Criticisms of the absence of the Sunderland life-boat when a lifeguard was drowned in tragic circumstances near the Cat and Dog steps at Roker last August were refuted at the inquest on the lifeguard, Mr. John Ramsay. He had gone out to rescue a bather in difficulties, but was overcome by the rough seas and lost his life.

"I must emphasise the Sunderland life-boat did not fail to launch," said Mr.

Cyril Shutt, officer-in-charge of H.M. Coastguards, Sunderland, giving evidence. "My main object in telephoning them in the first place was to let them know that help was on its way from the pilot cutter." Mr. Shutt went on to state that from his appreciation of the situation it was definitely not a job for the life-boat. Inshore rescue operations only were required.

Police Inspector James Doyle stressed that even if the life-boat had attended she would not have saved the lifeguard because she could not have ventured inshore without sustaining damage.

There will be an IRB at Sunderland next year..