LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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Winifred and Shawford (1)

Glacton-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—At 8.51 on the evening of the 27th of September, 1956, the Clacton coastguard telephoned that a vessel was in need of help off no. 11 Barrow buoy. At 9.10 the Clacton life-boat Sir Godfrey Baring was launched. The sea was very rough, there was a strong south-westerly breeze blowing, and the tide was ebbing. The life-boat came up with the auxiliary barge yacht Winifred, of Colchester, with five people on board, near the West Barrow beacon. At first the life-boat was unable to go alongside the yacht because of the low tide, but later she approached her and passed a tow rope aboard. The Southend-on-Sea life- boat Greater London II (Civil Service No. 30) had launched at 12.35 early on the 28th to the motor vessel Shaziford, which was sinking three miles east of the Nore Tower. How- ever, the Shauford's crew of three had been taken off by a collier, and the Southend life-boat, hearing on her radio telephone that the Clacton-on- Sea life-boat was on service to the Winifred, went to the position. The two life-boats towed the Winifred, but in the heavy seas she shipped a great deal of water. When the tow had parted four times it was decided to abandon the attempt, and the yacht's crew were transferred to the Clacton-on-Sea life-boat, which arrived at Brightlingsea at 10.30. She was rehoused at 1.30 on the afternoon of the 29th. The Southend-on-Sea life- boat reached her station at 10.20 on the night of the 28th.—Rewards Clacton, rewards to the crew, £36 13s.

rewards to the helpers on shore, £7 13s.

Southern!, rewards to the crew, £19 Is.

rewards to the helpers on shore, £5 5s..