LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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Pleasant Mirth

Sheringham, Norfolk. At 11.50 on the night of the 25th of June, 1959, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that a man living in Marston had reported that a yacht appeared to be in a very dangerous position off Blakeney Point. The coastguard kept a careful watch on the yacht and at 12.15 early on the 26th suggested that the life-boat should put out. The life-boat Foresters Centenary was launched at 12.35 in a light north-easterly wind with a slight sea and an ebb tide. With the aid of her searchlight she found the yacht Pleasant Mirth aground with her engine brokendown and seas breaking over her. The coxswain dropped anchor and veered down to the yacht, coming alongside her stern first. The yacht's crew of a man and two girls could be seen clinging to the side. The searchlight was directed on to the yacht, and a human chain organised from the beach by the man who had reported the yacht in distress and whose name was Bales was able to reach her. The man and the two girls were brought safely ashore, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 5.45. The owner of the yacht made a donation to the Institution's funds. Rewards to the crew, £16 14s. ; rewards to the helpers on shore, £15 19s..