at 1.50in the morning.

FISHING VESSEL ESCORTED TOSAFETY

Plymouth, Devon. At 10.30 a.m. onSunday the 7th of July, 1963, the Queen'sHarbour Master informed the honorarysecretary that a message had beenreceived from the police reporting thatthe fishing vessel Barbican with two menon board had broken down betweenShagstone and Mewstone. There was alight north-westerly wind and a slightsea. It was three hours after high water.The life-boat Thomas Forehead andMary Rowse was launched at 10.47. Thecoxswain accurately estimated the posi-


tion of the casualty, making allowancesfor the wind and tide, and came up withthe Barbican, which was then beingtowed by a small fishing vessel, a mileand a half south of Shagstone. The twovessels were escorted safely into Suttonharbour and the life-boat returned toher station at 12.35 in the morning.

RESERVE LIFE-BOAT TOWED TOBANGOR

Beaumaris, Anglesey. At 2.10 on themorning of Monday the 8th of July,1963, the Penmor coastguard informedthe honorary secretary that the reservelife-boat Frank and William Gates, onpassage from Hoylake to Pwllheli, hadbroken down two miles west-south-west of Rhyl West buoy. There was alight north-westerly wind with a choppysea. The life-boat Field-Marshal andMrs. Smuts was launched at 2.45 on anebb tide and came up with the reserveboat at 4.15. The reserve life-boat wastowed to Beaumaris by 7.30 and theDistrict Engineer was informed of thebreakdown. He instructed the Beau-maris life-boat to tow the Frank andWilliam Oates to a boatyard at Bangor.The life-boats left Beaumaris at 9.30,and after towing the reserve life-boat toBangor the Field Marshal and Mrs.Smuts returned to her station, arrivingat half past eleven.

CRUISER AND CREW OF SIX TOWEDTO SAFETY

Boulmer, Northumberland. At twominutes past three on the afternoon ofMonday the 8th of July, 1963, the Tyne-mouth coastguard informed the hon-orary secretary that a motor boat hadbroken down and required assistancefive miles east-north-east of HightonStile. There was a light westerly windand a slight sea. The life-boat Robertand Dorothy Hardcastle was launchedat 3.18 on the flood tide. She proceededto the position given and came up withthe cabin cruiser Renown, of Tynemouth,with a crew of six, at 4.33. The life-boattowed the Renown into Boulmer har-bour, arriving back at her station at6.45.

INJURED PERSON TAKEN TOHOSPITAL

Barra Island, Hebrides. At 1.30 a.m.on Wednesday the 10th of July, 1963, adoctor at Castlebay told the honorarysecretary that a person was unconsciousas a result of an accident and requestedthe use of the life-boat to take thepatient to hospital at South Uist. Thelife-boat R. A. Colby Cubbin No. 3 waslaunched at two o'clock with the doctorand injured person on board. Therewas a moderate north-easterly wind anda moderate sea. The tide was thenebbing. After ferrying them to SouthUist the life-boat returned to her station,arriving at eight o'clock.

TOW FOR FISHING VESSEL AFTERENGINE BREAKDOWN

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex. At 2.27p.m. on Wednesday the 10th of July,1963, the Shoreham coastguard told thehonorary secretary that the fishing boatVolunteer, of Shoreham, was makingdistress signals two miles south-west ofShoreham. The life-boat Dorothy andP/z///pCww/fl«/waslaunchedat2.35(highwater) in a gentle west-south-westerlywind and a choppy sea. The life-boatfound the Volunteer with a crew of sevenon board. Her engine had broken down.She was taken in tow to Shoreham andthe life-boat returned to her station at3.55 a.m.

HELICOPTER-LIFE-BOAT SEARCHFOR MISSING MAN

Bembridge, Isle of Wight. At 2.30 p.m.on Wednesday the 10th of July, 1963, thelife-boat coxswain reported that a manwho had put off for a fishing trip offBembridge in the fishing boat Twilight,had last been seen at eight o'clock inthe vicinity of the East Princessa buoybut had not been heard of or seen since.Anxiety was felt for his safety and at2.48 the life-boat Jesse Lumb waslaunched in a fresh west-south-westwind and rough sea. It was high water.The life-boat made a search, assisted bya helicopter, and at 3.15 found theTwilight being towed by a pilot boat offNab End Rock. The fishing boat's


engine would not start. The life-boattook over the tow, moored the Twilightat Bembridge and arrived back at herstation at 4.17 p.m.

LIFE-BOATMEN'S SONS DROWNEDHartlepool, Co. Durham. At 10.20 p.m.

on Wednesday the 10th of July, 1963, thecoxswain was told thattwo boys had beenreported missing in akayak. He informedthe honorary secretary and it was decidedto launch the life-boat. There was a mod-erate north-north-westerly wind with amoderate sea. The life-boat PrincessRoyal (Civil Service No. 7) was launchedat 10.50 on an ebbing tide. She was joinedin the search by four other boats. It wasthought that the motor mechanic's sonwas in the kayak and a radio telephonemessage through the coastguard con-firmed he was missing. The life-boatreturned to harbour to land the mech-anic and also an ex-winchman, who wasthe father of the other boy. The life-boat continued the search and at 2.10a message was received that the kayakand a body had been found on SeatonBeach. The search was concentrated inthis area but nothing further was found.At 4.15 the search was called off and thelife-boat returned to her station, arrivingat five o'clock.

MAN AND BOY CUT OFF BY TIDEWalmer, Kent. At 3.39 on the after-

noon of Saturday the 13th of July, 1963,the Deal coastguard told the honorarysecretary that a boatman returning fromSt. Margaret's with a fishing party hadseen two people cut off by the tidebetween the Royal Marine rifle buttsand the Dover Patrol Memorial. Be-cause of rocks the boatman was unableto get close enough to take them off.The reserve life-boat Charles CooperHenderson, on temporary duty at thestation, was launched at 4.20 towing asmall rowing dinghy. There was a lightsouth-westerly wind and a slight sea. Itwas high water. On reaching the positionthe second coxswain and one member ofthe life-boat's crew rowed ashore in thedinghy and ferried a man and a boy outto the life-boat. She then returned toher station, arriving at 5.55.

TWO SAVED AFTER SPEEDBOATCAPSIZES

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex. At 6.4p.m. on Saturday the 13th of July, 1963,the Shoreham coastguard informed thehonorary secretary that a speedboat hadcapsized half a mile south of the harbourentrance. The life-boat Dorothy andPhilip Constant was launched at 6.20 ina fresh west-south-westerly wind and achoppy sea. It was an hour and a halfafter high water. A motor launch, KnightErrant, also went to the position andbeing first to arrive rescued the speed-boat's crew of two. The life-boat tookthe speedboat in tow into Shorehamharbour and then returned to her sta-tion, arriving at 7.45. A gift was madeto the life-boat crew.

YACHT TOWED FROM DANGEROUSPOSITION

Selsey, Sussex. At 9.40 p.m. on Satur-day the 13th of July, 1963, the Selseycoastguard told the honorary secretaryhe was not happy about a smallyacht in the vicinity of Middle Groundbuoy. Later the honorary secretary andthe coxswain joined the coastguard andagreed that the yacht was in a danger-ous position as the light was poorand the weather forecast was very un-favourable. The life-boat CanadianPacific was launched at 10.17 in a south-westerly fresh to strong wind and a roughsea. It was low water. The life-boatreached the yacht Tear-Away, on passagefrom Littlehampton to the ChannelIslands, just in time, as it was possiblethat she would have gone aground onthe Mixen and broken up very quickly.Two of the crew of the yacht were sea-sick. The life-boat towed the Tear-Awayto Portsmouth and returned to herstation at half past seven the followingmorning.

EIGHT NAVAL CADETS TOWEDTO SAFETY

Salcombe, Devon. At 11.20 p.m. onSaturday the 13th of July, 1963, thePrawle Point coastguard told the hon-orary secretary that a yacht appearedto be in difficulties off Gammon Headand that her crew were signalling. At


11.30 the life-boat The Baltic Exchangewas launched. There was a light westerlywind and a calm sea. It was high water.The life-boat made a search and founda 32-foot cutter a quarter of a mile offGammon Head. She was under oarsand manned by eight cadets from theRoyal Naval College, Dartmouth. Theywere unable to make headway againstthe tide. At their request the life-boattowed the cutter to Salcombe harbourand arrived back at her station at12.45 a.m. on the 14th. The RoyalNaval College, Dartmouth, made a giftto the funds of the Institution.

SICK SEAMAN RUSHED TOHOSPITAL

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor-folk. At 4.3 a.m. on Sunday the 14th ofJuly, 1963, the Gorleston coastguardinformed the honorary secretary thatthe Liberian steam ship Archandros hada sick man on board who requiredurgent medical attention. The life-boatLouise Stephens was launched at 4.40with a doctor on board. There was agentle south-westerly wind and a slightsea. It was high water. A rendezvoushad been arranged at Gorton lightvessel.The life-boat came up with the Arch-andros at 5.27; the sick man had by thistime collapsed. The doctor went onboard and diagnosed peritonitis. Thesick man was transferred to the life-boat and taken back to Gorleston,where he was transferred to a waitingambulance. The life-boat then returnedto her station, arriving at 6.57. Thedoctor later said that the man wouldhave died within two hours if hospitaltreatment had not been provided, butthat he was now recovering.

HELICOPTER LANDS SICK MANIN GALE

Scarborough, Yorkshire. At 6.30 onthe evening of Sunday the 14th of July,1963, the coastguard informed the hon-orary secretary that a helicopter was go-ing to land a man at approximately 7.30from a ship about a hundred miles out.It was decided to launch the life-boat tostand by as it was doubtful whether the

helicopter would have sufficient fuel toreach shore. There was a near gale fromthe south-south-west with a choppy sea.A revised time for the estimated arrivalof the helicopter was given and the life-boat /. G. Graves of Sheffield waslaunched at 8.50 on a flood tide. Thehelicopter arrived safely and landed theinjured man on Castle Hill. The life-boat returned to her station at 9.35.

SICK SEAMAN TAKEN OFF FINNISHSTEAMER

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor-folk. At 8.24 p.m. on Sunday the 14th ofJuly, 1963, the Gorleston coastguardinformed the honorary secretary thatthe Finnish steamer Salomo, in Yar-mouth roads, was flying the inter-national signal indicating a doctor wasrequired. There was a moderate south-westerly wind with a moderate searunning on the last hour of the ebb.The life-boat Louise Stephens waslaunched at 8.30 with a doctor on board.The man was found to be unconsciousand was transferred to the life-boat ina stretcher. He was taken back toharbour, transferred to a waiting ambu-lance and rushed to hospital. Thehonorary secretary later learned thatthe man had been taken off the dangerlist and was progressing satisfactorily.

TWO YOUTHS RESCUED FROMWHALER

Howth, Co. Dublin. At 6.45 p.m. onSunday the 14th of July, 1963, the cox-swain was told that a naval whaler withtwo youths on board was unable toreturn to Howth owing to near galeforce winds from the south-west. Thecoxswain went to the East Pier andadvised the honorary secretary of thesituation. The life-boat crew had by thistime assembled. The life-boat A.M.T.was launched at 6.53 in a moderate tostrong south-westerly wind and slightsea and came up with the whaler aboutfifteen minutes later. The two youthswere rescued and the boat was towedback to Howth. The life-boat returnedto her station at 7.20.

DECEMBER, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 569FIVE PEOPLE TREATED FOR

EXPOSUREMoelfre, Anglesey. At 10.50 on the

night of Sunday the 14th July, 1963, theMersey Docks Harbour Board informedthe coxswain that a French trawler hadtaken a disabled yacht in tow and askedif the Moelfre life-boat would take overthe tow. There was a strong gale fromthe south-south-west with a very roughsea. The life-boat Watkin Williams waslaunched at eleven o'clock on an ebbingtide. The life-boat came up with the twovessels in Moelfre bay, and as the peopleon board the yacht were in no conditionto make fast the ropes, two membersof the life-boat crew boarded the yacht.The five people on board the yacht weretransferred to the life-boat and treatedfor exposure. The yacht was towed toshelter in Moelfre bay, but the weatherwas too rough to return to the slipway.The life-boat waited at anchor until3.0 a.m. and then towed the yacht tosafety at Beaumaris, where the survivorswere landed. The life-boat returned toher station at eight o'clock.

MOTOR CRUISER FIRES DISTRESSSIGNALS

Dover, Kent. At one o'clock on themorning of Monday the 15th of July,1963, the Folkestone coastguard in-formed the honorary secretary that ayacht had been seen firing red flares halfa mile south of the South Goodwin light-vessel. Seventeen minutes later the life-boat Southern Africa was launched in alight south-south-westerly wind andslight sea. It was low water. The Belgiannaval ship Konig Albert stood by themotor cruiser Nicola until the life-boatarrived. The Nicola was towed to Doverand the life-boat returned to her stationat four o'clock.LIFE-BOAT AND HELICOPTER SEARCH

FOR CATAMARANWells, Norfolk. At 1.28 a.m. on Mon-

day the 15th of July, 1963, the coastguardinformed the honorary secretary that acatamaran with three men on board wasmissing from Brancaster. There was astrong breeze from the south-west witha choppy sea. The life-boat LucyLavers,on temporary duty at the station, was

launched at 2.20 on the flood tide. Thelife-boat searched off Scott Head andthe coxswain asked for helicopter assis-tance at daybreak. The life-boat con-tinued the search in conjunction withthe helicopter and it was decided to askfor the Sheringham life-boat's assis-tance. Before this was done the heli-copter found the catamaran in the tow ofa fishing vessel. The three survivors weretaken off by the Wells life-boat andlanded at Wells. The life-boat returnedto her station at eight o'clock.

TWO SAVED AFTER MOTOR BOATSTRIKES ROCK

Coverack, Cornwall. At 4.30 p.m. onTuesday the 16th of July, 1963, the secondcoxswain and the mechanic told thehonorary secretary that a motor boathad run ashore on rocks half a milesouth-west of the life-boat station andthat cries for help had been heard.There was a light westerly wind andslight sea. The life-boat William Taylorof Oldham was launched at 4.30 on theebb tide. The second coxswain was incommand in the absence of the coxswain,who was attending a Royal GardenParty in London. The life-boat cameup with the motor boat Jean, whichhad struck a submerged rock and waslisting badly, at 4.55. The motor boatwas towed off the rocks by the life-boatand the two occupants were rescued.The life-boat took the motor boat intow to Coverack, arriving back at herstation at 5.50.

YACHT AND THREE TOWED TORAMSGATE

Ramsgate, Kent. At 9.18 p.m. onTuesday the 16th of July, 1963, theeast pier watchman told the honorarysecretary that the yacht K.N. was firingdistress signals three quarters of a milesouth of Ramsgate harbour. The life-boat Michael and Lily Davis waslaunched at 9.30 in a gentle south-westerly wind and slight sea. It was anhour and a half after high water. Thelife-boat found the yacht with threepeople aboard, took her in tow andreturned to Ramsgate. The life-boatreturned to her station at 9.45.


LIFE-BOAT-HELICOPTER EXERCISESAVES THREE

New Quay, Cardiganshire. On theevening of Friday the 19th of July, 1963,the life-boat St. Albans was out on exer-cise with a helicopter when the helicoptercrew saw the rowing boat Gwylan 11 ofNew Quay in difficulties off Traethgwynbeach. The life-boat went to the positionin a fresh north-westerly wind and roughsea and found the rowing boat. She tookthe three people in the rowing boat onbeard and towed the boat to New Quayharbour which they reached at 6.15. Thelife-boat resumed the exercise at 6.35.

LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY POLISHTRAWLER

North Sunderland, Northumberland. At4.30 a.m. on Saturday the 20th of July,1963, the Seahouses coastguard inform-ed the honorary secretary that thetrawler Arka, of Gdynia, was agroundon Knavestone Rock. The life-boatGrace Darling was launched at 4.48 in agentle west-north-westerly wind andsmooth sea. It was an hour and a halfafter high water. The life-boat foundthe trawler and was informed that a tugwas on her way to help and that sherequired no immediate assistance. Thelife-boat returned to her station andlater returned to the trawler when thetug was expected. The trawler wassafely towed off the rocks and the life-boat returned to her station at 3.50 p.m.

FOUR EXHAUSTED OARSMENRESCUED

Port Erin, Isle of Man. At 8.40 p.m.on Saturday the 20th of July, 1963, thePort Erin police constable told thehonorary secretary that a small boatwas adrift in Calf Sound and thathe was driving up by car to makecertain of the position. At 9.20 theconstable returned to say that a smallboat was definitely in difficulties. Therewas a light south-easterly breeze with aslight sea. The life-boat Matthew Simp-son was launched on the flood tide at9.25 and she came up with the rowingboat at 9.55 and rescued the four peopleon board. They were exhausted andunable to row any further. The rowing

boat was towed back to Port Erin. Thelife-boat returned to her station at halfpast eleven.

TOW FOR MOTOR WSSEL WITHFIVE ABOARD

Hastings, Sussex. At 3.57 p.m. onSunday the 21st of July, 1963, the coast-guard informed the wife of the honorarysecretary that the motor vessel SeaClown of Rye had broken down off PettLevel. There was a gentle north-easterlybreeze with a slight sea. The life-boatM.T.C. was launched at 4.10 on theebbing tide. The life-boat came up withthe Sea Clown, which had five peopleon board, at 4.55. The motor vessel hadengine trouble and was towed toHastings by the life-boat. The life-boatlanded the one woman on board thecasualty before returning to her station,which she reached at 6.10 p.m.

TWO SAVED FROM ROWING BOATPeel, Isle of Man. At 4.46 p.m. on

Sunday the 21st of July, 1963, the Peelcoastguard informed the honorary sec-retary that a rowing boat with twopeople on board was seen to be indifficulties two and a half miles east-north-east of Peel breakwater. The life-boat Helena Harris - Manchester andDistrict XXXI was launched at 3.1 in amoderate southerly wind and smoothsea. It was four and a quarter hoursafter high water. The life-boat found therowing boat and took the two people,who were exhausted, on board. She thentook the rowing boat in tow to Peel.The life-boat returned to her station at5.50. A letter of thanks was receivedfrom the rescued people.

LIFE-BOAT ASSISTS GROUNDEDMOTOR BOAT

Donaghadee, Co. Down. At 7.35 p.m.on Sunday the 21st of July, 1963, theOrlock coastguard told the motormechanic that a man had reported aboat stranded on the rocks at the northend of Copeland Island with three orfour men waving and shouting. Themotor mechanic decided to launch thelife-boat. The reserve life-boat EdwardZ. Dresden, on temporary duty at the


station, was launched at 8.10 in a lightsoutherly wind and a slight sea. Thetide was flooding. The life-boat tookthe boarding boat in tow to the islandand some of the crew were sent ashore.The motor boat's crew were in no im-mediate danger and the boarding boatstood by until the Violet refloated. Thelife-boat then towed her into deeperwater and returned to her station,arriving at 9.10 p.m.

TWO YACHTS TOWED TORAMSGATE

Ramsgate, Kent. At 12.45 a.m. onMonday the 22nd of July, 1963, theeast pier watchman told the honorarysecretary that distress signals had beenseen to the northward. At 1.10 the life-boat Michael and Lily Davis waslaunched in a light westerly wind andmoderate sea. It was high water. Thelife-boat found the yachts Orsidi andCap Lizard in difficulties off Broadstairsjetty. The Orsidi had developed enginetrouble and the Cap Lizard had fouledher propeller whilst attempting to towthe Orsidi to harbour. The life-boattowed the Orsidi, with three persons onboard, to Ramsgate after leaving the CapLizard, with thirteen people on board,in a safe position. She then returned tothe Cap Lizard and towed herinto Rams-gate, returning to her station at 3.22 a.m.

NIGHT SEARCH FOR MISSING YOUTHAND CABIN CRUISER

Troon, Ayrshire. At 11.45 p.m. onMonday the 22nd of July, 1963, thehonorary secretary was informed by ayouth's father that the cabin cruiserBeaver with the boy on board had leftWhiting Bay at 6.30 for Troon and waslong overdue. At 12.44 a.m. the life-boat James and Barbara Aitken waslaunched in a light south-westerly windand a moderate sea. It was an hourbefore high water and visibility was verypoor. At one o'clock the Ayr policereported that the cabin cruiser was inAyr harbour. The life-boat went to Ayrharbour and escorted the cabin cruiserwith the youth on board to Troon.The life-boat returned to her mooringsat 3.15. The owner of the cabin cruiser

made a donation to the Institution'sfunds.

OVERDUE MOTOR BOAT FOUNDAT SEA

Fowey, Cornwall. At 4.15 on themorning of Friday the 26th of July,1963, the Polruan coastguard told thehonorary secretary that he had receiveda message from the owner of the motorboat Debbie G that she had left Ply-mouth at 7.30 p.m. on the 25th Julywith three people on board but had notyet reached Fowey. The motor boathad two engines, but no distress signalswere carried on board. There was alight west-north-westerly wind with aslight sea when the life-boat DeneysReitz was launched at five o'clock onthe flood tide. The life-boat found theDebbie G about seven miles west ofRame Head. Both her engines hadbroken down. The life-boat rescued thethree men and towed the motor boatback to Fowey. The life-boat arrivedback at her station at 8.25 a.m.

CABIN CRUISER ESCORTED TOHARBOUR

Margate, Kent. At 11.30 a.m. onFriday the 26th of July, 1963, the Mar-gate coastguard told the honorary sec-retary that a cabin cruiser which hadbeen kept under close observation sincenine o'clock appeared to have brokendown six miles north-north-west ofMargate. At 11.55 the coastguard re-ported that he was not happy about theposition of the cabin cruiser as theflooding tide and light easterly wind wasdriving the boat towards the TongueSands. The life-boat North Foreland(Civil Service No. 11) was launched at12.9. At that time there was a lightnortherly wind and a slight sea. Thetide was flooding. The life-boat madefor the position and when she was aquarter of a mile away the cabin cruiserInanda, of London, got under way andmade towards the life-boat. There werefour people on board and her ownertold the coxswain that her water pumphad broken down, and although he hadrepaired it he was still not satisfiedwith the way it was working. The life-


boat escorted the cabin cruiser as far asNorth Foreland, when her owner saidthat he would be able to make Rams-gate safely. The life-boat returned toher station, arriving at two o'clock.

LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY HOLEDCOASTER

New Brighton, Cheshire. At seveno'clock on the evening of Friday the26th of July, 1963, the Formby coast-guard reported that the coaster Cristo ofLiverpool was aground near C.I5 buoybut was in no immediate danger. Atnine o'clock it was reported that thecoaster was holed and making water.Twelve minutes later the reserve life-boat White Star, on temporary duty atthe station, was launched in a slightsouth-easterly wind and smooth sea. Itwas low water. The life-boat found thecasualty and stood by while a salvagecrew made temporary repairs to thevessel. At high water the Cristo refloatedand the life-boat returned to her stationat 3.20 a.m.

NO SURVIVORS FOUND FROMBURNT YACHT

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. At sevenminutes past one on the afternoon of Sun-day the 28th of July, 1963, the coastguardinformed the honorary secretary that asmall yacht had been reported on fireand had eventually sunk four milessouth of Southbourne. There was agentle south-easterly breeze with a slightsea. The life-boat S.G.E. left her moor-ing at 3.6 on the flooding tide. Shejoined the tanker Esso Hythe, severalyachts and the inshore rescue boat fromMudeford, who were searching for sur-vivors. The life-boat made an extensivesearch but only found some smallcharred pieces of wreckage. She thenreturned to her station, arriving at 6.45.

CHANCE MEETING SAVES DINGHYSAILOR

Hastings, Sussex. On Sunday the 28thof July, 1963, while returning from a visitto Bexhill Regatta, the life-boat M.T.C.intercepted a motor boat towing thesailing dinghy Sheena with a man cling-ing to it half a mile south of Bridgeway.

There was a gentle east-north-easterlywind and slight sea. The man was takenaboard the life-boat and the dinghytowed to Hastings. The life-boat re-turned to her station at 6.30 p.m.

BOY AND YACHT IN DOUBLERESCUE

Lowestoft, Suffolk. The honorary sec-retary received a report from the coast-guard during the afternoon of Sundaythe 28th of July, 1963, that a boy wasdrowning off Pakefield beach. The life-boat Frederick Edward Crick waslaunched at five o'clock and proceededto a position indicated by a member ofthe public. When the life-boat reachedthe position she found that a yacht hadpicked up the boy and in doing so hadbecome half filled with water. The boywas taken from the yacht and given firstaid and the yacht towed to the yacht sta-tion. The sea had been choppy with amoderate wind from the east-north-east.The life-boat returned to her mooringsat five minutes past six.

SINKING LONG-SHORE BOAT TOWEDINTO DOCK

Lowestoft, Suffolk. At 1.46 on themorning of Monday the 29th of July,1963, the coastguard informed the hon-orary secretary that red flares had beensighted three miles east-by-north of thelookout. The life-boat Frederick EdwardCrick was launched at 2 a.m. at highwater in a fresh breeze from the east-north-east and choppy water. After ashort search the long-shore boat DollyGraham, 19 tons, of Grimsby, boundfrom Hartlepool to Newhaven, wasfound aground on Holm Sand with herrudder gone and in a sinking condition.The life-boat passed a tow which partedtwice, but eventually managed to bringthe boat and crew of two into Hamiltondock. The life-boat returned to herstation at ten minutes past four.

ESCORT FOR YAWL AND MOTORBOAT

Longhope, Orkney. At 10.45 a.m. onMonday the 29th of July, 1963, the hon-orary secretary was informed by thebowman of the life-boat that a small


fishing yawl was being towed by amotor boat and they were in difficultiesin the Pentland Firth. At 11.50 the life-boat T.G.B. was launched in a freshsouth-south-easterly wind and slight sea.It was five hours after high water. At11.55 it was reported that the towrope had parted. Another line was soonpassed and the life-boat escorted thetwo boats to their home port at KirkBay. The life-boat returned to herstation at 1.20 p.m.

LIFE-BOAT COXSWAIN DIES AFTERHIS FISHING BOAT SINKS

Coverack, Cornwall. On Tuesday the30th of July, 1963, a telephone messagewas received by the second coxswainfrom the mechanic that the fishing vesselBessey III, of Coverack, owned by thelife-boat coxswain Mr. W. A. Rowe, hadstruck a rock two and a half miles eastof the life-boat station and had sunk150 to 200 yards from the shore. Thelife-boat William Taylor of Oldham waslaunched at 3.5 p.m. in a light east-north-easterly wind and slight sea. It wasthree hours after high water. The cox-swain had managed to swim ashore andwas in a very distressed condition. Ahelicopter was asked to take him toCoverack. A member of the crew of thelife-boat who was qualified in first aidwas put ashore to help the coxswain intothe helicopter. The life-boat returned toher station at 5.15. Mr. Rowe died laterafter a heart attack.

SICK MAN LANDED FROM TRAWLERStornoway, Outer Hebrides. At 11.35

on the night of Tuesday the 30th of July,1963, the Stornoway coastguard in-formed the honorary secretary that thetrawler Notts Forest of Grimsby, onpassage to Stornoway to land a sickman, had requested the life-boat meether with a doctor. The life-boat Jamesand Margaret Boyd was launched at11.50 in a moderate west-south-westerlywind and a moderate sea. It was an hourand a half after low water. The life-boatsailed northwards to intercept thetrawler two miles east of Tolsta Headand the doctor was placed on board her.At 2.20 the sick man was transferred to

the life-boat, which returned to Storn-oway where he was taken to hospital.The life-boat reached her stationat 4.0. Earlier that evening a heli-copter had left Stornoway Airport inthe hope of conveying the sick manfrom the vessel but unfortunately, be-cause of bad visibility, had failed to sightthe trawler.

DEAD WOMAN FOUND IN SEAAnstruther, Fife. At 12.49 on the after-

noon of Wednesday the 31 st of July, 1963,the coastguard at Anstruther informedthe honorary secretary that the Polishtrawler Marabut had reported that shewas standing by the body of a womanoff Fifeness, but did not propose topick it up. The life-boat James and RubyJackson was launched at 1.5 with apolice sergeant and a constable on boardand made for the position in a lighteast-north-east wind and slight seaon the ebb tide. The life-boat picked upthe body five miles north-east of Fife-ness and returned to Anstruther at 3.25.

The following life-boats went out onservice, but could find no ships in dis-tress, were not needed, or could donothing:

Valentia, Co. Kerry.—July 1st.St. Helier, Jersey.—July 2nd.Ramsgate, Kent.—July 2nd.St. Peter Port, Guernsey.—July 3rd.Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.—July 6th.Portrush, Co. Antrim.—July 7th.Moelfre, Anglesey.—July 7th.Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—July 7th.Great Yarmouth & Gorleston, Norfolk.

—July 10th.Holyhead, Anglesey.—July llth.New Brighton, Cheshire.—July 12th.Selsey, Sussex.—July 12th.Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—July

12th.Penlee, Cornwall.—July 13th.Rhyl, Flintshire.—July 13th.Dover, Kent.—July 13th.Barry Dock, Glamorganshire.—July

14th.Cromarty, Ross and Cromarty.—July

14th.Torbay, Devon.—July 14th.


Holyhead, Anglesey.—July 15th.Sheringham, Norfolk.—July 15th.Skegness, Lincolnshire.—July 15th.Llandudno, Caernarvonshire-July 15th.Wells, Norfolk.—July 15th.Fowey, Cornwall.—July 17th.Fleetwood, Lancashire.—July 19th.Stornoway, Hebrides.—July 19th.Troon, Ayrshire.—July 19th.Islay, Hebrides.—July 19th.Broughty Ferry, Angus.-—July 20th.Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—July 21st.Walton and Frinton, Essex.—July

21st.New Quay, Cardiganshire.—July 23rd.Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.—July

24th.Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumber-

land.—July 24th.Portpatrick, Wigtownshire.—July

25th.Filey, Yorkshire.—July 27th.Padstow, Cornwall.—July 27th.Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—July

28th.Kirkcudbright.—July 28th.Padstow, Cornwall.—July 28th.North Sunderland, Northumberland.

—July 29th.Valenria, Co. Kerry.—July 29th.Ramsey, Isle of Man.—July 30th.Salcombe, Devon.—July 31st.Rhyl, Flintshire.—July 31st.

AUGUSTDURING August life-boats werelaunched on service 139 times andrescued 62 lives.

AMERICAN YACHT AGROUND ANDHOLED

Selsey, Sussex. At 12.45 a.m. onSaturday the 3rd of August, 1963, theSelsey coastguard told the honorarysecretary that the American yacht Bolerowas aground on a wreck in Brackle-sham Bay. At 1.15 the life-boatCanadian Pacific was launched in a lightvariable northerly wind and smoothsea; there were also patches of fog. Itwas three hours after high water. Thelife-boat found the yacht listing danger-ously with fifteen people on board. Shetowed the yacht off but the sea wasshallow and the yacht grounded again.

The life-boat then stood by until highwater when the yacht refloated. Whenthe coxswain was satisfied that the holewhich had been made in the yacht ongrounding had been patched and thatthe pumps would deal with the watershe was making, the life-boat returnedto her station, which was reached at7.30 a.m. A gift was made to the life-boat crew.

BABY BORN IN LIFE-BOAT HOUSEGalway Bay, Co. Galway. At eleven

o'clock on Saturday the 3rd of August,1963, the local doctor asked the honor-ary secretary if the life-boat could beused to take an expectant mother to theGalway Regional Hospital. There wasa fresh north-westerly wind and a slightsea. It was low water. As no other boatwas available at the time, the life-boatMary Stanford, on temporary duty atthe station, was launched at 11.45 andwent to the pier. The woman was aboutto be put aboard the life-boat when shestarted labouring. She was taken to thelife-boat store where the baby was born.During this time the life-boat's engineswere kept running in case an emergencyarose, and it was not until two o'clockthat the doctor decided that the womanneed not go to hospital. The life-boatthen returned to her moorings.

MOTOR BOAT LOST IN FOGAppledore, North Devon. At 7.45 on

the morning of Saturday the 3rd of Aug-ust, 1963, the coxswain learnt that themotor boat Belgica with two people onboard was lost in dense fog near the bar.At 7.55 the life-boat Louisa AnneHawker left her moorings in a lightsouth-easterly wind and calm sea. It wasthree hours after high water. The foglifted and the life-boat could see theBelgica heading safely for Appledore.The life-boat escorted her back toAppledore and returned to her stationat 8.35 a.m.

FISHING VESSEL'S ENGINEBREAKS DOWN

New Brighton, Cheshire. At half pasttwelve on the morning of Monday the5th of August, 1963, the coxswain repor-


ted that the fishing vessel Phoenicianhad broken down with engine troubleand had anchored in Rock Channel offHarrison Drive. At 12.50 the life-boatWhite Star, on temporary duty at thestation, proceeded in a moderate west-north-westerly wind and rough sea. Itwas an hour after high water. The life-boat found the fishing vessel with fourpeople on board - two of the crew hadalready left the fishing vessel by dinghyto get help. The life-boat took three ofthe four crew on board the life-boat andthen towed the fishing vessel to AlfredDock. The life-boat returned to herstation at half past three.

LIFE-BOAT RECOVERS DEAD BODYCriccieth, Caernarvonshire. At 3.20

p.m. on Monday the 5th of August,1963, the coxswain told the honorarysecretary that he had received an urgentmessage from the Commandant of theBoys Brigade camp, who was half a milewest of Criccieth, concerning one of themembers in a bathing party at theDywfor Estuary, who was missing andwould require help. The life-boat RobertLindsay was launched at 3.45 in a lightnorth-westerly breeze and a calm sea.It was an hour before low water. Thearea was searched and a body was foundfloating in the sea. It was recovered witha boat hook. The life-boat had thestation honorary medical adviser anda police constable on board who appliedartificial respiration, but unfortunatelyit was too late. The life-boat returnedto her station at half past five. Theparents of the dead boy made a donationto the Institution's funds.

BOAT AND FIVE TOWED TO SAFETYHastings, Sussex. At 8.15 on the

evening of Monday the 5th of August,1963, the coxswain told the honorarysecretary that the motor boat Britanniaappeared to be having engine troublethree-quarters of a mile south east ofHastings. The life-boat M.T.C. waslaunched at 8.40 in a gentle south-westerly wind and slight sea three hoursafter low water. She took the motorboat with five people on board in towto Hastings. The life-boat returned to

her station at 9.20. A donation tobranch funds and a gift was made to thelife-boat crew by the Britannia's owner.

ESCORT AND TOW FOR TWO BOATSLlandudno, Caernarvonshire. At nine

o'clock on Monday the 5th of August,1963, the coastguard told the honorarysecretary that a motor launch with twopeople on board which had put out totow in a cabin cruiser might be indifficulties due to the weather conditions.At 9.35 the life-boat Annie Ronald andIsabella Forrest was launched into astrong north-westerly wind and roughsea. It was two hours before high water.The life-boat found the motor launchtowing the cabin cruiser half a mileeast of Little Orme. The life-boat escor-ted the two boats and then took overthe tow of the cabin cruiser and returnedto her station at 11.5 p.m.

COMBINED OPERATIONS FORCLIFF ACCIDENT

St. Ives, Cornwall. At 4.48 p.m. onWednesday the 7th of August, 1963, theSt. Ives coastguard told the honorarysecretary that a man had fallen over thecliffs at Hellesveor and that a rescueteam had gone to his aid. It was notcertain whether he had fallen into thesea and it was decided to send the life-boat to search the foot of the cliffs. Thelife-boat Edgar, George, Orlando and EvaChild launched at 5.8 in a light variablewind and a slight sea. It was two hoursbefore high water when she reached theHellesveor and the coxswain could seethat the cliff party had laid the man on astretcher and were about to haul himup the cliff. The life-boat stood by untilthe man had been safely hauled up thecliff and then returned to her station,arriving at 10.15.

SHARK FISHERS TOWED HOMETorbay, Devon. At 6.55 p.m. on

Wednesday the 7th of August, 1963, theBrixham coastguard informed the hon-orary secretary that a small fishingvessel was flashing the internationaldistress signal about three and a halfmiles south of Berry Head. There was amoderate south-westerly wind with a


slight sea. The life-boat Princess Alex-andra of Kent was launched at 7.15 on aflood tide. She came up with the cas-ualty, Torquay Star, which had devel-oped engine trouble when returningfrom a shark fishing expedition. Thefishing vessel had eleven people onboard. A tow-rope was made fast andthe fishing vessel was towed intoTorquay harbour, which was reachedat 8.40. After the casualty was safealongside the jetty, the life-boat retur-ned to her station, arriving there at 9.20.The owner of the fishing vessel latermade a gift to the life-boat crew, partof which they generously donated to theInstitution.

FOUR YACHTSMEN LANDED FROMDUTCH VESSEL

Weymouth, Dorset. At 7.35 on theevening of Wednesday the 7th of Aug-ust, 1963, the Wyke coastguard told thehonorary secretary that the Dutchmotor vessel Zundrecht had four sur-vivors from the motor yacht Colley onboard and would like them taken off.The life-boat Frank Spiller Locke waslaunched at 7.55 in a light west-south-westerly wind and calm sea. It was highwater. The life-boat met the Zundrechtthree miles south of Portland Bill andtook off the four people on board. Shereturned to her station at 10.45.

PLEASURE BOAT RUNS AGROUNDBallycotton, Co. Cork. The life-boat

coxswain was fishing in his motor boatStar of the Sea a quarter of a mile south-west of Ballycotton lighthouse on themorning of Thursday the 8th of August,1963, when he saw the 35-foot pleasureboat Bonnie Lass, of Cork, strike theSound Rock between Ballycotton Islandand Small Island. He went to the casualtybut was unable to get alongside owingto the falling tide. At 12.40 p.m. themotor mechanic informed the honorarysecretary that the boat had run agroundand the coxswain was unable to be ofassistance. The life-boat Ethel Marywith the coxswain, who had returned toharbour, in charge was launched at12.50 with five volunteer crew as theusual crew were all fishing. They pro-

ceeded to the casualty with the boardingboat in tow. The life-boat ran an anchoraway to the south-east to prevent thecasualty bumping and waited until 3.30when the Bonnie Lass refloated on thetide. It was then found that her enginewould not start and the life-boat towedher and the crew of three into harbour,which was reached at 3.45 p.m.

SICK MAN LANDED FROM YACHTSt. Peter Port, Guernsey. At 11.20 on

the night of Thursday the 8th of August,1963, the Area Commissioner of the St.John Ambulance Brigade asked thelife-boat to take a sick man off theyacht Robbe of London. The life-boatEuphrosyne Kendal was launched at11.50, with a doctor and two St. JohnAmbulance personnel on board, in alight north-north-westerly wind andslight sea. It was half an hour after highwater. The life-boat found the Robbeanchored in a bay east of Sark and tookthe sick man on board. The life-boatreturned to her station at 1.55, wherethe sick man was transferred to awaiting ambulance and taken to hos-pital.

NIGHT SEARCH FOR MOTOR BOATWeston-super-Mare, Somerset. At

11.45 p.m. on Thursday the 8th ofAugust, 1963, the Nells Point coastguardtold the honorary secretary that theGhanaian ship Tano River had reportedsighting a small craft sending distresssignals by lamp a mile from Sand Pointoff Middle Hope. The life-boat CalousteGulbenkian was launched at 12.8 in astrong north-westerly wind and moder-ate sea. It was two hours after highwater. The life-boat searched for themotor boat all night with the help ofparachute flares without success. Atdaylight they found the motor boatOsprey of Cardiff; took the crew of twoon board and returned with the motorboat in tow at seven o'clock in themorning.

FISHING VESSEL AND FIVE TOWEDTO SAFETY

Valentia, Co. Kerry. At half past fiveon the morning of Saturday the 10th of


August, 1963, Valentia Radio informedthe honorary secretary that a fishingvessel was in difficulties south-west ofSkelligs Rock. The life-boat RolandWatts was launched at five o'clock in amoderate north-westerly wind and slightsea. It was high water. The life-boatfound the fishing vessel, the Ros Alitherof Dublin, with five people on board,ten miles west of Skelligs Rock. Shetook the fishing vessel in tow andreturned to her station at 2.10 p.m.

DRIFTING TRIMARAN TOWED TOSAFETY

Howth, Co. Dublin. At eight o'clockon the morning of Saturday the 10thof August, 1963, the Baily lighthouse-keeper told the honorary secretary thata trimaran had been seen drifting andapparently out of control. The life-boat A.M.T. was launched at 8.24 in afresh south-south-westerly wind andmoderate sea. It was an hour before lowwater. She found the trimaran, whichhad broken adrift from Skerries har-bour during the night and had no oneon board, six miles south-east of Rocka-bill. The life-boat took the trimaran intow and returned to her station at fiveminutes past one.

ESCORT FOR YACHT AND TOWINGVESSEL

Lowestoft, Suffolk. At 11.36 on themorning of Saturday the 10th of August,1963, the Lowestoft coastguard informedthe honorary secretary that a messagehad been received via Gorleston coast-guard that the Norwegian ship Skaansundwas towing a yacht with three men onboard three miles south-east of South-wold and would like the life-boat to towthe yacht into harbour. The life-boatFrederick Edward Crick was launched at11.50 a.m. but on the way to therendezvous in a fresh south-west bywest wind and in choppy seas it waslearned that the Southwold harbour-master had taken over the tow. The life-boat escorted both vessels into harbour,returning to her station at 2.45 p.m.

YACHTMEN'S FRANTIC SIGNALSNewhaven, Sussex. At 3.40 on the after-

noon of Sunday the 1 Ithof August, 1963,

the coastguard told the honorary secre-tary that the crew of a yacht four to fivemiles south-south-east of Newhavenwere waving frantically. The life-boatKathleen Mary was launched at 3.48 ina strong west-south-westerly breeze anda rough sea. It was half an hour beforehigh water. The life-boat found theyacht Cameo with the owner and hisbrother on board. The Cameo's enginehad broken down. The two men weretaken on board the life-boat, and after amember of the life-boat's crew hadboarded the yacht she was taken in towto Newhaven harbour. The two menwere landed and taken to the CrestaYacht Club's headquarters where theywere given a hot bath and food. Thelife-boat reached her station at 6.30.The owner of the yacht made a gift to thelife-boat crew.

DISMASTED CATAMARAN ESCORTEDTO MUMBLES

The Mumbles, Glamorganshire. At3.50p.m. on Sunday the l l t h of August,1963, the Mumbles coastguard told thehonorary secretary that a yacht hadcapsized six miles south of MumblesHead. At four o'clock the life-boatWilliam Gammon - Manchester andDistrict XXX was launched in a freshwest-south-westerly breeze and a mod-erate sea. It was four and a half hoursafter high water. The life-boat found acatamaran which had been dismastedbut was under outboard power. Thelife-boat asked for a helicopter to searchthe area to confirm that there was noother vessel in difficulty. The catamaranwas escorted to Mumbles and the life-boat returned to her station at 7.43.

OVERDUE BOAT FOUND AND TOWEDTO SAFETY

Newcastle, Co. Down. At 9.28 p.m.on Sunday the 11th of August, 1963, theKilkeel coastguard told the honorarysecretary that a boat last seen at 8.45,four miles north of Annalong, was con-sidered overdue at her destination. At9.55 the life-boat William and Laurawas launched in a light to moderatewind and a calm sea. It was half an hourbefore high water. The life-boat found


the casualty with two people on boarda mile offshore at 10.30. She was towedto Newcastle and the life-boat returnedto her station at 11.15.

LIFE-BOATMEN RECOVER DRIFTINGLAUNCH

Tenby, Pembrokeshire. At 2.8 a.m. onMonday the 12th of August, 1963, theTenby coastguard told the assistanthonorary secretary that the motorlaunch Gay Venture was missing fromher moorings. The life-boat HenryComber Brown was launched at 2.20 ina moderate west-north-westerly windand moderate sea. It was three hoursafter high water. The life-boat found themotor launch, which had no one onboard, two and a half miles west-south-west of Caldy Island. Two members ofthe life-boat crew were put aboard thelaunch, started the engine and broughther into Tenby. The life-boat returnedto her station at 8.20.

PATIENT AND NURSE TAKEN OFFISLAND

Longhope, Orkneys. At 9.20 a.m. onMonday the 12th of August, 1963, theIsland doctor told the honorary secre-tary that a seriously ill patient requiredimmediate hospital attention. There wasa light northerly wind with a calm seawhen the life-boat T.G.B. was launchedat ten o'clock with the patient anddistrict nurse on board. They weretaken to Scapa pier where an ambulancewas waiting. The life-boat reached ScapaPier at 11.35 and returned to her stationat 2.5 p.m.

TWO BOYS AND SAILING DINGHYSAVED

Howth, Co. Dublin. At 6.50 on theevening of Monday the 12th of August,1963, the acting honorary secretaryreceived a telephone call from a man atDonabate stating he was concerned forthe safety of his son and another boywho were attempting to sail to Lambayin a small sailing dinghy. He hadwatched the dinghy through binocularsand considered that the strong ebb tidewould make it difficult, if not impossible,for the boys to return to the mainland.

The life-boat, A.M.T. was launched at7.30 and at 8.40 found the dinghy underthe cliffs at Lambay. There was a slightsea and light airs from the west whenthe boys were taken on board the life-boat. The dinghy was towed to Howthwhich was reached at 9.40. The boy'sfather made a donation to the Institu-tion for this service.

LIFE-BOATMAN DIES ABOARDFISHING BOAT

Ballycotton, Co. Cork. At 10.20 p.m.on Monday the 12th of August, 1963,the honorary secretary was told thatan 18-foot punt, which had been takenout lobster potting, appeared to havenobody on board although her enginewas stili running. At 10.25 the fife-boatEthel Mary was launched in a gentlenorth-westerly breeze and smooth sea.The tide was half flood. The life-boatfound the fishing boat four and a halfmiles north-east of the life-boat station.She had difficulty in getting alongsidethe boat, which was going around incircles because it was attached to thelobster pots. The life-boat found a manon board who appeared to be dead. Hewas taken on board the life-boat andwas taken to Ballycotton where a priestand doctor were waiting. The lobsterboat was towed in. The man, who was amember of the life-boat crew, had diedof heart failure. The life-boat returnedto her station at 9.50.

INJURED MAN LANDED FROMGERMAN TRAWLER

Wick, Caithness-shire. At 10.45 p.m.on Tuesday the 13th of August, 1963, theWick coastguard told the honorarysecretary that the German trawlerHansaet of Hamburg had broken downfive miles north-east of Noss Head andhad an injured man on board who re-quired hospital treatment. At 11.23 thelife-boat City of Edinburgh was launch-ed in a gentle north-north-easterly windand calm sea. It was four hours afterhigh water. The life-boat took the in-jured man from the trawler and landedhim at Wick where an ambulance waswaiting. The life-boat returned to herstation at 1.35 a.m.


By courtesy of] [I.C.I.

NEW LIFE-BOAT HOUSE AT LYTHAM-ST. ANNE'S

By courtesy of] I Western Morning News

THE ALACRITY AGROUND AT PORTHARAS COVE. CORNWALL(See page 603)


By courtesy of] [Isle of Wight County Press

VETERAN ISLE OF WIGHT LIFE-BOATMEN'S REUNION(See page 564)

By courtesy of} [Iain Wight

ARBROATH LIFE-BOAT AND HELICOPTER ON EXERCISE


By courtesy of] [Corel Toms

NORWEGIAN CUP AWARDED TO GUERNSEY CREW MEMBERS(See page 553)

582 THE LIFE-BOAT [DECEMBER. 1963

By courtesy of] [Essex County Standard

SWIMMER HELPED ABOARD INSHORE RESCUE BOAT AT MERSEA

By courtesy of] [Eastern Daily Press

NAMING CEREMONY OF THE NEW LOWESTOFT LIFE-BOAT(See page 561)


By courtesy of] [The Baltic Exchange Magazine

THE NAMING CEREMONY OF THE NEW SALCOMBE LIFE-BOAT

584 THE LIFE-BOAT DECEMBER, 1963

By courtesy of] [Shoreham Heruhl

PRINCESS MARINA AND THE BISHOP OF LEWES AT SHOREHAMCEREMONY(See page 561)


By courtesy of] [Sunderland Echo

NAMING CEREMONY OF THE NEW SUNDERLAND LIFE-BOAT

By courtesy of] [Newcastle Chronicle and Journal

THE DUCHESS OF NORTHUMBERLAND NAMING THE BOULMERLIFE-BOAT

(See page 561)


By courtesy of] [Evening Press, Dublin

FOUR YOUNG PEOPLE RESCUED BY HOWTH LIFE-BOAT(See page 609)


SINKING CABIN CRUISER ANDCREW SAVED

Sheringham, Norfolk. At 4.45 on theafternoon of Thursday the 15th ofAugust, 1963, the Cromer coastguardtold the coxswain that a crab boat hadtaken a cabin cruiser in tow and mightrequire assistance. At 4.58 the life-boatThe Manchester Unity of Odd Fellowswaslaunched in a gentle westerly wind andslight sea. It was high water. On reachingthe cabin cruiser, the Buccaneer, thelife-boat found that she was leakingbadly and her engine was out of action.A member of the crew of the crab boatwas aboard her baling out the water tokeep her afloat. The three people onboard the cabin cruiser were taken onboard the life-boat and three membersof the crew of the life-boat were trans-ferred to the cabin cruiser to help inbaling her out. The three people rescuedfrom the Buccaneer were taken toCromer. The life-boat then took somemore buckets out to the cabin cruiser.The leak was temporarily stopped andshe was towed to Gorleston. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.45 a.m.

SICK WOMAN LANDED FROM ISLANDGalway Bay, Co. Galway. At 10.15

p.m. on Thursday the 15th of August,1963, a nurse on Inishmaan askedthat the life-boat take a seriously illpatient to hospital at Rossaveel. At10.45 the life-boat Mary Stanford, ontemporary duty at the station, waslaunched in a light westerly breeze andslight sea. It was low water. The life-boatembarked the patient, a woman, andafter landing her at Rossaveel, where anambulance was waiting, returned to herstation at 1.30.

TWO SERVICES IN BAD WEATHERWicklow, Co. Wicklow. At 7.10 a.m.

on Friday the 16th of August, 1963, thecoxswain was told that a local fishingboat which had left for the fishingground eight miles north of Wicklowhad not returned. The weather condi-tions were worsening. In addition ayacht in the outer harbour had begunto drag onshore. At 7.25 the life-

boat J. W. Archer was launched in afresh north-easterly wind and rough sea.The tide was half flood. The life-boattook the yacht, the Gay Gull with twopeople on board, which had grounded250 yards from the life-boat house, tosafety in the inner harbour. As nothingfurther had been heard from the fishingboat the life-boat started to search forher. The boat was found with threepeople on board three miles north ofthe harbour, and the life-boat stood byher till she reached Wicklow harbour.The life-boat returned to her station at9.10a.m.

CHANCE MEETING HELPSPLEASURE BOAT

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor-folk. At 11.20 a.m. on Friday the 16thof August, 1963, the Gorleston coast-guard told the honorary secretary that aswimmer was in trouble at north beach,Great Yarmouth. The life-boat LouiseStephens and the inshore rescue boatwere launched eight minutes later onthe fourth hour of the ebb in a freshsouth-by-west breeze and moderate seas.A helicopter was asked to assist in thesearch but the only one in the area wasout of service. At 12.7 p.m. the policereported that the swimmer had returnedsafely to the shore. There was a con-siderable swell on the return passagewhen the life-boat found the pleasureboat Scroby Queen which had brokendown and was drifting on to the sandsin Yarmouth Roads with fourteen pas-sengers on board. The life-boat took herin tow and brought her into harbour,returning to her station at 1.36 p.m.

CATAMARAN WITH DECKS AWASHSAVED

New Brighton, Cheshire. At nineo'clock on the evening of Friday the16th of August, 1963, the Formbycoastguard told the honorary secretarythat a catamaran, Spindrift, appearedto be in trouble off Derby Pool, RockChannel. The life-boat White Star, ontemporary duty at the station, waslaunched at 9.20 in a fresh west-north-westerly wind and slight sea. It was an


hour before high water. The life-boatfound the casualty with three people onboard, with her decks awash. She tookthe three people on board and towed thecatamaran back to her station whichwas reached at 10.10.

ALL NIGHT SERVICE TO DUTCHCOASTER

Holyhead, Anglesey. At half past nineon the evening of Friday the 16th of Aug-ust, 1963, the Holyhead coastguard toldthe honorary secretary that a yacht in theharbour was flashing SOS signals. Thelife-boat St. Cybi (Civil Service No. 9)was launched at 9.38 to investigate andfound that the Dutch coaster Hilda, inballast, had dragged her anchor in afull gale from the north-north-west andfouled the yacht's mooring trot. She hadalso got a length of chain round her screw.The life-boat secured alongside thecoaster, which later pumped water intoher forward tanks to raise the stern outof the water, and the life-boat droppedastern to help clear the screw. Owing tothe high wind and rough seas nothingfurther could be done until daybreakand the life-boat returned to a buoyoutside the life-boat house at 4.5 a.m.She returned to the coaster at 6.0 a.m.when great care had to be exercised asthe coaster had taken a list to port. By7.15 the chain had been freed from thevessel's screw and the life-boat assistedher to an Admiralty buoy in the har-bour, returning to her station at nineo'clock.

SMOKE SIGNALS SAVE YACHTSalcombe, South Devon. At 6.5 p.m.

on Saturday the 17th of August, 1963, thePrawle Point coastguard reported to thehonorary secretary that smoke signalshad been seen south of Bolt Head. At6.10 the life-boat The Baltic Exchangewas launched in a fresh north-north-westerly wind and a slight sea. It washalf an hour after high water. The life-boat found the yacht Thuella four milessouth of Start Point, took her in towto Salcombe Harbour, and returned toher station at 9.40.

YACHT POOPED AND FLOODED INHEAVY BREAKERS

Rhyl, Flintshire. On Saturday the 17thof August, 1963, the yacht Fiji, of NewBrighton, was bound for the MenaiStraits with a crew of two, but she wasovertaken by bad weather and decidedto make for shelter at Rhyl. She an-chored off Rhyl to await the tide, butthe weather worsened and she draggedher anchor. The Rhyl coastguard repor-ted to the honorary secretary at 7.45 inthe evening that the Fift was in adangerous position and at 8.25 the life-boat Anthony Robert Marshall waslaunched. There was a gale blowingfrom the north-north-west and a roughsea. The tide was four hours flood. TheFifi made sail and started her engine,but her sail was blown out. She madefor the entrance to the river Clwyd, butwas pooped in heavy breakers and herengine was flooded. When the life-boatreached her she was pounding on theriver revetment about 300 yards fromthe promenade wall. The life-boat crewmade a rope fast, pulled the yacht clearand towed her to the harbour at 8.50.The life-boat reached her station againat 10.15. The yachtsmen made a dona-tion to the funds of the Institution.

YACHT IGNORES FLARES ANDSIGNALS

Whitby, Yorkshire. About 11.20 onthe night of Saturday the 17th of August.1963, the coastguard reported to thehonorary secretary that a yacht wasstanding into danger near Saltwick Nab.The yacht had been warned off but wasstill uncomfortably close. There was astrong northerly wind and a heavy swell.A few minutes later the yacht was seento head into danger and was already inbroken water, having apparently takenno notice of the flares or searchlightsignals. But when the maroons to as-semble the crew were fired at 11.32 p.m.the yacht sheered off. The honorarysecretary instructed the life-boat RosaWoodd and Phyllis Lunn, on temporaryduty at the station, to ensure the yacht'ssafe passage into harbour. This wasdone by instructions through the life-


boat's loud-hailer, and the yacht MarikaII with a crew of five on board, boundfrom Bridlington to Blyth, was securedat 12.29 a.m. The life-boat returned toher station at one o'clock.

THREE SAVED FROM YACHT IN GALEHumber, Yorkshire. At six o'clock on

the morning of Sunday the 18th of Aug-ust, 1963,the Spurn Point coastguard toldthe coxswain superintendent that a yachton passage from Spurn to Bridlington wasoverdue. There was a gale force windfrom the north-north-west with a veryrough sea. The life-boat City of BradfordIII was launched at 6.10 on an ebb tide.She came up with the yacht, which wasdrifting helplessly off Dimlington, andas she went alongside two of theyacht's crew jumped on board. Beforethe third member could jump the yachtwas swept away by heavy seas. The life-boat came alongside again and the thirdman was taken on board. The casualtywas taken in tow to Grimsby. The threesurvivors and life-boat crew had a mealat the Seamen's Mission and the crewremained at Grimsby overnight as theweather was too severe to rehouse thelife-boat. The life-boat returned to herstation on the 19th August at 5.30.Bridlington life-boat also launched tohelp search for the yacht, but returnedto her station when the yacht was foundby the Humber life-boat.

INJURED MAN LANDED FROMDRIFTING TANKER

Wicklow, Co. Wicklow. At 9.45 a.m.on Sunday the 18th of August, 1963, thehonorary secretary was informed thatan injured man on board the tankerEsso Guildford, 22 miles east of theCodling lightvessel, needed a doctor. At10.10 the life-boat J. W. Archer, with thehonorary medical adviser on board, waslaunched in a gentle west-north-westerlybreeze and moderate sea. It was an hourbefore high water. The life-boat pro-ceeded to the position given, but whenshe was 14 miles east of Wicklow shereceived a message that the tanker hadbroken down 22 miles east by south ofthe light vessel. The life-boat found thetanker drifting 36 miles east by south of

Wicklow. The injured man was trans-ferred to the life-boat and she returnedto her station, where an ambulance waswaiting, at 8.10 p.m. Tugs eventuallytook the tanker in tow to Belfast.

HELICOPTER AND LIFE-BOAT TAKEFIVE TO HOSPITAL

Selsey, Sussex. At 12.34 p.m. onSunday the 18th of August, 1963, theSelsey coastguard informed the honor-ary secretary that a dinghy was very lowin the water and in a sinking conditionthree-quarters of a mile west of theOwers lightvessel. At 12.45 the life-boatCanadian Pacific launched in a freshnorth-north-westerly wind and roughsea. It was high water. The five peoplefrom the dinghy had been taken onboard the Dutch vessel Eemstroom andthe life-boat arranged a rendezvous withher to take off the survivors, who weresuffering from exposure and shock. Thelife-boat took them on board and re-turned to Selsey where a doctor attendedto them and applied oxygen to one, afterwhich they were taken to hospital byhelicopter. The life-boat returned to herstation at 2.45.

SAVED YACHTSMAN ADDRESSESCROWD OF ONLOOKERS

Falmouth, Cornwall. At two o'clock onthe afternoon of Sunday the 18th of Au-gust, 1963, the coastguard informed thehonorary secretary that a small sailingyacht had capsized and sunk off Pen-dennis Point and that three men hadbeen thrown into the sea. The reservelife-boat Cecil and Lilian Philpott, ontemporary duty at the station, launchedat 2.5 p.m. on a flood tide. The weatherwas squally with a fresh wind from thenorth-west. In the meantime the sur-vivors had clung to the gunwales of asmall rowing boat, which had come totheir rescue before being embarked inthe coaster Yewpark, which was puttingto sea. At 2.30 they were transferred tothe life-boat. It was then noticed thatthe rowing boat was in difficulties and at2.50 it was taken on board the life-boatwith its three young occupants, Theywere landed on Gyllynyvase beach.While they were being landed one of the


men who had been rescued from theyacht took the life-boat's loud hailerand made an impromptu speech to thelarge crowd which had watched therescue. The man, the Penzance BoroughSurveyor, ended his speech with remarksthat the Institution should be proud ofthe service they had rendered. Theseremarks drew an ovation from thecrowd. The three men were later landedat St. Mawes and the life-boat returnedto her station at 4.55 p.m.

FISHING VESSEL TOWED IN BYPILOT CUTTER

Teesmouth, Yorkshire. At 3.23 p.m.on Sunday the 18th of August, 1963, theRedcar coastguard told the honorarysecretary that a small boat was in diffi-culty three quarters of a mile off SouthGare breakwater. The life-boat SarahJane and James Season was launched at3.50 in a moderate north-easterly windand moderate sea. It was high water. ATees pilot cutter had already put to seaand had passed a line to the small fishingvessel Dolphine and started to tow herin. The life-boat escorted the two boatsto Teesmouth and returned to herstation at 4.45.

MOTOR BOAT TOWED BACK TOHARBOUR

Weymouth, Dorset. At ten o'clock onthe night of Sunday the 18th August,1963, the Wyke coastguard reported tothe honorary secretary that a red flarehad been seen a mile east of GrovePoint. At 10.22 the life-boat FrankSpiller Locke was launched. There was afresh west-north-west wind, a rough seaand the tide was half ebb. The life-boatmade a search and located the localmotor yacht Dolce Vita with a crew offour, three miles south-east of GrovePoint. Her engines had broken down.The life-boat towed her to the harbourand arrived back at her station at 12.5the next morning. The owner made giftsto the life-boat crew and to the fundsof the Institution.

FIFTY HELPERS TO LAUNCH LIFE-BOATHastings, Sussex. At 7.10 p.m. on

Monday the 19th of August, 1963, the

Fairlight coastguard informed the hon-orary secretary that a small yachtappeared to be in difficulties near thebreakwater at Hastings. The honorarysecretary went to the life-boat station,where he met the motor mechanic, whotold him that the yacht had tried to gainthe breakwater but had broached to andhad taken a lot of water on board.Although the weather was fine there wasa moderate sea running with a strongwind from the south-west. The life-boatM.T.C. was launched at 7.31 with theaid of fifty helpers, who had to dragthe boat over a steep shingle bank asthere was an exceptionally low tide.When the life-boat made contact withthe casualty she was one and a halfmiles south-south-west of the Fairlightlookout. The casualty was the yachtBlack Pearl bound from Brighton toFolkestone with two men on board. Thelife-boat took the yacht in tow but hadto heave to for over an hour to wait forthe tide before she could make RyeHarbour. After the yacht was securedthe life-boat returned to station at11.50 p.m. A letter of thanks for sucha prompt launch under arduous condi-tions was sent to all concerned by theInstitution.

LIFE-BOAT CHECKS SAFETY OF YACHTLlandudno, Caernarvonshire. At ten

to nine on the evening of Tuesday the20th August, 1963, the coxswain re-ceived a telephone message from thehonorary secretary that the Rhyl coast-guard had a small yacht under observa-tion. The crew of two men and a boyappeared to be having difficulty start-ing the yacht's engine. At 9.30 p.m. thehonorary secretary decided to launchthe life-boat Annie Ronald and IsabellaForrest. After the yacht had proceededin a westerly direction, the coastguardhad lost sight of the vessel in the gather-ing darkness. After a thorough butfruitless search the life-boat returned toLlandudno Bay for further information,where the coxswain was told that asmall yacht had made the bay underoutboard motor. On closing with theyacht Susan the coxswain was told thecrew had abandoned their intention of


rounding the head, and after seeing themsuitably anchored the life-boat returnedto her station at 11.45 p.m. The weatherhad been cloudy with a moderate seaand a moderate breeze from the west.

LONG SEARCH FOR UNLIT BOATBerwick-upon-Tweed, Northumber-

land. At 10.10 on the evening of Tuesdaythe 20th of August, 1963, what appearedto be burning material was seen anumber of times about half a mile offshore and two miles north of Berwick.The honorary secretary decided tolaunch the life-boat William and MaryDurham at 10.30 p.m. to investigate.The tide was fivehoursebb,thelightwindwas in the north-west and there was amoderate sea running inshore. A searchof the area where the lights were seenproved negative, so a wider area wascovered with the aid of the searchlightand parachute flares, but again withoutresult. At two o'clock the next morningthe life-boat returned to harbour tocheck that the boat had not alreadycome ashore and to warn the fishingfleet, which was about to put to sea, ofthe casualty and to co-ordinate anyfurther efforts. The assistance of a heli-copter was requested at first light. Withthe wind in the north-west and the ebbtide it was felt that the casualty mighthave carried south-east, and Holy Islandlife-boat was asked to assist in thesearch. At 2.30 a.m. the life-boat put tosea again and searched south-east ofBerwick light. Almost an hour later shefound a 16-foot open boat, with a crewof two, five miles east by south of thelight. A rope had fouled her propellerand the boat was towed into harbour.The boat had no navigation lights andher anchor rope was not long enoughto reach the bottom. The life-boat wasrehoused at 4.40 a.m. The assistance ofthe helicopter was not required.

SICK MAN LANDED FROM U.S.TROOPSHIP

Penlee, Cornwall. At 9.30 a.m. onWednesday the 21st of August, 1963,the second coxswain received a tele-phone message from the honorary sec-retary that the United States troopship

Upshur, four miles south of Penzance,required the help of a doctor. The life-boat Solomon Browne was launched at10.30 a.m. and proceeded to Newlyn topick up a doctor and stretcher and camealongside the troopship at 11.30 a.m.There was a gentle breeze from thewest-south-west and a slight sea on thehalf ebb tide. A sick man was trans-ferred to the life-boat, which arrived atNewlyn at 12.15 p.m. The life-boat wasrehoused at 4.15 p.m.

INEXPERIENCED YACHTSMEN INDAMAGED BOAT

Sheringham, Norfolk. At 10.5 on themorning of Wednesday, 21st August,1963, a fisherman returning fromcrabbing in squally weather with poorvisibility and light wind from thewest-north-west reported that the yachtMona of Scarborough, with two veryyoung and inexperienced youths onboard, had asked for the life-boat's as-sistance. The life-boat Manchester Unityof Oddfellows was launchedat 10.30 andmade contact with the casualty half a mileoff Sheringham beach. The yacht wasleaking, rolling heavily and had bothshrouds broken. The centre-board wasnot properly down and had jammed.The two youths were invited into thelife-boat and two of the life-boat crewwere put aboard the yacht, which wastaken in tow to Blakeney, where therewas not enough water to cross the bar.The yacht was handed over to a localman who towed her over the bar. Thelife-boat reached her station at 2.20 inthe afternoon.

FOUR SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT SEARCHFOR BOY

St. Peter Port, Guernsey. At 1.34 onthe morning of Thursday the 22ndAugust, 1963, a message was receivedfrom the signal station that the Alderneyharbourmaster had reported that a boywas missing in a dinghy from the yachtRona. He had last been seen at nineo'clock the previous evening. It wasthought that he had been blown out ofthe harbour and was drifting off Alder-ney. It was decided to make a searchat daybreak. At five o'clock the life-boat


Euphrosyne Kendalwa.s launched and in amoderate westerly windandmoderateseamade a wide search. It was low water.An aircraft, a naval vessel, the Rona andanother yacht also searched, but the boywas found by another boat four milesnorth-west by north of Cap le Hague.The life-boat was recalled to her station,but when she was one mile north ofAlderney she came up with the Ronatowing the yacht Theodore. At the re-quest of the Rona the life-boat escortedthem to Alderney after which she re-turned to her station, arriving at 4.25in the afternoon.

BELGIAN TRAWLER AGROUNDAND DAMAGED

Caister, Norfolk. At 4.15 a.m. onThursday the 22nd August, 1963, theGorleston coastguard informed the hon-orary secretary that a small vesselappeared to be aground on NorthScroby sands. At 5.20 the life-boat JoseNeville was launched in a slight west bysouth wind and a slight sea. It was anhour before low water. The life-boatfound the vessel, the Belgian trawlerIxous of Ostend, with five people onboard and stood by until she refloated.She continued to stand by the trawlerwhilst her steering gear, which was outof order, was repaired. The life-boatthen returned to her station, arriving at11.30a.m.

COLD AND EXHAUSTED MENGIVEN RUM

Youghal, Co. Cork. At 3.15 on theafternoon of Thursday the 22nd August,1963, the coxswain saw a capsizeddinghy outside the harbour. At 3.25 thelife-boat Herbert John was launched ina fresh south-westerly breeze and smoothsea. It was low water. The life-boatfound the dinghy off Blackball Head.The dinghy had been righted and one ofthe two men had managed to get backon board. The other was still in thewater. The life-boat embarked the twomen who were cold and exhausted andgave them rum. She then took thedinghy in tow and returned to herstation at 4.15.

THREE LIFE-BOAT CALLS IN FOURHOURS

Moelfre, Anglesey. At 1.20 on theafternoon of Friday, August 23rd, 1963,the Moelfre coastguard reported that an8-foot punt with two on board was inserious difficulties four and a half milessouth-south-west of the life-boat house.The life-boat Watkin Williams waslaunched at 1.30 in a near gale from thesouth-south-west and steep seas. Ahelicopter took off one of the occupantsof the punt and the life-boat rescued theother and towed the boat to Red WharfBay, where he was landed. The life-boatreturned to her station at 2.50. Immed-iately after the crew had taken off theirlife-jackets another call was receivedfrom Benllech police to say that a canoewith a boy on board was in difficulties.The life-boat was relaunched and at 2.54found the canoe and boy on the rocksat Benllech Bay. The canoe and itsoccupant was taken in tow to Red WharfBay. Here yet another call was receivedto search for an object believed to be indistress four miies east-north-east ofBenllech beach. The life-boat and heli-copter made a thoroughsearch but foundonly a yacht racing marker buoy andreturned to their stations at 5.10 p.m.

TWO CANOEISTS DROWNBarry Dock, Glamorganshire. At 5.16

on the afternoon of Friday the 23rdAugust, 1963, the coastguard informedthe honorary secretary that a man atPenarth had reported to the police thatthree men in two canoes appeared to bein difficulties between Penarth and Flat-holm. The coastguard sent a man toinvestigate and later reported that themen were in fact in difficulties. Thehonorary secretary ordered the life-boatEdmund and Mary Robinson, on tem-porary duty at the station, to belaunched at 5.42 p.m. He also informedthe Cardiff pilot boat which renderedassistance. A helicopter also helpedin the search. It was the first hour ofthe flood with a strong breeze from thesouth-west and rough seas. At 6.20 thelife-boat found a man in the sea andasked the helicopter to pick him up andtake him to hospital. The man was found


to be dead on arrival. A small boatfound another man but there was notrace of the third. The life-boat searcheduntil nightfall and returned to herstation at 10.10 p.m.

DEAD MAN REMOVED FROMLIGHTVESSEL

New Brighton, Cheshire. At approxi-mately 9.35 on the morning of Saturdaythe 24th August, 1963, the Marine De-partment of the Mersey Docks andHarbour Board informed the honorarysecretary that a member of the crew ofthe Bar lightvessel had collapsed anddied. They asked if the life-boat wouldtake off the body as their service boatwas not suitable in the bad weatherconditions. At 9.55 the life-boat WhiteStar, on temporary duty at the station,was launched in a gale force wind andvery rough sea. It was three hours beforehigh water. The life-boat took the bodyon board and returned to her station at3.45.

TWO LANDED FROM CAPSIZEDRACING YACHT

Wicklow, Co. Wicklow. At 2.50 on theafternoon of Saturday the 24th of August,1963, the coxswain received a telephonemessage from a member of the publicwho had seen a red flare being burnton board a small coaster two milesnorth-east of the harbour. The coxswainstudied the coaster through his binocu-lars and saw she was alongside whatappeared to be a capsized yacht.He at once mustered the crew andlaunched the life-boat J. W. Archer atfive minutes past three on the high tide.On arrival at the scene of the casualtyit was found that an international 505yacht Rogue of Dun Laoghaire hadcapsized and the crew of two had beentaken on board the coaster. The life-boattook off the two men and towed theyacht into harbour. The life-boat wasrehoused at 4.20. The weather had beenshowery with a moderate breeze fromthe west-north-west.

FOUR DINGHIES CAPSIZESt. Abbs, Berwickshire. At 3.55 p.m.

on Saturday the 24th August, 1963, the

Eyemouth coastguard informed thehonorary secretary at St. Abbs that twosailing dinghies had capsized off Eye-mouth. There was a strong westerlywind with a moderate sea. The life-boatW. Ross Macarthur of Glasgow waslaunched at 4.10 on a flood tide. Sheproceeded to the scene of the accidentand found that four dinghies had cap-sized and their crews had been rescuedby the rescue launch from Eyerr.outhBoating Club. The li;e-boat towed awaterlogged dinghy to the beach out-side Eyemouth harbour and returned toher station at 6.40.

YACHT'S SAILS BLOWN AWAYWalton and Frinton, Essex. At 11.55

a.m. on Saturday the 24th August, 1963,the honorary secretary received a mes-sage from the coastguard that the s.s.Bravo had taken the yacht Evenlode intow and was sailing to the Sunk light-vessel. The life-boat Edian Courtauldwas launched at 12.25 and took theEvenlode in tow near the Sunk light-vessel. There was a rough sea and astrong breeze from the south-west. Theyacht, with a crew of three, had lost herjib and suffered some damage to hermainsail. While getting the mainsailoff a sheet had fouled her screw. Shewas towed into Harwich harbour andthe life-boat returned to her moorings at6.45 p.m.

FOUR PEOPLE SAVED BY SPEEDBOATSwanage, Dorset. At 5.53 on the after-

noon of Saturday the 24th August, 1963,the Swanage coastguard informed thehonorary secretary that a dinghy withfour people on board appeared to be indifficulties half a mile east-north-east ofPeveril Point. There was a strong west-south-westerly wind with a rough sea.The life-boat R.L.P. was launched at 6.7on an ebb tide. A speed boat owned by aholiday-maker also put off and reachedthe dinghy before the life-boat. The fourpeople on board the dinghy were rescuedby the speed boat and the life-boattowed the dinghy back to harbour. Shethen returned to her station, arriving athalf past six.


LIFE-BOAT'S FORTUNATE SOCIALAPPEARANCE

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. The life-boatSir Godfrey Baring was attending theClacton-on-Sea sailing club regatta onSunday the 25th August, 1963. Sheleft the slipway at 11.50 a.m. and layoff the clubhouse until 2.5 p.m. whenthe weather began to deteriorate. Thecoxswain weighed anchor to return tothe station, but as the life-boat got underway the wind began gusting to galeforce and six sailing dinghies capsized.The life-boat stayed to help the clubrescue boat escort the dinghies to shoreand left again at 3.20. The sea wastoo rough for the life-boat to be re-housed and she put into Brightlingseafor the night, arriving there at 4.50. Ifthe life-boat had not been on the sceneof the accident she would undoubtedlyhave been called out to give assistance.

FOUR RESCUED FROM SAILINGDINGHY

Walton and Frinton, Essex. At 8.25on the morning of Sunday the 25thAugust, 1963, the coastguard told theassistant honorary secretary that thes.s. Baltic Sun had reported a smallboat in difficulties near the West Sunkbuoy. The life-boat Edian Courtauldleft her moorings at 8.50 in a moderateto fresh west-south-westerly breeze anda rough sea. It was two hours beforelow water. The life-boat found the sail-ing dinghy Estella with her mainsailtorn and her outboard motor brokendown. She had a crew of four. They weresuffering from seasickness when theywere taken on board the life-boat,wherethey were given food and drink. Thedinghy was taken in tow to the Waltonand Frinton yacht club. The life-boatreturned to her moorings at 12.45.

AUXILIARY CUTTER TOWED TOPORTSMOUTH

Bembridge, Isle of Wight. At 10.12 onthe evening of Sunday the 25th August,1963, the Bembridge coastguard toldthe honorary secretary that a red flarehad been seen half a mile north ofNo Mans Land Fort. The life-boat JesseLumb was launched at 10.20 in a strong

west-south-westerly wind and a roughsea. It was an hour before low water.Ten minutes later the coastguard repor-ted that a motor fishing vessel had leftPortsmouth to investigate a flare sightedthree-quarters of a mile south east of theGilkicker signal station. The life-boatlocated the auxiliary cutter Tringer, ofEmsworth, with her engine broken down.She had a crew of four on board. Thelife-boat took the casualty in tow toPortsmouth and then returned to herstation, arriving at half past eleven.

MOTOR FISHING VESSEL TOWEDIN GALE

Beaumaris, Anglesey. At 8.40 on theevening of Sunday the 25th August,1963, the Penmon coastguard informedthe honorary secretary that the m.f.v.Phoenix, of Caernarvon, had beensighted one and a half miles south-eastof Puffin Island and was flashing SOSsignals. The life-boat Field-Marshal andMrs. Smuts was launched at 9.5 p.m. ingale force winds and very rough seasand located the casualty a mile and ahalf north-east of Puffin Island. Thecasualty was taken in tow and securedto Beaumaris pier and the crew of fivelanded. The life-boat was moored along-side the lee of the pier at 11.35 toawait rehousing when the weather hadmoderated.

ELEVEN SAVED FROM STRANDEDLAUNCH

Margate, Kent. At 10.40 on the even-ing of Sunday the 25th of August, 1963,the coastguard reported he had seenthree red rockets north-west of Margate.This was confirmed by the Reculvercoastguard, who estimated the positionof the rockets about three miles north ofthe lookout. The coxswain decided tolaunch the life-boat, North Foreland(Civil Service No. 11), at 10.57 p.m. ina strong south-west wind and moderateseas. It was low water. After a fortyminute search in the area a small lightwas seen between the Hook and Lastsands. With the aid of the echo sounderthe life-boat managed to keep afloatamong the sandbanks and get withinhailing distance of the 30-ton motor


launch Midnight, cruising from Graves-end to Calais with 11 people, includingthree women and a child, on board.There were gale force winds and veryrough seas at the casualty. The launch'sthree engines had failed and the ownerasked for immediate assistance as thelaunch was rolling heavily. While tryingto get a tow rope and the second cox-swain aboard, the launch rolled on thelife-boat and caused slight damage.After much difficulty the life-boat gotthe rope aboard and started towing at12.25 a.m., arriving at Margate at 4.30.The life-boat was rehoused at aquarter past six.

YACHT IN HEAVY WEATHER OFFNEEDLES

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. At 6.46 a.m.on Monday the 26th August, 1963, theNeedles coastguard informed the honor-ary secretary that a yacht approximate-ly one mile west of the Brook look-outappeared to be in difficulty. At 7.9 a.m.the life-boat S.G.E. was launched in astrong south-westerly breeze and mod-erate sea. The tide was on the ebb. Thelife-boat located the yacht Lulu, ofHamble, with four people on board,approximately one mile south-west ofFreshwater with her engine brokendown. She was having difficulty in mak-ing headway towards the Needles underreduced sail, due to the strong breeze.The life-boat escorted the yacht andthen towed her into Yarmouth; return-ing to her station at 10.15 a.m.

YACHT BREAKS FROM MOORINGSBeaumaris, Anglesey. At mid-day on

Monday the 26th August, 1963, theyacht Galata broke away from her moor-ings off Beaumaris. A near gale wasblowing from the south-west and therewas a rough sea. The life-boat FieldMarshal and Mrs. Smuts had beensecured to the lee side of the pier await-ing a break in the weather before shecould be rehoused following a servicethe previous evening. No other boatpowerful enough to take the yacht intow was available, so it was decided tosend the life-boat. She took the Galata

in tow and returned to the pier at threeo'clock.

SIX PEOPLE THROWN INTO SEABembridge, Isle of Wight. At 12.57 on

the morning of Tuesday the 27th ofAugust, 1963, the Bembridge coastguardinformed the honorary secretary that asailing dinghy had capsized and that an-other sailing dinghy which had gone toher assistance had also capsized. At 1.11the life-boat Jesse Lumb launched in amoderate west-north-westerly wind and aslight sea. It was two hours after lowwater. The life-boat took one dinghy intow and returned to her station, arrivingat 2.40. The second dinghy was baled outand sailed to Bembridge by a member ofthe life-boat crew. The three young peo-ple on board each of the two dinghieswere picked up by a shore boat fromForelands.

LOBSTER BOAT AGROUND ONSHEEP ROCK

Campbeltown, Argyllshire. At 10.26on the morning of Wednesday the 28thof August, 1963, the Southend coast-guard informed the assistant honorarysecretary that the Portpatrick coast-guard had reported the m.f.v. Daunt-less, 25 tons, of St. Abbs, ashore with acrew of four on Sheep Island and hadrequested the life-boat to stand by. Thelife-boat City of Glasgow II left hermoorings at 10.45 on the three-quarterebb with light airs from the south-east.She located the casualty at mid-dayebbed and listing to port on Sheep Rock,east of Sheep Island. A line was passedto the casualty which was in no immed-iate danger as there was no wind and notide. At 4.20 p.m. the life-boat helpedthe Dauntless, which was owned by thebowman of the St. Abbs life-boat, torefloat and the crew continued to laytheir lobster creels. The life-boat re-turned to her moorings at 5.53 p.m.

NIGHT SEARCH IN THICK FOGPoole, Dorset. At 11.20 on the night

of Wednesday the 28th August, 1963,the honorary secretary received a tele-phone message from Wareham policevia Poole police that red flares and SOS


signals had been seen near the entranceto Wareham river. The life-boat BassettGreen was launched at 11.30 andsearched the area. There was no wind,a calm sea and a thick fog. It was lowwater. The search at first proved abor-tive and owing to the fog the life-boatwent aground on four occasions.Eventually she found the cabin cruiserSharina, with six people on board,aground in Poole Harbour. It was dis-covered that this vessel had come fromWareham in answer to the distresssignals and had run aground. The sixpeople were transferred to the life-boat,which took the cruiser in tow and pro-ceeded to Poole quay, returning to hermoorings at 4.0 a.m. The owner of thecabin cruiser made a donation to branchfunds.

A SERVICE AND A FALSE ALARMSelsey, Sussex. At 6.4 p.m. on Thurs-

day the 29th August, 1963, the coast-guard reported to the assistant honorarysecretary that a merchant ship had takenthe yacht Crackerjack, of Southampton,with a crew of two, in tow. They werethen six miles south of the Nab Towerand requested the life-boat to take overthe tow as the yacht had machinerytrouble. The life-boat Canadian Pacificwas launched at 6.20 and took over thetow near the Owers lightvessel, takingthe Crackerjack into Littlehampton. Thelife-boat left Littlehampton at 10.20 andpicked up a message at 11.5 saying thata 13-year-old boy had put off from EastWittering in a small boat at seveno'clock and had not yet returned. Thelife-boat searched until 2.18 the follow-ing morning when another message wasreceived saying that the boy had left hisdinghy in Chichester Harbour and gonehome over land. The life-boat was re-housed at three o'clock. The weatherthat night had been fair with a moderatesea and gentle breeze.

LIFE-BOAT OUT FOR 17 HOURSGalway Bay, Co. Galway. At 11.10 on

the evening of Thursday the 29th ofAugust, 1963, the honorary secretaryreceived a telephone message from theharbour master at Galway that the

35-foot launch St. Patrick of Galwaywith an adult and six youths onboard was missing in Galway Baybetween Black Head and West Mar-geretta buoy. The life-boat Mary Stan-ford, on temporary duty at the station,left the pier at 12.15 a.m. within twohours of high water. There was a fullgale blowing from the south-west andpoor visibility. During the search offBlack Head the life-boat found thedredger Teardach. The master had losthis way and requested a pilot from thelife-boat. The life-boat led the dredgerto anchorage at Mutton Island at 5 a.m.and resumed its search. At 5.30 a mes-sage was received from Valentia radiostation giving the position of the launch.The life-boat found her at 7 a.m. in thetow of the trawler Elsie Mabel of Gal-way. As the life-boat arrived the towparted twice. The life-boat took overas the launch was in danger from heavyseas and those on board had asked to betaken on the life-boat. Two life-boatmenboarded the launch to look after the towwhich was taken to Galway Docks at10.0 a.m. After she had been refuelledand the crew had had a meal the life-boat returned to her station at 5.30 p.m.She had been away from her mooringsover 17 hours. The father of three of theyouths made a donation to the Institu-tion's funds.

SIX FISHING BOATS ESCORTEDArbroath, Angus. On Friday the 30th

August, 1963, at 8.45 a.m. the coast-guard telephoned the honorary secretaryto say that five fishing boats had goneto sea early that morning and were nowreturning to harbour. The sea was roughwith a near gale blowing from thesouth-east. The life-boat The Duke ofMontrose was launched at nine o'clockwhen the first fishing boat appeared atthe harbour entrance. She stood byuntil all the boats had reached safety.The life-boat then entered the innerharbour and was again ready for serviceat 12.34 p.m. At ten minutes past threethat afternoon the coastguard tele-phoned the honorary secretary when thefishing boat Bairn's Pride appeared offthe harbour. She was contacted by radio


and reported she had a fouled pro-peller. Her skipper was advised to stayat sea until there was sufficient water fora safe entry. The life-boat stood by theBairn's Pride until she entered harbourat eight o'clock, when the life-boat wasberthed in the inner dock and was readyfor service again at nine o'clock.

LIFE-BOAT REFLOATS GROUNDEDCOBLE

Bridlington, Yorkshire. At 8.40 a.m. onFriday the 30th August, 1963, the coast-guard told the honorary secretary thatthe fishing coble Dorothy was ashore atDanes Dyke and that another coble wasgoing to attempt to refloat her. At 9.15the honorary secretary was told that thesecond coble had returned to harbourand that the Dorothy was still aground.There was a moderate south-south-easterly breeze and a corresponding sea.The tide was flooding. The life-boatTillie Morrison, Sheffield 11. waslaunched at 9.35 and came up with theDorothy at ten o'clock. The coble hadput out with a borrowed rowing boat intow to recover her salmon nets. The netshad fouled her propeller and the row-ing boat had broken adrift and beendriven ashore over rocks. The coble hadthen drifted on to the rocks. When theowners of the rowing boat saw whathad happened they went by road toDanes Dyke and salvaged their boat.On the arrival of the life-boat threemen put out in the rowing boat andpassed a line from the Dorothy to thelife-boat. The coble was then towedclear and the three people in the row-ing boat, which had been damagedwhen washed ashore, were taken onboard the life-boat. The life-boat towedboth boats back to harbour, arriving at11.30a.m.

PRIEST TAKEN TO STORM-BOUNDISLAND

Arranmore, Co. Donegal. At 5.30 onthe afternoon of Friday the 30th August,1963, the honorary secretary received acall from the priest of Tory Island, whowas stormbound on the mainland, that

a woman was dangerously ill on theisland and had asked for a priest. Thelife-boat Edward 7.. Dresden, on tem-porary duty at the station, put out at7.30 for Burtonport, but the priest wasinvolved in a car accident and did notarrive at Burtonport until 9.30. Heembarked in the life-boat, but abouthalf way across the Tory Island light-house reported that owing to heavy seaslanding on the island was impossible.It was low water with a strong breezefrom the south-west. The life-boat thenreturned to her station. At ten o'clockthe following morning the life-boatagain put to sea and arrived at theisland at 1.30 p.m. and landed thepriest. The life-boat returned to hermoorings at four o'clock.

DUTCH TRAWLER ASHORERedcar, Yorkshire. At 2.50 p.m. on

Saturday the 31st of August, 1963, thecoastguard informed the honorary sec-retary that the Dutch trawler V.L.79,Maas of Vlaardingen, was ashore on theSaltscar rocks, three-quarters of a mileoff Redcar. The life-boat City of Leedswas launched at three o'clock and foundthat the casualty was in no immediatedanger as there was only a light breezefrom the north-west and a slight sea. Itwas the first hour of the ebb. The life-boat stood by until the trawler wasrefloated and escorted her clear, return-ing to her station at 4.15 p.m.

THREE GIRLS LANDED FROMGROUNDED CRUISER

Poole, Dorset. At 11.50 on the nightof Saturday the 31st August, 1963, thehonorary secretary received a telephonemessage from Poole police that a smallcabin cruiser had gone ashore offBrownsea Island with three youths andthree girls on board. Two youths hadrowed ashore and stated that the cruiserdid not need any assistance. But afterconsultations between the police andthe young people's parents and in viewof the state of the weather the honorarysecretary decided to send the life-boatBassett Green to investigate. It was 5 min-


utes past midnight. The tide was on theebb and there was a gentle breeze fromthe north-east and a smooth sea. Thecabin cruiser Seabreeze was located andthree girls taken off and landed atPoole quay, the three youths havingdecided to stay with the cruiser. Thelife-boat returned to her moorings at1.0 a.m. A gift was made to the life-boatcrew by the father of one of the girls.

The following life-boats went out onservice, but could find no ships indistress, were not needed, or could donothing:

Barry Dock, Glamorganshire.—August 1st.

Fishguard, Pembrokeshire.—August3rd.

Youghal, Co. Cork.—August 4th.Beaumaris, Anglesey.—August 4th.Broughty Ferry, Angus,—August 4th.Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor-

folk.—August 4th.Humber, Yorkshire.—August 5th.Rhyl, Flintshire.—August 5th.Fleerwood, Lancashire.—August 5th.Howth, Co. Dublin.—August 5th.Cromer, Norfolk.—August 5th.Fishguard, Pembrokeshire.—August

5th.Fishguard, Pembrokeshire. — August

6th.Aldeburgh, Suffolk.—August 7th.Howth, Co. Dublin.—August 7th.Barry Dock, Glamorganshire.—

August 7th.Skegness, Lincolnshire.—August 7th.Walmer, Kent.—August 7th.Mallaig, Inverness-shire.—August 7th.Girvan, Ayrshire.—August 7th.Blackpool, Lancashire.—August 8th.Hastings, Sussex.—August 9th.Porthdinllaen, Caernarvonshire. —

August 9th.Buckie, Banffshire.—August 10th,Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—August

10th.Porrpatrick, Wigtownshire.—August

10th.Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—August

llth.Selsey, Sussex.—August llth.Newhaven, Sussex.—August llth.

Stronsay, Orkney.-—August 13th.Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—August

14th.Salcombe, Devon.—August 15th.Wicklow.—August 15th.Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.-—August

17th.Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—August

18th.Cromer, Norfolk.—August 18th.Weymouth, Dorset.—August 18th.Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—August

18th.New Brighton, Cheshire.—August

18th.Bridlington, Yorkshire.—August 18th.Newhaven, Sussex.—August 18th.Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—August

19th.Walmer, Kent.—August 19th.Humber, Yorkshire.—August 19th.Plymouth, Devon.—August 20th.Holy Island, Northumberland. —

August 21st.Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—August

21st.St. Ives, Cornwall.—August 21st.St. Ives, Cornwall.—August 22nd.Angle, Pembrokeshire.—August 23rd.North Sunderland, Northumberland.—

August 23rd.Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—August 24th.Fishguard, Pembrokeshire.—August

24th.Tenby, Pembrokeshire.—August 25th.Southend-on-Sea, Essex. — August

25th.Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.—August

26th.Penlee, Cornwall.—-August 26th.St. Mary's, Scilly Islands.—August

27th.Weymouth, Dorset.—August 27th.Angle, Pembrokeshire.—August 29th.Padstow, Cornwall.—August 29th.St. Helier, Jersey.—August 29th.Filey, Yorkshire.—August 30th.Padstow, Cornwall.—August 30th.Donaghadee, Co. Down. — August

31st.


SEPTEMBERDURING September life-boats werelaunched on service 82 times and rescued42 lives.

LIFE-BOAT ESCORTS HELICOPTERClovelly, Devon. At three o'clock on

the afternoon of Sunday the 1st ofSeptember, 1963, the coastguard toldthe honorary secretary that a man hadbeen injured on Lundy Island. A heli-copter which was to fly to the islandwith a doctor asked for the life-boat asan escort. At 3.10 the life-boat Clara andEmily Harwell, on temporary duty at thestation, was launched in a moderatenorth-easterly breeze and moderate sea.It was four hours before high water.The helicopter took the injured manfrom the island to Bideford where hewas taken to hospital. The life-boat re-turned to her station at 6.30.

MOTOR BOAT BEACHEDWalton and Frinton, Essex. At 4.58 on

the afternoon of Sunday the 1st Septem-ber, 1963, the coastguard told the cox-swain that a motor boat south of thelookout had broken down. The cox-swain studied the boat's position andwas then told by the coastguard that theboat was asking for life-boat assistance.It was low water with a moderate breezefrom the south-east and moderate seas.The life-boat Edian Courtauld left hermoorings at 5.45. The casualty was a20-foot motor boat which was leakingbadly. Her engines had also brokendown. Before the life-boat could reachthe casualty a shore-boat had taken awoman off the vessel, leaving a crew oftwo. The life-boat took the boat in towto the Walton backwater and put herashore near the yacht club. The life-boatreturned to her moorings at 8.35 p.m.

FLEETWOOD MOTOR VESSELBREAKS DOWN

Fleetwood, Lancashire. At 12.30 a.m.on Sunday the 1st September, 1963, thecoastguard told the honorary secretarythat red flares were being burnt abouthalf a mile east of Danger Patch buoy.A coaster reported by radio that she wasinvestigating and later reported that the

Fleetwood m.v. Eleanora of nine tonshad broken down and anchored half amile south-east of the Patch buoy. Sherequested life-boat assistance. Althoughthe vessel was in no immediate dangerthe weather forecast was not good andthe life-boat, City of Bradford II, ontemporary duty at the station, waslaunched at 1.40 a.m. It was two hoursafter high water. There was a lightbreeze from the north-east and a slightsea. The casualty and crew of two werelocated and towed in, the life-boatbeing rehoused at five minutes past four.

TWO HOUR WAIT BEFORE ENTERINGHARBOUR

Dunbar, East Lothian. At. 6.15 on theevening of Tuesday the 3rd September,1963, the honorary secretary received amessage from the coastguard that thelife-boat coxswain had been told by theskipper of the m.f.v. Thorntree thatm.f.v. Yvonne Risager, 14 tons, hadbroken down nine miles north-east ofDunbar. The life-boat Margaret put offat 6.30 in a gentle breeze and slight seaon the half ebb. The life-boat found thecasualty five miles east of Dunbar. Thelife-boat took her in tow and reachedthe harbour entrance at nine o'clock butowing to the casualty's draft had towait until eleven o'clock before therewas sufficient water at the bar to bringthe boat with its crew of three and twopassengers into harbour. The life-boatreturned to station at 11.25 p.m.

YACHT'S CREW FOUND EXHAUSTEDHastings, Sussex. Following a tele-

phone call from the motor mechanic tothe honorary secretary at 5.0 on theafternoon of Tuesday the 3rd September,1963, it was decided to launch the life-boat M.T.C., commanded by the secondcoxswain, to the aid of a yacht burningred flares and waving a white cloth 400yards south-west of the harbour arm. Itwas the fifth hour of the ebb with amoderate breeze from the west. Thecasualty, the 25-foot yacht Sea King,asked the second coxswain for a tow toNewhaven as the crew of two wereexhausted and seasick. It was decidedthat it would be better to tow the casu-


alty leeward to Dover. While crossingRye bay the tow parted, and as thecasualty was becoming a more difficultproblem it was decided to heave-to nearthe entrance to Rye harbour rntil thetide flowed sufficiently. After the yachthad been moored at Rye the life-boatreturned to her station, arriving at 12.10a.m. after being at sea for eight hours.

600-TON CARGO VESSEL AGROUNDValentia, Co. Kerry. At 5.48 on the

evening of Tuesday the 3rd September,1963, the honorary secretary received aradio message from Valentia radiostation that the 600-ton cargo vesselHolmfield of Liverpool, on passagefrom Bantry to Liverpool, had goneaground on the rocks on the north end ofWhiddy Island in Bantry Bay. The life-boat Rowland Watts sailed at 6.5 p.m.on the ebb tide and arrived at the casu-alty at midnight in a fresh breeze fromthe west and calm sea. At 4.0 a.m. a linewas taken from the ship at the requestof the master as wind and tide werecarrying her stern on to the rocks, andthe life-boat held her clear. The casualtywas towed clear at 4.55 a.m. and theHolmfield's master decided to anchorand await daylight before returning toBantry Bay. The life-boat returned toher station at eleven o'clock after beingat sea for 17 hours.

YACHT FOUND WITH HEAVY LISTMargate, Kent. At 5.48 on the even-

ing of Wednesday the 4th September,1963, the coastguard passed an antici-patory message to the coxswain statinga sailing yacht was nearing the north-west Margate Sands, about three milesnorth-west of the lookout. At 6.10 theyacht was reported aground. Althoughthe weather was fine the coastguardreported that he was worried about thesafety of the yachtsmen, as the boat haddeveloped a 40 degree list and might notrefloat on the flood. The life-boat NorthForeland (Civil Service No. 11) waslaunched at 6.55. It was then lowwater with a slight sea and a moderatebreeze from the south-west. An hourand a half later the life-boat got to with-in 300 yards of the yacht Freya, of Gil-

lingham, which with a crew of two wason passage from Dover to Gillingham.With the aid of the loud-hailer instruc-tions were passed to the yacht on howto get the vessel upright. About nineo'clock the life-boat came alongside asthe yacht started to float. The ownerexpressed his gratitude for the cox-swain's instructions and asked for acourse to Sheerness. After the yacht hadbeen seen into deeper water the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at10.20.

NINE TEENAGERS RESCUEDRamsgate, Kent. At 8.47 p.m. on

Thursday the 5th September, 1963, thecoxswain received a report from theeast pier watchman, that a yacht wasin difficulties about two miles south ofthe pier. The life-boat Michael and LilyDavis slipped her moorings at 9.25 andwithin 25 minutes came up with thethree-ton yacht Salopia of Ramsgate.She had fouled her propeller. The life-boat took the yacht, with a crew of nineteenagers on board, in tow to Ramsgateharbour. It was low water with light airsfrom the west and a slight sea. The life-boat was re-moored at ten o'clock.

BELGIAN TRAWLER AGROUNDPeterhead, Aberdeenshire. Informa-

tion was received from the coastguardat 7.8 on the evening of Friday the 6thSeptember, 1963, that the 54-ton Belgiantrawler Raphael Gabrielle, loaded withfish, was aground a quarter of a mile offRattray Head. The life-boat Julia ParkBarry of Glasgow was launched at 7.24and helped lay out anchors from thetrawler. She later helped tow her clearof the rocks. It was the third hour of theebb with smooth seas. The operationwas completed at 2.15 on the morningof the 7th, and the life-boat was finallyrehoused at seven o'clock on the eveningof the 9th September.

THREE LIFE-BOAT CALLS IN ONEAFTERNOON

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire. At 1.45on the afternoon of Saturday the 7thSeptember, 1963, the life-boat AnnieRonald and Isabella Forrest was prepar-


ing to launch on exercise in aid of theR.A.F.'s "Wing's Day" at Colwyn Baywhen the coxswain was informed by thecoastguard that a small yacht appearedto be in trouble off the lighthouse. Thelife-boat was launched immediately andwent to the casualty, which had two menon board. There was a fresh breeze fromthe south-west and a moderate sea. Itwas high water. The boat was trying tomake Rhos-on-Sea, and as the life-boatwas going to Colwyn Bay she took theboat in tow, arriving there at threeo'clock. The exercise with the helicopterwent ahead until 3.45, when the life-boatwas informed that a small yacht was introuble and drifting out to sea about twomiles off Rhos point. A local guard boathad gone out to her and got a lineaboard. The life-boat took over the towand returned to Rhos-on-Sea. It was thesame yacht, with the same two men,which the life-boat had earlier towed.At 4.30 the life-boat had yet another call.She was told that a guard boat whichhad gone out to a capsized yachtappeared to be in difficulties. The guardboat had taken the survivors on boardbut could make no headway with thecapsized yacht. The life-boat stood byfor 30 minutes when the guard boatgave up its attempt. The yacht was thenrighted, baled out and towed back toRhos, which was reached at 5.40. Thelife-boat was rehoused at half pastseven.

DUTCH SLOOP TOWED TO DOVERDover, Kent. At 7.14 on the evening of

Saturday the 7th September, 1963, thecoastguard told the honorary secretarythat a 35-foot Dutch sloop had brokendown between 300 and 400 yards asternof the South Goodwin lightvessel. Thelife-boat Elizabeth Elson, on temporaryduty at the station, left her moorings at7.30 in a moderate south-westerlybreeze and a moderate sea. It was anhour before low water. The life-boatfound the sloop B Y109 in the tow of theGerman motor vessel Harle-Riff. Thecoxswain was asked to take over thetow, which he did, and the life-boat andsloop arrived in Dover harbour at 8.39.

INSHORE RESCUE BOAT ON SERVICESt. Ives, Cornwall. At 4.3 on the

afternoon of Sunday the 8th September,1963, the honorary secretary was in-formed by the coastguard that a manwas being swept out to sea at WatergateBay twenty two and a half milesnorth-east of St. Ives Head. A helicopterwas flying to the area. The life-boatEdgar, George, Orlando and Eva Childwas attending the Life-saving Confer-ence and National Surf Life-savingChampionships at Porthmeor Beach.The honorary secretary informed Land'sEnd radio of the situation and a "flashand sound" warning was fired so thatthe life-boat would contact the radiostation. This procedure was successfullycarried out at 4.17 and the life-boat andinshore rescue boat proceeded to thearea. At 4.55 the inshore rescue boatwith the district inspector on boardreturned short of fuel and with brokenside battens. The inspector was trans-ferred to the life-boat, but less than anhour later the honorary secretary wasinformed that further search was un-necessary and the life-boat returned toher station at 7.50. The weather hadbeen bright and clear throughout theafternoon with a gentle breeze from thewest-south-west and moderate seas.

YACHT DRIFTS 400 YARDS FROMSHORE

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. At 5.20 on theafternoon of Sunday the 8th September,1963, the coastguard told the honorarysecretary that an auxiliary yacht hadbeen broken down for three-quarters ofan hour about 400 yards off shore. Theyacht was anchored but drifting towardsClacton; two men could be seen onboard. The life-boat Sir Godfrey Baringwas launched at half past five. It was thesecond hour of the ebb; the sea waschoppy and there was a gentle breezefrom the west-south-west. The life-boattook the yacht Davneen, with a crew ofthree, in tow to Brightlingsea andreturned to her station at 9.15.

RESCUED MAN'S DOUBLE DONATIONSSkegness, Lincolnshire. The Skegness

coastguard told the coxswain at 12.16


on the afternoon of Monday the 9thSeptember, 1963, that a dinghy withtwo people on board had capsized offJackson's Corner. The life-boat TheCuttle was launched at 12.40. Theweather was fine with good visibilityand a smooth sea but there was a strongbreeze from the west. It was reportedthat another dinghy with two people onboard was standing by the capsizedboat, but both were blowing out to seaon the wind and tide. At 1.50 the Life-boat reported that they had picked uptwo dinghies and three men—the fourthman had managed to get ashore beforethe boats were blown out to sea. By thetime the life-boat located the dinghiesthey were two miles off Vickers Point,and four and a half miles north ofSkegness. A helicopter circled the twodinghies until the life-boat reachedthem. The life-boat returned to herstation at 4.30. One of the boats' ownersmade a gift to the life-boat crew. Helater made another donation to theInstitution's funds with a letter of warmappreciation of the life-boat's services.

SICK BABY BROUGHT FROM SARKSt. Peter Port, Guernsey. At 10.22 on

the night of Monday the 9th September,1963, the St. John Ambulance IslandCommissioner asked if the life-boatcould take a seriously ill 22-month-old baby from Sark. The original re-quest had been made by the Sark doctor.The life-boat Euphrosyne Kendal left hermoorings at 10.42 on the high tide. Theweather was fine with light airs from thewest. On arrival at Sark a member of theSt. John Ambulance Brigade and aGuernsey doctor embarked the childand the life-boat returned to St. PeterPort where an ambulance was waiting.The life-boat returned to her mooringsat five minutes to one on the 10th.

7,000-TON CARGO SHIP ONGOODWIN SANDS

Walmer, Kent. At 10.10 on the morn-ing of Tuesday the 10th of September,1963, Deal coastguard told the honorarysecretary that an unidentified cargovessel was aground on the GoodwinSands mid-way between the South andEast Goodwin lightvessels. The life-boat

Charles Cooper Henderson, on tempor-ary duty at the station, was launchedat 10.17 and reached the casualty at11.5. Five hours ebb had run and therewere light airs from the south-south-eastand a slight sea. When the life-boat camealongside the casualty, s.s. M. Bingul,7,097 tons, in ballast from Spain toNewcastle, it was learnt that her masterwas a former salvage tug skipper andwould try to get the ship off himself witha kedge anchor and his own power. Thelife-boat stood by at his request and2^ hours before high water the mastermanaged to refloat his ship and proceedslowly on his voyage. The life-boatreturned to her station at twenty minutesto three after being on service for fivehours.

RESCUE OF A WOMAN AND DOGPort Erin, Isle of Man. At three

o'clock on the afternoon of Wednesdaythe llth of September, 1963, the Ramseycoastguard told the honorary secretarythat a woman was stranded on thecliffs at Bradda Head. She was reportedto be about 40 feet up and could not getany farther up or down. The life-boatMatthew Simpson was launched at 3.15p.m. with a boarding boat in tow. At thescene of the casualty two life-boatmenwent ashore, climbed the cliff andfound, to their surprise, that the womanhad a large dog with her. By means of arope both the woman and the dog werehelped down the cliff and into the life-boat. The woman and her dog werelanded at Port Erin jetty at four o'clockand the life-boat was rehoused an hourlater. A man who had successfullyclimbed the cliffs in advance of the womanmade a donation to branch funds and agift to the life-boat crew. The life savingteam had also been alerted, but the life-boat had rescued the woman beforethey reached Bradda Head.

CARGO VESSEL ON FIRE BELOWDECKS

Islay, Inner Hebrides. At 5.30 on themorning of Wednesday the llth Sep-tember, 1963, the Kilchoman coastguardtelephoned the honorary secretary advis-


ing that the 700-ton cargo vessel LochDunvegan, loaded with castings andbound Glasgow to Stornoway, was onfire below decks a mile north of the Rud-ha Mhail light. The life-boat The Ran-kin, on temporary duty at the station,put out at six o'clock and contacted thecasualty 30 minutes later. The life-boatand H.M.S. Wizard escorted the ship toPort Askaig pier. The life-boat thenreturned to her moorings, but the crewstood by until ten o'clock as there was adanger that if the fire could not be con-trolled the Loch Dunvegan might have tobe towed to a suitable place for sinking.During this service the weather wasclear with a moderate breeze from thesouth-west. It was the last hour of theebb-tide.

COLLIER AGROUND IN THICK FOGSennen Cove, Cornwall. At 12.6 pjn.

on Friday the 13th September, 1963, theSt. Just coastguard reported that a vesselwas aground at Portheras Cove and theservices of the life-boat might be re-quired. After further inspection thecoastguard requested the launch of thelife-boat. There was a thick fog withvisibility of only ten yards, lightaks from the north-east and a smoothsea. The life-boat Susan Ashley, in thecommand of the second coxswain, waslaunched at 1.40, arrived at the casualtyat 2.27 and went alongside. She was theAlacrity of 500 tons, loaded with coaland on passage from Swansea to Bel-gium with a crew of eight. Two of thelife-boat's crew went aboard and helpedlaunch the ship's boat, which was usedto bring a salvage punt off from theshore. At 3.30 the life-boat anchoredabout 50 yards astern of the casualty toawait further developments. At 6.34 thehonorary secretary asked if it was stillnecessary to stand by the casualty. TheAlacrity's master was consulted, and at7.1 the coastguard was able to tell thehonorary secretary that the life-boat wasreturning to her station. The life-boatwas rehoused at eight o'clock.

HELICOPTER AND BOATS SEARCHFOR SURVIVORS

Fleetwood, Lancashire. At 3.25 p.m.on Saturday the 14th September, 1963,

the honorary secretary was told by thecoastguard that the ship Collena hadreported that the yacht Tanera hadoverturned off Wyre Light. The Collenahad picked up two survivors but therewere still three people missing. Most ofthe regular life-boat officers and crewwere at sea when the life-boat City ofBradford II, on temporary duty at thestation, put out at 3.40. The life-boatpicked up the bowman from a yacht andstarted searching. The Collena, and laterthree pleasure boats manned by someregular members of the life-boat crew,also helped in the search. It was lowwater with a smooth sea and a moderatebreeze from the west, A helicopter fromAnglesey also joined the search, whichwas abandoned at dusk as, the missingpeople were without life-jackets. Thetwo survivors were transferred to thelife-boat from the Collena and the life-boat returned to her station at 8.10 inthe evening.

FIVE ADULTS AND TWO CHILDRENRESCUED

Mallaig, Inverness-shire. At 11.10 onthe evening of Saturday the 14th of Sep-tember, 1963, the police told the honor-ary secretary that a number of peoplewere trapped on a cliff in Loch Duich.The life-boat EMM. Gordon Cubbinleft her moorings at 11.25 and rescuedfive adults and two children. A fullaccount of this service will appear in theMarch number of The Life-boat.

FISHING BOAT BURNS FLARESMoelfre, Anglesey. At 8.10 on the

evening of Sunday the 15th September,1963, the coxswain was told by thecoastguard and the police that distressflares had been seen three and a halfmiles south-east of the life-boat house.The life-boat Watkin Williams waslaunched 15 minutes later. On arrivalat the scene the casualty was found to bea small fishing boat with a crew of three.A net had become entangled in theboat's propeller. As a local motor boathad the casualty in tow, the life-boatescorted them both to Traeth Bychanwhere, with the assistance of the life-boat's searchlight, they were able to get


into the dock. The life-boat was re-housed at five minutes past ten. TheBeaumaris life-boat was also launched.Weather conditions during the servicewere fair with a gentle breeze from thesouth-west and a smooth sea.

THIRTEEN TRAWLERMEN SAVEDStronsay, Orkneys. At 1.30 on the

morning of Monday the 16th September,1963, the honorary secretary received atelephone call from the Kirkwall coast-guard saying that the trawler AberdeenCity, 101 tons, which was sailing for theFaroes fishing grounds with a crew of13, had gone aground at Start Point,Sanday. The life-boat The John GellatlyHyndman left her moorings at 1.55 andreached the casualty at 3.15. She wentalongside the trawler and took off nineof her crew who were immediatelylanded at Kettletoft pier. The life-boatreturned to the casualty at 6.10, havingleft the trawler St. Giles standing bywhile she was away. The life-boat thenran a towing warp from the St. Giles tothe casualty, but as soon as a strain wasplaced on the warp it parted. There wasa considerable swell at the scene of thecasualty with a strong breeze fromthe west-south-west. By this time theAberdeen City was bumping so badly shehad holed herself and all compartmentswere flooded. She had taken a steep listto port by high water at ten o'clock. At9.30 the four remaining crew had beentaken aboard the life-boat to see whatpossibilities there were of salving theship at a future tide. The life-boat leftthe casualty at 11.20 and arrived atKettletoft pier at 12.40, returning to hermooring at two o'clock, after being atsea for twelve hours.

MAN TAKEN FROM RHUM IN GALEMallaig, Inverness-shire. At 5.50 on

the evening of Monday, the 16th Sep-tember, 1963, the Factor of the islandof Rhum telephoned the honorary secre-tary asking for the help of the life-boatas a man had a fish-bone stuck in histhroat and needed urgent hospital atten-tion. Owing to adverse weather condi-tions and no other boat being availablethe life-boat E.M.M. Gordon Cubbin left

her moorings at six o'clock, arrived atRhum at eight o'clock, embarked theman and returned to Mallaig by teno'clock. There was a gale blowing fromthe south-west with a rough sea andheavy rain. The life-boat returned toher moorings at eleven o'clock.

PROTOTYPE LIFE-BOAT'S FIRSTSERVICE

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. At a quarterto midnight on Tuesday the 17th Sep-tember, 1963, the Needles coastguardreported to the coxswain that two boyshad been missing on Tennyson Downsince 5.45 that afternoon and the policefeared they had fallen over the cliff. Thenew life-boat The Earl and CountessHowe left her moorings at 12.5 a.m. onher first service call and searched thecoast between the Needles and Fresh-water and Alum Bays. As she was re-turning towards Freshwater Bay the twoboys were located by searchlight on thebeach beneath the high cliffs of Tenny-son Down. It was impossible for the life-boat to get close in, so the position wasbuoyed and the L.S.A. company on thecliff top was signalled by Aldis lamp witha request for the assistance of a smallboat from Freshwater Bay. It was highwater and misty with light airs from thewest-north-west. After picking up thedinghy the life-boat returned and tookoff the boys and put them ashore atFreshwater Bay, where a police car waswaiting for them. It was found that theradar and echo sounder fitted to the newlife-boat were invaluable on this serivce.The boys' father made a donation tobranch funds.

YACHT AND FOUR TOWED TOSAFETY

Weymouth, Dorset. At 7.17 on theevening of Wednesday the 18th Sep-tember, 1963, the coastguard told thehonorary secretary that a yacht wasburning red flares a mile off PortlandBill. The life-boat Frank Spiller Lockeleft her moorings at half past seven onthe flood tide. There was a smooth seaand light airs from the north-east. Thelife-boat eventually found the casualty,the yacht Calypso V of London with a


crew of four, one of whom was sick, inthe tow of H.M.S. Wizard. A helicopterhad hovered over the yacht before it wastaken in tow. The tow was passed fromthe warship to the life-boat, whichbrought the yacht into Weymouth har-bour. The life-boat returned to hermoorings at half past nine.

MAN WITH INJURED HAND LANDEDBoulmer, Northumberland. The Tyne-

mouth coastguard inquired at 10.32 onthe evening of Wednesday the 18thSeptember, 1963, if it was possible tolaunch the Boulmer life-boat to land aninjured man from the 25-ton fishing boatMorning Star. There was some doubtwhether the Amble life-boat would beable to launch to his assistance owingto the state of the tide. The honorarysecretary confirmed with the coxwainthat the Boulmer boat could be launched,and at 10.32 the maroons to assemblethe crew were fired. The life-boatDorothy and Robert Hardcastle waslaunched at 10.55 and steamed to thevessel then lying a mile east of Boulmer,took off a man with an injured hand andlanded him at Boulmer. A doctor and anambulance were waiting, and after re-ceiving attention the man was trans-ferred to Newcastle Infirmary. It waslow water and the weather was brightand clear with light airs from the north-east and a slight sea. Owing to the stateof the tide it was decided to anchor thelife-boat in Boulmer harbour, where shewas left ready for service. She was re-housed at five o'clock the next morning.

CURIOUS INCIDENT OFF SHERINGHAMSheringham and Cromer, Norfolk. At

about five o'clock on the afternoon ofThursday the 19th September, 1963, theSheringham coxswain launched his crabboat to investigate a cabin cruiser, Duch-ess of Leith, apparently anchored offSheringham. The owner told him hewas making minor adjustments tothe clutch. When asked if he requiredany help the owner of the boat saidhe could manage. The coxswain thenasked if he was satisfied with his

fuel and what course he was making.The man replied that he was goingsouth and asked the distance to Yar-mouth. The coxswain strongly advisedhim against going to Yarmouth andsuggested he should make for Blakeneyas the weather was not promising. Theman agreed with this suggestion and wastold that the warden of the bird sanc-tuary at Blakeney would pilot him in.The coxswain again asked if he requiredan escort and was again turned down.The coxswain then helped him raise andstow his anchor and the Duchess ofLeith made off at about eight knots.

At 6.15 it was reported that the boatappeared to be out of control and travel-ling at high speed in circles. The life-boat Frank and William Gates, ontemporary duty at Sheringham, waslaunched at 6.40, but when she came upwith the boat it was cruising at fullthrottle in circles. Owing to its speed thelife-boat could not get alongside. As faras could be seen there was no one onboard. A helicopter was called for andmade a search all round the area withoutsuccess. On hearing this the honorarysecretary sent two men along the beachto give assistance should the Duchess ofLeith's owner have swum ashore.

The helicopter made two attempts toget a man on board the casualty butowing to its speed and its erratic courseeach attempt failed. The coxswaindecided that he must get a man on boardthe casualty and on the next circleallowed the Duchess of Leith to strikethe life-boat amidships, but she swungoff and rammed the life-boat again onher next circle. The impact brought theboat to a halt and the crew were able toget aboard her and make as thorough asearch as was possible. There was notrace of the former occupant.

The fife-boat crew had to scrambleback into the life-boat as the doubleramming had badly damaged theDuchess of Lehh. She sank withinminutes, but not before a line and buoyhad been fixed to the anchor cable. Thesearch for a survivor continued untilnightfall, when the life-boat wasrecalled. The life-boat returned to Sher-ingham at nine o'clock with only super-


ficial damage to her starboard fender.The weather throughout the wholeoperation had been good with a gentleto moderate breeze from the north-eastand choppy sea.

The Cromer No. 2 life-boat HarriotDixon was also launched and carriedout a search for the missing man withoutsuccess.

TWO YOUNG PEOPLE DROWNEDHastings, Sussex. At 12.15 p.m. on

Thursday the 19th September, 1963, thecoxswain was told by the skipper of thefishing vessel Rose that a small sailingdinghy had apparently capsized and thatthere was the body of a girl close by.The fishing boat had tried to recover thebody but had been unable to do so, andher skipper had decided to come ashorefor the help of the life-boat. The positionof the sailing dinghy was then two milessouth of the Pett Level coastguard sta-tion. The life-boat M.T.C. was launchedat 12.28 in a moderate east-north-easterly breeze and corresponding sea.It was high water. The life-boat foundthe dinghy. Seventy yards west of it thebody was sighted and picked up. Arti-ficial respiration was given but the girlwas already dead. The dinghy was thenrecovered, and a helicopter which hadreached the position picked up the bodyof a man about 200 yards away. Thelife-boat returned to her station, arriv-ing at three o'clock. It was later dis-covered that the dinghy had capsizedsome time the previous afternoon,throwing the three occupants into thesea. They had put on life-jackets andhad drifted throughout the night cling-ing to the dinghy. By about 4.0 a.m. oneof the men had drifted away and at9.30 a.m. the second man left the dinghyto swim ashore to get help, leaving thegirl still clinging to the dinghy. Theman, who had been in the water for 19hours, reached the shore in a state ofcollapse and raised the alarm.

FIVE ATTEMPTS TO REFLOATGROUNDED M.F.V.

Stromness, Orkneys. At 9.25 on theevening of Thursday the 19th September,1963, the Kirkwall coastguard told the

honorary secretary that the motorfishing vessel Donside of Aberdeen witha crew of seven was ashore near RocketHouse Point, Nethertown. The life-boatArchibald and Alexander M. Patersonwas launched at 9.45 and reached thecasualty at ten o'clock. The tide wasflooding and there was a slight swell anda fresh breeze from the south-south-east. The life-boat got close enough tothe casualty to throw a line aboard, butafter three attempts to pull her clear thetow snapped and in one of the attemptsthe life-boat touched bottom. The life-boat then went off shore, droppedanchor and slacked away until the casu-alty was in range of the line-throwinggun. A new tow was passed to the fish-ing boat Kinora, which was standing bywith another fishing boat. This tow alsoparted but the life-boat finally towed theDonside clear at eleven o'clock. TheDonside's rudder was damaged and shewas towed into Stromness harbour,where the life-boat was rehoused at oneo'clock on the 20th.

FLEETWOOD TRAWLER AGROUNDIN HEBRIDES

Stornoway, Outer Hebrides. Thehonorary secretary received a messagefrom the Stornoway coastguard atapproximately 11.20 on the night ofThursday the 19th September, 1963,stating that a vessel had gone agroundbelow the lookout, about half a milenorth of Holm Head. In view of theexposed position and the falling tide thelife-boat The James and Margaret Boydslipped her moorings at 11.59. The tidehad ebbed for two and a half hours. Theweather was fine with good visibility anda moderate breeze from the south-south-west. The casualty was discovered to bethe Fleetwood trawler Hawfinch, with acrew of 17, which had sailed fromStornoway harbour at eleven o'clock.The coxswain decided to stand by incase she took a dangerous list as the tidefell. It was low water at three o'clock.When the tide flooded, the life-boatassisted in refleating the trawler at 8.40on the morning of the 20th. She sailedinto Stornoway at nine o'clock.


FOUR YOUTHS GET ASHOREUNAIDED

Hartlepool, Co. Durham. At twentyminutes past two on the afternoon ofSunday the 22nd September, 1963, thecoastguard telephoned the honorarysecretary to say that a 22-foot sptiedboatwith four youths on board was reportedby the police to be rapidly sinking offSeaton Carew. The life-boat The PrincessRoyal (Civil Service No. 7) was launchedat 2.30 under command of the bowman,as the coxswain was on a naval exerciseand the second coxswain at sea fishing.When the life-boat reached the scene ofthe casualty it was found that the fouryouths had managed to get ashoreunaided and the boat was stranded nearthe beach. The life-boat took the speed-boat in tow and brought it into Hartle-pool. The life-boat was rehoused at5.25 p.m. There had been a slight seawith a light breeze from the east-south-east.

POLISH YACHT AGROUNDClacton-on-Sea, Essex. At one minute

past nine on the morning of Tuesdaythe 24th September, 1963, the honorarysecretary received a message that a largeyacht had gone aground in the vicinityof Barrow No. 6 buoy and had taken aheavy list. It was then the fourth hour ofthe ebb with a slight sea and a lightbreeze from the south-west. No distresssignals had been displayed from theyacht, but as the morning progressed theweather began to deteriorate to a strongbreeze from the south-west and a moder-ate sea. At 11.28 the life-boat Sir GodfreyBaring left the slipway. The naval sur-vey craft H.M.S. Enterprise was stand-ing by the Polish yacht Jan-z-Kolna ofGydnia when the life-boat arrived, andthey stood by until the yacht refloated at1.50 p.m. A naval officer was thentransferred from the yacht back toH.M.S. Enterprise and the yacht with acrew of 16 was escorted by the surveyship to Sheerness. As there was toomuch sea running to rehouse the life-boat she sailed for Brightlingsea, arriv-ing there at 3.40. She returned toClacton at 9.30 the following morning.

YACHT IN DIFFICULTIES OFFRAMSGATE

Ramsgate, Kent. At 6.58 p.m. onTuesday the 24th September, 1963, theEast Pier watchman informed the honor-ary secretary that a yacht was in diffi-culties beyond Quern buoy and unableto make Ramsgate. The life-boat Eliza-beth Elson, on temporary duty at thestation, left her moorings at 7.5 in astrong south-south-westerly breeze anda rough sea. The tide was ebbing. Thelife-boat found the yacht Argent brokendown and took her in tow, arriving ather station at 7.37 p.m.

DOUBLE ACCIDENT TO YACHTYarmouth, Isle of Wight. At ten

minutes past two on the morning ofThursday the 26th September, 1963, thehonorary secretary received a messagefrom the Needles coastguard that amotor yacht was lying at anchor twomiles west-south-west of the SolentBanks buoy with both engines brokendown. The tide was flooding and thesouth-easterly wind was gusting to stronggale force. The life-boat The Earl andCountess Howe put out at 2.43 a.m. in arough sea and found the yacht OceanWave of Lymington, with a crew ofthree. The yacht was leaking badly andher engines had caught fire some timeearlier, but the blaze had been put out.The yacht was taken in tow and broughtinto Yarmouth with some difficulty asher anchor was still down and hadfouled some cables. The life-boat re-turned to her moorings at 6.40 a.m.

SIXTEEN HOUR SERVICE TO DUTCHVESSEL

Barra Island, Outer Hebrides. At 2.53a.m. on Thursday the 26th September,1963, the Lochmaddy police reported tothe Stornoway coastguard that therewas a vessel ashore at Sponish Point,Lochmaddy. The life-boat R.A. ColbyCubbin No. 3 left her moorings at 3.35and arrived at Lochmaddy at 9.30. Thetide was ebbing with a gale blowing fromthe south-west and rough seas. Thecasualty was found to be the Dutchmotor vessel Cascade, of 310 tons,loaded. By this time she was high and


dry. A strong gale was blowing off thecasualty but at 10.30 a successfulattempt was made to put a line on thevessel, which was towed off at 11.40,apparently undamaged. The Cascadethen made for Sponish pier on thenorth side of Lochmaddy harbour andthe life-boat returned to her station,arriving at 6.45 p.m. after being onservice for 16 hours.

PANAMANIAN VESSEL ESCORTEDIN GALE

Wick, Caithness-shire. Wick harbourauthority advised the honorary secre-tary at three o'clock on the afternoon ofThursday the 26th September, 1963, thatthe 628-ton Panamanian cargo vesselEastport, loaded and bound from Bell-ingham to Belfast, was making forWick with a burst steam pipe. There wassome doubt whether the ship wouldhave sufficient steam to make Wick andthe life-boat City of Edinburgh waslaunched at 3.15 with the second cox-swain in command. The tide was flood-ing and the sea choppy. There was astrong gale blowing from the west. Thelife-boat came alongside the Eastportfour miles north-east of Wick andescorted the vessel to Wick Buoy, wherea pilot was put on board. The life-boatthen returned to her station, arriving at4.20. Owing to the state of the weatherthe life-boat was not rehoused until the28th of September.

INJURED MAN LANDED FROMDUTCH COASTER

Dungeness, Kent. At 9.50 on the morn-ing of Friday the 27th September, 1963,the honorary secretary telephoned thecoxswain to say that the Dutch coasterHelvetia, loaded and bound for Ex-mouth, had an injured man on board.The crew and helpers were assembled at9.55, and the life-boat Mabel E. Hollandwas launched three minutes later andmet the ship a mile south-west of Dun-geness Point. The tide was at half ebbwith a moderate breeze from the west.Owing to a steep sea the ship's masterwas asked to come into the lee of Dun-geness Point where the seaman wastaken off. He was later transferred to an

ambulance and taken to hospital. Thelife-boat was rehoused at 11.15.

MOTOR BOAT DRIFTS FOR SIXTEENHOURS

Shor?ham Harbour, Sussex. TheShorehum coastguard telephoned thehonorary secretary at 10.30 on themorning of Sunday the 29th September,1963, to say they had received a reportthat the motor boat Jason had leftLittlehampton at eight o'clock on theevening of the 28th and had not returnedby 10.15 the following morning. Shewas reported to be 22-foot long with adark green hull and no mast. Localfishing boats had been asked to keepwatch for her. After enquiries had beenmade in the Littlehampton area theassistance of a helicopter was requested.The helicopter found the Jason fourmiles south-south-west of Shorehamand lowered a man into her. The ownerrequested a tow into harbour. The life-boat Dorothy and Philip Constant waslaunched at 12.7 p.m. and came up withthe Jason about three-quarters of anhour later, put a tow on board andtowed her into Shoreham Harbour.The life-boat was rehoused at 3.40. TheJason had been at sea with engine failurefor over 16 hours. There had been afresh breeze from the west-south-westand a smooth sea during this service.

TWO YOUTHS SAVED—FOUR BOATSESCORTED

Tynemouth, Northumberland. At 11.20on the morning of Sunday, the 29thSeptember, 1963, the coxswain told thehonorary secretary that a small boatwas in trouble off the river Tyne. Thiswas confirmed by the coastguard and at11.35 the life-boat Tynesider was launch-ed. There was a strong westerly windand a moderate sea. It was two hoursbefore high water. On reaching the barthe coxswain found that the boat hadbeen taken in tow by a fishing coble, butthat a number of other small boats werehaving difficulty in making harbour dueto the freshening wind. After escortingtwo rowing boats into the harbour thelife-boat searched an area off the riverfor other craft and escorted a motor


boat in. Enquiries were then made ofthe South Shields motor boat club andthe club reported that a 14-foot boatwith two youths on board had notreturned. They were last seen fishingabout a mile east of the piers. The life-boat searched at sea while the policesearched along the riverside in case theboat had returned unnoticed. The life-boat had steamed seven miles along theestimated course of the drifting boatwhen she was sighted at 2.5. The twoyouths were taken on board the life-boat and the boat taken in tow. Onapproaching the harbour the life-boatwas signalled by the coastguard thatanother small boat appeared in diffi-culties half a mile north of the harbour.This boat was also escorted to harbour.The life-boat finally returned to herstation at 3.50.

DINGHY NOT IN DIFFICULTYDonaghadee, Co. Down. At 2.39 p.m.

on Sunday the 29th September, 1963, thehonorary secretary's wife received atelephone message from the Orlockcoastguard that they had been told bythe Bangor police that a sailing dinghywas missing. The coastguards werereferred to the motor mechanic, whoreceived a further message at threeo'clock that the boat still could notbe seen. The life-boat Sir SamuelKelly was launched at 3.10. The tidewas ebbing and the weather squallywith a rough sea and fresh breeze fromthe north-west. The life-boat found thesailing dinghy Wren, crewed by abrother and sister, at 4.40 and escortedthem until 5.05. As they were in nodifficulty the life-boat returned to herstation at 6.10. A letter of appreciationwas received from the owner of thesailing dinghy.

SAILING FAMILY RESCUEDDover, Kent. At 5.34 p.m. on Sunday

the 29th September, 1963, a message wasreceived that a yacht was in difficultiesand was trying to make the harbour in afresh to strong westerly breeze and arough sea. The life-boat Southern Africaleft her moorings at 5.55 on a floodingtide. The life-boat found the yacht

Venus, of Southampton, half a mile offthe east entrance to the harbour with theowner, his wife and two small childrenon board. The yacht's mainsail and fore-sail had blown away and her engine hadbroken down. She was taken in tow andbrought safely into harbour. The life-boat returned to her moorings at 7.15.

FOUR STRANDED ON ISLANDHowth, Co. Dublin. A woman tele-

phoned the honorary secretary at 7.25on the evening of Sunday the 29thSeptember, 1963, reporting that a firehad been seen on the island, Ireland'sEye. The Gardai telephoned immedi-ately after confirming the report andafter checking there was no other boatavailable the life-boat A.M.T. left hermoorings at 7.45 p.m. with instructionsto go to the island and investigate. Thecoxswain landed two men in the board-ing boat on the sheltered side of theisland. It was then two hours beforehigh water; the weather was fine with afresh breeze from the west-south-west.There was a choppy sea. The landingparty found four young people who werestranded owing to engine failure of theirpunt. The 11-foot plywood boat wascarried across the island and broughtaboard the life-boat. The four youngpeople were landed at Howth at 8.50p.m.; the life-boat returning to hermoorings at nine o'clock.

The following life-boats went out onservice, but could find no ships indistress, were not needed, or could donothing.

Falmouth, Cornwall.—September 1st.Padstow, Cornwall.—September 1st.St. Ives, Cornwall.—September 5th.Barmouth, Merionethshire.—Septem-

ber 6th.Tenby, Pembrokeshire.—September

6th.Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—September

6th.Howth, Co. Dublin.—September 7th.St. Mary's, Scilly Islands.—Septem-

ber 7th.Girvan, Ayrshire.—-September 7th.Llandudno, Caernarvonshire.—Sep-

tember 7th.


New Brighton, Cheshire.—September8th.

Stronsay, Orkneys.—September 8th-9th.

Ramsgate, Kent.—September llth.Weymouth, Dorset.—September 13th.Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—Septem-

ber 13th.Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—September

14th.Mallaig, Inverness-shire.—September

14th-15th.Beaumaris, Anglesey.—September

15th.Swanage, Dorset.—September 17th.Plymouth, South Devon.—September

17th.Porthdinllaen, Caernarvonshire.—Sep-

tember 17th.Lizard/Cadgwith, Cornwall.—Sep-

tember 18th.

Redcar, Yorkshire.—September 18th.Fowey, Cornwall.—September 19th.Cullercoats, Northumberland.—Sep-

tember 20th.Selsey, Sussex.—September 21st.Aberdeen.—September 22nd.Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—September

22nd.Ramsgate, Kent.—September 23rd.Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—Septem-

ber 26th.Lerwick, Shetlands.—September 26th.Stornoway, Outer Hebrides.—Sep-

tember 27th.Troon, Ayrshire.—September 28th.Fowey, Cornwall.—September 29th.Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—Septem-

ber 29th.Margate, Kent.—September 29th.Cromer, Norfolk.—September 29th.Margate, Kent.—September 30th.

ObituaryCoxswain W. A. Rowe

William Archibald Rowe died on30th July, 1963, after his boat hadstruck a rock. He swam ashore, and amember of the Coverack crew gavehim first aid. He was taken to hospitalby helicopter but died there.

He had been an officer of the Cover-ack life-boat for 32 years and had beencoxswain for nearly 25. During his per-iod of service as a boat's officer Cover-ack life-boats were launched 55 times andrescued 82 lives. He was awarded theInstitution's thanks inscribed on vellumfor a service to a Spanish steamer on 3rdNovember, 1951.

Mr. C. W. Clapham writes:"Everybody knew Archie as he was

affectionately known. Visitors to hisCornish seaside village of Coverackcame hundreds of miles to see him.

"I knew him many years and I neverheard him say an unkind word aboutanybody. Always ready to do a goodturn to anybody, Archie loved people,particularly children. When I was atCoverack one small girl arrived late atnight for a holiday and at once cameto me to ask 'Where is Archie?' Whenthe child knew Archie was lifting hiscrab pots at 4 a.m. next morning shegot up early specially to see him.

"Archie was once the subject of theB.B.C.'s programme This is Your Life',and what a job we had to get him up toLondon without his knowing. I remem-ber the wonderful party we had afterthe show and the day out in Londonafterwards, a place he had never beento before, and equally how glad he wasto get back to his beloved Coverack.

"The life-boat was his life, his crewadored him and would have followedhim anywhere, whatever the weatheror conditions. He was never flurried, ina temper or appeared to be in a hurrybut he got there just the same.

"Archie was 'Coverack'. There willnever be another like him. With hispassing part of Coverack has gone andthe whole village mourns him."

Mrs. P. J. GrensideMrs. P. J. Grenside, who was an

honorary life-governor of the Institu-tion, died in August, 1963. She wasappointed honorary secretary of theGodalming branch in 1929 and wasawarded the gold badge in 1936. Shewas elected an honorary life governorin 1949. She was the daughter of G. L.Watson, the Institution's consultingnaval architect, after whom the Watsonclass of boat was named.

DECEMBER, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT

Portrait on the Cover

611

THE cover picture on this quarter'sjournal is of Coxswain Richard Muirof Seaham. He was appointed on the21st November, 1962, four days afterthe life-boat disaster in which the

previous coxswain, J. T. Miller, lost hislife while on service to the fishing coble,Economy.

The photograph is reproduced bycourtesy of the Daily Mirror.

Anonymous GiftIN September the Institution received ananonymous gift of £10,000 from amember of the Royal Thames YachtClub. The gift was made, in the wordsof the donor, "in admiration of the

magnificent work of the Institution"and as a mark of his esteem "for thegreat service it renders not only toyachtsmen in trouble but also to all whosail with the Mercantile Marine."

INSHORE RESCUE BOATS

From July to September the new fast inshore rescue boats were launched onservice thirty-three times and rescued seven lives. The following is the list ofservices or attempted services:

Date1963

July 10th:July 10th:July 14th:July 21st:July 25th:

July 26th:July 27th:July 27th:July 28th:July 28th:July 28th:July 28th:July 30th:Aug. 2nd:Aug. 4th:Aug. llth:Aug. 14th:Aug. 16th:Aug. 17th:Aug. 18th:

Aug. 18th:Aug. 23rd:Aug. 26th:Aug. 29th:Sept. 3rd:Sept. 8th:Sept. 8th:Sept. 14th:Sept. 16th:Sept. 18th:Sept. 19th:Sept. 20th:Sept. 24th:

Station

MudefordGorlestonRedcarWest MerseaMudeford

MudefordRedcarWest MerseaSouthwoldMudefordWhitstableWhitstableWest MerseaMudefordGorlestonWellsAberystwythGorlestonWhitstableSouthwold

West MerseaMudefordWest MerseaGorlestonWhitstableSt. IvesWhitstableSouthwoldWhitstableRedcarGorlestonMudefordWhitstable

Casualty

Capsized dinghyCanoeCanoeSailing dinghyReported capsized boat

SpeedboatBatherSailing dinghyBatherYacht Maureen GraceCabin cruiser Calamity JaneYachtSailing dinghyBoat reported on fireBatherTwo swimmersYacht MerseyBatherMotor cruiserCapsized catamaran in tow of

rowing boatMotor boatCapsized dinghyCapsized boatBatherCapsized yachtTwo bathersDinghySailing dinghyDistress signalSmall fishing vesselDinghy ChimeraOutboard motor boatMotor boat Witch of Ender

Service

No serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo serviceRecovered float section of

bathing floatSaved boat and rescued 2No serviceRescued 1 and landed 1No serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo serviceSaved boat and rescued 3

Stood byStood byNo serviceNo serviceRescued 1No serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo service .No serviceNo serviceNo serviceNo service


PRIDE OF PLACE

The Parsons Engineering Co. Ltd. are proud

to acknowledge the continued installation

of their 'Penguin', 'Porbeagle' and

'Barracuda' marine diesel engines in ROYAL

NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION

Life-boats. Every one of these vessels is built

and fitted out to the highest possible standards

and specifications and it is, therefore, gratify-

ing to the Company that these engines have

been repeatedly chosen to aid the wonderful

work oj the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT

INSTITUTION.

THE PARSONS ENGINEERING CO. LTD.

TOWN QUAY WORKS, SOUTHAMPTON

Telephone: Southampton 27362. Telegrams: 'Parscngco' Southampton

Documents

THE LIFE-BOAT...554 THE LIFE-BOAT [DECEMBER, 1963 Norwegian Life-boat Institution, which was hel od 13th/14tn Septemberh , Coxswain Hubert Peti ot f St. Pete r Port, Guernsey, receive