SOUTH-EASTERN DISTRICT Rescues by IRBs in April were undertaken by the following stations: Southend-on-Sea, Essex - At 11.54 a.m. on i8th April, 1966, while the IRB was being exercised with the district inspector on board, the crew were informed that a dinghy with four youths on board was in difficulties 100 yards off shore from Halfway House, Thorpe Bay. There was a fresh easterly breeze and moderate sea. It was high water.

The four youths were embarked and taken ashore. The dinghy was later recovered and towed ashore. The IRB returned to her station at 12.40 p.m.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT Mudeford, Hampshire-At 1.45 p.m.

on zist April, 1966, a visitor to Mudeford informed a member of the IRB crew that a sailing dinghy had capsized about one mile east of the harbour entrance. The IRB was immediately launched in a moderate to fresh south-westerly breeze and slight sea. It was high water. She came up with the sailing dinghy, whose mast had been carried away. The dinghy with two people on board was then taken in tow, and the IRB returned to her station at 2.5.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight- At 11.10 a.m. on 2nd April, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a canoe had capsized near ScratchelPs Bay.

The two crew members, who were clinging to the canoe, were being swept by the tide towards the beach. At 11.20 the IRB launched in a fresh southerly breeze and moderate sea. The tide was ebbing.

The IRB took the two people, who had reached the beach, on board and returned to her station at 12.10 p.m. The canoe was recovered later by a local boatman.

SOUTH-WESTERN DISTRICT The Mumbles, Glamorganshire-At 6.40 p.m. on 3rd April, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a small motor boat had broken down and was drifting out to sea on the ebb tide. At 6.47 the IRB launched in a gentle easterly breeze and moderate sea. The IRB took the motor boat with three people on board in tow, and returned to her station, which was reached at 745- St. Ives, Cornwall - At 11.57 a-m- on 9th April, 1966, the owner of the speedboat Zepturb informed the honorary secretary that his boat was out of fuel and was drifting out to sea in St. Ives Bay.

The IRB was launched immediately in a gentle to moderate south-south-westerly breeze and a choppy sea. The tide was ebbing. The IRB came up with the Zepturb with five people on board very close to Merryn Rock, and she was pulled clear with only feet to spare and was taken in tow to St. Ives Harbour. The IRB, after towing the Zepturb to St. Ives, returned to her station at 12.15 P-m- See page 196 for other IRB launches.

MAY SOUTHERN DISTRICT Weymouth, Dorset - At 10.46 p.m.

on ist May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor cruiser Windy Wyne of Falmouth had asked for assistance as her engine had broken down half a mile north-west of Portland Bill. The casualty had fouled some lobster pots and had lost her anchor.

The life-boat Peter and Sarah Blake, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 11.5 in a light north-easterly wind and a slight sea. The tide was ebbing.

When she found her, the casualty was being held against the strong spring ebb tide, but was being swept into the race.

The life-boat secured a line to her and towed her to Weymouth harbour. She returned to her station at 1.35 a.m.

Swanage, Dorset-At about 12.45 p.m.

on 22nd May, 1966, the assistant honorary secretary saw a sailing dinghy capsize in the bay. The yacht club rescue boat had difficulty in towing her in, as there was a strong offshore wind and spring ebb tide which was taking them towards the Pevril ledge. When they were within 50 yards of the ledge, the towline parted, and as there was still one man on board the dinghy, the assistant honorary secretary decided to launch the life-boat. The R.L.P. was launched at i.io in a rough sea. It was one hour after high water. The rescue boat had managed to take the survivor off the dinghy so the life-boat recovered the dinghy and returned to her station at 2.30 p.m.

TWO CASUALTIES At 6.52 p.m. on i5th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a fishing vessel had broken down and was drifting one mile south of St. Albans Head. The life-boat R.L.P.

was launched at 7.7 in a light southwesterly wind and a moderate sea. It was high water. On the way to the casualty, a capsized dinghy was sighted. The survivors were picked up and transferred to the speedboat Jaguar, which was taking the dinghy in tow. The life-boat then went on to the fishing vessel Mambo, which was taken in tow at 7.55 after the man aboard her had been transferred to the life-boat.

She returned to her moorings at 9.30 p.m.

RED FLARE At 10.35 p.m. on 29th May, 1966, the assistant honorary secretary's wife informed the honorary secretary that she had seen a red flare in the direction of the bay. The life-boat R.L.P. was launched at ii o'clock in a moderate east-southeasterly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours before low water. She found aman in a small boat, and took him aboard. He said that he had ferried one man to the yacht Venturess of Southampton, and was returning to the shore for the second member of the crew when his boat capsized. He had then swum to the boat on which he was found. The life-boat put him on the yacht and then proceeded to check on a police report of flares off Old Harry rocks, but found nothing. She returned to her moorings at 45 minutes after midnight to await the flood tide before rehousing.

TAKEN IN TOW At 11.53 a.m. on 20th May, 1966, the police informed the honorary secretary that a man had been seen in difficulties off Kimmeridge ledge. It was requested that the life-boat be launched. A sergeant and a constable embarked in the life-boat R.L.P. which launched at 12.5 in a light westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was two hours after high water. The dinghy was sighted coming out of Chapman's Pool. The dinghy was taken in tow, and the life-boat returned to her station at 3.20 p.m.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight - At 5.31 p.m. on 7th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a yacht, the Chillerton Dene of Poole, had lost a rudder and was drifting off Ryde pier. At 7.5 the position had not improved and it was decided to launch the life-boat.

There was a light north-westerly wind and a smooth sea. It was one hour before low water. The life-boat Jesse Lumb launched at 7.19 and came up with the yacht at 8.15. She took her in tow and proceeded to Portsmouth as there was not sufficient water for the yacht to enter the harbour at Ryde. The life-boat returned to her station at 11.10 p.m. The owner of the yacht made a gift to the life-boat's crew.

berry Finn had been sighted 20 miles south of Portland Bill. The Frank Spiller Locke set off again at 6.25 and continued to search, making extensive use of her radar. At 6.26 a.m. on 3151 May the frigate H.M.S. Malcolm, which had also joined the search, located the boat and took her in tow. The life-boat met the frigate and took over the tow, bringing the Huckleberry Finn safely to Weymouth harbour at 11.10 a.m. The life-boat was engaged in the search for the yacht for almost 35 hours.

Selsey, Sussex - At 6.12 p.m. on 29th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a small yacht three-quarters of a mile west of Bognor pier was signalling for help. The life-boat Canadian Pacific launched at 6.24 in a moderate to fresh north-easterly wind and a moderate sea. It was two hours before high water. She found the casualty - a 14-foot sailing dinghy - one mile off Bognor pier. Her mast was broken, her sails lost and her hull almost submerged.

There was no sign of her crew. At 7.14 a message was received that they were safe at Littlehampton. The life-boat took the dinghy in tow and started back to her station, but when she was just off Selsey Bill another small boat was reported to be in difficulties. She cast off the dinghy which was towed in by a local motor boat, and proceeded to an area two miles to the west, but found nothing. The life-boat arrived back on station at 9.30 p.m.

Weymouth, Dorset - At 6.50 p.m.

on 29th May, 1966, a yacht reported that the folk-boat Huckleberry Finn was dismasted and adrift about eight and a half miles south east of the Shambles lightvessel.

The life-boat Frank Spiller Locke left at 8.55 on an ebbing tide. There was a strong easterly wind with a rough sea.

The life-boat carried out a search in conjunction with other vessels and a helicopter but without success and returned to harbour at 2 on 3Oth May to refuel. At 6 p.m. a further message was received from the coastguard that a boat answering the description of the Huckle- Hastings, Sussex-At 8.30p.m. on25th May, 1966, the honorary secretary was informed that a small fishing boat was burning a red flare in a position one mile east of the life-boat station. The life-boat Fairlight was launched at 8.42 in a fresh south-westerly wind and a choppy sea.

It was low water. She found that the fishing boat Deano had developed engine trouble after hitting a balk of timber. A line was passed to the casualty and the life-boat towed her back to Hastings. The life-boat returned to her station at 9.16 p.m.

Exmouth, Devon - At 2.40 a.m. on igth May, 1966, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that a man was lying injured at the foot of the cliffs between Otter and Brandy Head, near Budleigh Salterton, and he could not be reached from the cliff top. The life-boat Michael Stephen was launched at three o'clock in a light south-westerly wind and a moderate sea, with the honorary medical adviser on board. The boarding boat was taken for landing purposes. The casualty was reached at 4.30 and was found to be suffering from multiple injuries. After being given an injection, he was embarked on the life-boat and taken to Budleigh Salterton, where he was transferred to a waiting ambulance for hospital. The lifeboat returned to her station at six o'clock.

Torbay, Devon - At 9.37 p.m. on 9th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a red flare had been sighted about six miles south-southwest of Berry Head and picket boats had been sent out to investigate from the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. As no further information was received the lifeboat Lloyd's, on temporary duty at the station, proceeded in a light north-westby- northerly wind and a slight sea. It was at high water. She searched in the direction indicated and radio contact was then made with the Irish coaster Susan which stated that she was standing by a small yacht Manana about eight miles from Start Point. The life-boat had no difficulty in finding the Manana which was well illuminated, and went alongside the yacht. The Susan then continued her voyage. The yacht had one man on board, and he was in a distressed condition having been suffering from sea sickness for three days. The yacht was towed back to Brixham inner harbour, and after ensuring that the Manana was moored safely, the life-boat returned to her own moorings at 2.30 a.m.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex - At 8.48 p.m. on 9th May, 1966 it was reported that a flashing light had been seen about four miles south of the harbour.

The life-boat Dorothy and Philip Constant launched at 8.54 in a moderate north westerly wind and a slight sea. It was almost low water. When she reached the given position she found the fishing boat Trident whose engine had broken down. The casualty was partly waterlogged so the crew of two were taken off by the life-boat and the Trident was towed slowly back to harbour. The life-boat returned to her station at 12.15 a.m. on loth May.

NORTH-WEST DISTRICT Llandudno, Caernarvonshire - At 7.55 p.m. on 2ist May, 1966, the honorary secretary was informed that a yacht had capsized one mile north of Penmaen Head. The life-boat Lilly Wainwright was launched at 8.20 and on her way to the reported casualty she sighted a capsized yacht one mile off Colwyn Bay pier.

She asked the Rhos Yacht Club, via the coastguard, whether the occupants had been taken ashore, and then went to the position. A helicopter joined the search and spotted the first yacht three miles north of Penmaen Head. The life-boat moved to the new position and after further consultation with the coastguard it was confirmed that the occupants of both yachts had been taken ashore and were safe. The life-boat took both yachts in tow and returned to Llandudno harbour. She reached her station at 1.45 a.m. next day. A donation was made to the Institution's funds.

New Quay, Cardiganshire-At 12.38 p.m. on 22nd May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a sailing boat was in difficulties threequarters of a mile off Lochtyn Island.

The life-boat St. Albans was launched at one o'clock in a gale force westerly wind and a very rough sea. It was two and a half hours after high water. The life-boat reached the yacht and escorted her to the lee of New Quay Head. The second coxswain and a crew member were then transferred from the life-boat to the yacht to assist the yacht's crew. The yacht was beached, and the life-boat returned to her station at 2.30 p.m.

Holyhead, Anglesey - At 4.55 p.m.

on 6th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a Dutch trawler had struck the Flattens, and was aground, but the local pilot boat and a boat from a Holyhead boatyard were standing by. It was later seen that while these boats were taking ropes from the trawler, her crew of six were drifting away in a small rubber dinghy. The lifeboat St. Cybi (Civil Service No. 9) was launched at 6.2 in a gale force northerly wind and a rough sea. She took the survivors off the dinghy and stood by until the trawler Anna Hendrika refloated. She then put them back on board. The lifeboat returned to her station at 6.45 p.m.

SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT Skegness, Lincolnshire - At 8.45 p.m. on 2ist May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a cabin cruiser was reported to be in difficulties three and a half miles east of Trusthorpe. Her engine had failed and there was a sick man on board. The lifeboat Charles Fred Grantham launched at 9.12 in a moderate south south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was one hour after low water. At 9.25 a message was received that a rubber dinghy with two men and a small boy had been missing off Skegness since i o'clock. The life-boat was asked to search northwards on her way to the cabin cruiser. She found the cabin cruiser Higgy, took her in tow, and turned back towards Skegness. At 11.30 the IRB launched to take over the tow of the Higgy, so that the life-boat could continue the search for the rubber dinghy. The honorary secretary was told at 12.30 a.m. that the Humber life-boat City of Bradford HI had launched to assist in the search and a Shackleton aircraft would join the search at daybreak.

The Skegness life-boat found the dinghy at 7.30 with the survivors aboard. She picked up the dinghy and crew and returned to her station, arriving at 9 a.m.

The owner of the cabin cruiser made a donation to the Institution's funds and gave a gift to the life-boat crew.

Dover, Kent - At 3.53 p.m. on 24th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that an open boat with two men in it had been seen drifting eastwards in the Channel. The life-boat Southern Africa was launched at 4.23 in a light north north westerly wind and a slight sea. She found the boat - a whaler - with two young men on board who said that they had fallen asleep in the boat and on waking had found themselves at sea.

The life-boat picked them up and towed the whaler back to Dover. She arrived back at her station at 6 o'clock.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex - At 5.57 a.m. on 23rd May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a yacht was firing flares at Whittaker Beacon. The life-boat Isabella and Edward Irvin was launched at 6.22 in a strong westerly wind and a rough sea. It was two and a half hours before low water. She proceeded to the beacon, and on the way, received a message that a helicopter had rescued the crew of the yacht Valri.

When the life-boat reached the casualty two members of the life-boat crew were put aboard the yacht which had grounded.

Then the life-boat stood by until the water rose sufficiently to float the yacht.

She then towed her to Brightlingsea and moored there at i p.m. The life-boat was rehoused on the following day.

Walton and Frinton, Essex - At 8.3 p.m. on igth May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the radio ship Olga Patricia had reported that a fishing smack was firing red flares about one mile north of her. The life-boat Edian Courtauld left her moorings at 8.25 in a strong south-west-by-westerly wind and a moderate sea. She had to keep outside the Pye Sands until reaching High Hill buoy. The life-boat found the sailing barge Asphodel, belonging to the Thames Barge Sailing Club, at 9.7. She had been cruising with club members on board when a squall had carried away her port vang. Her sprit-sail was broken and her top and main sails had both fouled. The life-boat came up with the barge, which was still making six knots, passed a line to her and took her in tow to Harwich, arriving at 9.50. At the request of the casualty's crew, the barge was anchored off Shotley Spit, and the crew taken ashore to notify their families.

They were then put back on board the barge by the life-boat.

TWO SAVED At 4.4. p.m. on I5th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor vessel Mi Amiga, operating as the wireless transmitting station Radio Caroline, had broadcast a message that they had rescued two women from a capsized catamaran and taken them aboard. As no tender would be available to bring the survivors ashore, the life-boat Edian Courtauld was launched at 4.40. There was a moderate to fresh north-easterly wind and a moderate sea. It was one hour after low water. She reached the Mi Amiga at 6. i and took the two women on board. They were landed and the life-boat returned to her station at 7.46 p.m.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk - At 8.5 a.m. on 26th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the catamaran Comanche had requested assistance as she was drifting towards Orfordness, dragging her anchor. The life-boat Alfred and Patience Gottwald was launched at 8.25 in a moderate west north westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was one hour before low water. She met the Comanche off Mid Bawdsey buoy and towed her into Harwich harbour.

Caister, and Gt. Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk - At 9.40 a.m. on 6th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretaries of the Caister and Great Yarmouth and Gorleston life-boat stations that a U.S.A.F. Phantom aircraft had crashed into the sea five to six miles east of Winterton. The Caister life-boat The Royal Thames was launched at 9.50 in a strong south easterly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours before high water. The Great Yarmouth and Gorleston life-boat Louise Stephens launched at 9.55. The coastguard requested that one of the life-boats rendezvous with the Dutch motor vessel Poorsingel and take from her an ejector seat and a rubber dinghy which she had picked up. The Caister life-boat undertook this, picking up some wreckage, which had been indicated by a helicopter on the way, and then continued searching in a northeasterly direction. At 11.45 a-m- the Louise Stephens picked up more wreckage and continued with the search. The Caister life-boat found three more pieces of wreckage and a log book off Bailey Pickle and took the wreckage into Yarmouth harbour. At 4.56 p.m. a message was received by both life-boats that the search had been discontinued and the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston life-boat returned to her station arriving, at six o'clock. The Caister life-boat arrived at her station at 6.40 p.m.

Margate, Kent - At 9.2 p.m. on ist May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that flashes had been reported by the police to be coming from a small boat near the south east Margate buoy and requested that the life-boat stand by. At 9.50, acting upon a further message from the coastguard, the life-boat North Foreland (Civil Service No. n) was launched in a light easterly wind and a smooth sea. It was one hour before high water. While she was going to the reported position a message was received giving the position of the flashes as one and a half miles out from Minnis Bay.

When she arrived there it was discovered that a cabin cruiser had just entered the bay and was not in any trouble. The lifeboat then moved to the position originally stated and fired a parachute flare but saw nothing. She moved nearer to the shore and saw a small boat with an outboard motor which was being rowed towards the shore by two men. They said they had not been flashing lights but had a small lamp burning in the bottom of the boat which had probably been mistaken for a distress signal. They asked for a tow to West Bay, Westgate, which the lifeboat undertook, and returned to her station at 11.5 p.m.

OUT OF CONTROL At 2.43 p.m. on 22nd May, 1966, the coastguard informed the coxswain that a small boat was out of control and drifting, to the east of Westgate, with one adult and three children aboard. The life-boat Elizabeth Elson, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 2.55 in a strong south-westerly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours after high water. She reached the reported position of the casualty and searched the area with the assistance of an R.A.F. helicopter from Mansion, but nothing was found. The motor barge Andescol signalled to the life-boat and said that she had picked up a small boat. A radio telephone message from Deal coastguard stated that she was one that had capsized earlier and her crew had been picked up by the helicopter.

The life-boat took the dinghy from Andescol and brought it back to the boathouse where it was returned to her owner.

AGROUND At 9.36 a.m. on 2ist May, 1966, the coastguard informed the coxswain that a cabin cruiser called Security was aground on Margate sands. The boat was kept under observation from the harbour by the coxswain and honorary secretary, who were informed at 11.9 by the coastguard that the cabin cruiser could be in difficulties as she refloated on the flooding tide. There was a moderate south westerly wind with a corresponding sea. It was two hours before high water. The life-boat Elizabeth Elson, on temporary duty at the station, launched at 11.45 hours and proceeded to the position of the Security about three miles north east of Margate. The cabin cruiser's engines had broken down, and as the weather was deteriorating, the life-boat took her in tow to Ramsgate, arriving at 2.15 p.m. While at Ramsgate the life-boat received an R/T message from Deal coastguard advising that a small craft had capsized off Westgate and her crew of two were in the water. The life-boat immediately set off again but while off Foreness Point a further message was received that a helicopter from R.A.F. Mansion had rescued the two people.

Ramsgate, Kent - At 12.48 p.m. on 29th May, 1966, the East pier watchman noticed that the motor launch Cheshire Cat with nine people on board was aground in Pegwell bay. The life-boat Michael and Lily Davis left her moorings at 12.55 in a fresn north north easterly wind and a rough sea. It was almost low water. When the life-boat came up with the Cheshire Cat a towline was made fast and after the yacht was refloated she was towed to Ramsgate.

SAILS LOST At 1.8 p.m. on 22nd May, 1966, a yacht, two and a half miles east of Ramsgate, had her sails carried away and was unable to make harbour. The life-boat Michael and Lily Davis left her moorings at 1.15 in a gale force west south westerly wind and a rough sea. She found the yacht Raine II, and towed her back to Ramsgate harbour.

Thelife-boatreturnedtoherstationat24O.

SOUTH-WESTERN DISTRICT Appledore, Devon - At 9.7 a.m. on 28th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a swimmer had been reported near a capsized dinghy.

The life-boat Louisa Ann Hawker was launched at 9.40 in a light easterly wind and a smooth sea. The tide was flooding.

She proceeded to the dinghy and searched the area in conjunction with a helicopter until a message was received that the swimmer had returned to the beach. She then picked up the dinghy.

Ilfracombe, Devon - At 6.10 p.m. on 29th May, 1966, the police informed the honorary secretary that a small dinghy off Bull Point appeared to be drifting. A helicopter had been called and the coastguards advised that it would be best to delay launching the life-boat until the helicopter had returned and reported.

The crew assembled and stood by. Later a message was received that the helicopter had taken a girl off the dinghy, and would land her at Ilfracombe, but the life-boat would be required. The life-boat Robert and Phemia Brown was launched at 6.54 in a moderate east-south-easterly wind and a moderate sea. It was two hours before low water. Aided by the helicopter, the life-boat found the dinghy which was trying to get into a small bay. This was impossible as the wind and tide were carrying her further into the channel.

The owner was taken off by the life-boat which towed the dinghy to Ilfracombe harbour. She returned to her station at 10.30 p.m.

St. David's, Pembrokeshire - At 2.56 a.m. on 24th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the yacht Ranger of Lune was in difficulties ten miles north-west of South Bishop's rock, as her engine had broken down. The life-boat Joseph Soar (Civil Service No. 34} was launched at 3.20 in a moderate south-westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was almost low water. She went to the position given, and found the casualty at 4.48. She took the yacht in tow and headed for Solva. After clearing Ramsey Sound before the flood tide became too strong, the life-boat reduced speed so that there would be sufficient water when they arrived to get the casualty alongside the Quay Wall. When the Ranger of Lune was safely berthed, the life-boat returned to her station which she reached at 9.52 a.m.

Barry Dock, Glamorganshire - At 5.10 p.m. on 22nd May, 1966, the coastguard informed the motor mechanic that a yacht was ashore on the Cardiff sands.

The life-boat Rachel and Mary Evans was launched at 5.15 in a gale force south westerly wind and a very rough sea. It was three hours before high water. She took seven people off the casualty, the yacht Scottish Maid, as a precaution but then the yacht refloated and started to make her own way to Penarth with three of her crew still on board. While the life-boat was escorting the Scottish Maid another yacht was reported to be in difficulties.

This yacht - the Canty - was taken in tow, although she was not in danger, and towed to Penarth with the Scottish Maid.

On her way back to Barry Dock a further report was received from Flatholm indicating that the yacht Seaspray was ashore on the eastern beach and breaking up. The life-boat hastened to this position but before she arrived a helicopter took four people off the yacht and flew them to Rhoose airport. The life-boat was recalled and arrived at her station at 9.20.

Padstow, Cornwall - At 8.47 a.m. on 2yth May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the yacht Ranger of Lune had engine trouble and was in difficulties twenty-five miles west of Trevose Head. There was a gentle north-easterly breeze with a slight sea.

The tide was flooding. The life-boat Joseph Hiram Chadwick proceeded at 9.5 and after carrying out a search in conjunction with a Shaddeton aircraft came up with the yacht 30 miles west of the original position. The Ranger of Lune was in a sinking condition, and it was decided to tow her back to Padstow. From 10 o'clock that evening until 4 o'clock the next morning the wind freshened from the east-north-east, greatly reducing the speed of the tow, but after a service of almost twenty-two hours' duration the life-boat arrived back at her station at 6.30 a.m.

Falmouth, Cornwall - At 11 a.m. on 22nd May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a motor launch had fired an orange flare about three miles south by east from Pendennis.

The life-boat Crawford and Constance Conybeare left her moorings at 11.15 in a moderate to fresh westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was two hours before low water. She found the motor launch Queen of Falmouth, with two men on board. Her engine had broken down while on passage from Falmouth to Mousehole. The life-boat took the launch in tow and berthed her at Customs House Quay, Falmouth. She returned to her station at 12.10 p.m.

Fowey, Cornwall - At 4.27 p.m. on 18th May, 1966, a woman informed the honorary secretary that she and her husband had been in a motor boat which capsized in Lantio Bay, but they had managed to scramble ashore. The lifeboat Deneys Reitz was launched at 4.30 in a light west-north-westerly wind and a slight sea. It was one hour before high water. The life-boat found the boat sunk on the beach, and towed her to Fowey harbour. She returned to her station at 5.45 p.m.

Penlee, Cornwall - At n a.m. on 28th May, 1966, the honorary secretary was told that the life-boat would be needed at about 8 a.m. the following day to bring an injured man ashore from the Dutch motor vessel Oranje Nassau.

The life-boat Solomon Browne was launched at 8.30 a.m. on 29th May in a gale force east south easterly wind and a very rough sea. It was low water. She went to Newlyn and embarked a doctor. The lifeboat rendezvoused with the Oranje Naussau at 10 o'clock six miles east of Tater-du lighthouse. The casualty was transferred to the life-boat which returned to Newlyn an hour later when the injured man was transferred to a waiting ambulance and conveyed to hospital. The life-boat remained on moorings in Newlyn harbour until the weather moderated on ist June, when she was rehoused.

NORTH-EAST DISTRICT Whitby, Yorkshire - At 8.50 a.m. on 24th May, 1966, the coxswain informed the honorary secretary that a heavy swell was building up on the bar and that at least one of the smaller cobles was at sea.

The life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched 10 minutes later in a fresh east south easterly wind and a rough sea. It was an hour and a half after high water.

She stood by to await the coble William and Martha and escorted her into the harbour. She then stood by for the larger fleet of five motor fishing vessels which were due to return. Although one of these was swamped by two heavy seas, they all reached the harbour safely, escorted by the life-boat which then returned to her station, arriving at 3.55 p.m.

Hartlepool, Co. Durham - At 7 p.m. on 22nd May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a cabin cruiser was in difficulties three quarters of a mile north-east of Hartlepool.

The life-boat City of Bradford II, on temporary duty at the station, left her moorings at 7.10 in a gale force westerly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours after high water. She found the casualty, with two men aboard, two to three miles north-east of Hartlepool breakwater. Her engine had failed and she was drifting.

The life-boat's second coxswain jumped aboard the cabin cruiser, and after a line was made fast the life-boat towed it into Hartlepool, reaching her station at 8.50 p.m.

Humber, Yorkshire - At 9.30 a.m.

on 5th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the superintendent coxswain that there was a seriously sick seaman on board the m.v. Dryburgh who required medical attention. There was a light southerly wind with a slight sea. It was one hour and a half before low water. The life-boat City of Bradford HI launched at 10.50 with a doctor on board and came up with the Dryburgh half a mile east of Spurn lightvessel at 11.20. The doctor transferred to the vessel, and at about this time a trawler hailed the life-boat to report that two men had been lost overboard from the trawler St. Romanus at about 10.30. The life-boat proceeded to this vessel and carried out a search of the area in conjunction with trawlers and a helicopter from R.A.F. Leconfield without success. After the search was abandoned the life-boat embarked the doctor and patient from the Dryburgh and conveyed them to Grimsby. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 3.15 p.m.

Runswick, Yorkshire - At 5 p.m. on 22nd May, 1966, the motor mechanic informed the honorary secretary that two cobles were in difficulties and in danger of being blown out to sea. The life-boat The Elliott Gill was launched at 5.35 in a gale force south westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was one hour before high water. She found that the motor boat Glennis had attempted to take the motor boat Lady Lynn, which was out of control, in tow. The life-boat had just taken the Glennis in tow when a sea nearly swamped the Lady Lynn. She immediately cast off the Glennis and went to the Lady Lynn whose crew had called for help. She took the crew of three aboard and took the casualty in tow. Then she returned to the Glennis, took her line aboard, and towed both boats back to Port Mulgrave harbour, where the crew of the Lady Lynn were put ashore at 6.30.

The crew of the Glennis disembarked from their own coble at the same time.

The life-boat returned to her station at 8.10 p.m.

Flamborough and Filey, Yorkshire - At 3.20 p.m. on 9th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a youth had fallen over the cliff about two miles north west of the life-boat station. The IRB stationed at Filey was launched at 3.25. The Flamborough life-boat Friendly Forester was launched at 3.30 in a moderate southsouth- easterly wind and a choppy sea. It was two hours after high water. She proceeded to the position given to find that the IRB and a helicopter had already arrived. The IRB was veered ashore on a line from the life-boat and her crew then helped the helicopter crew to fasten the casualty to a stretcher and carried him away from the cliff so that the helicopter could winch him up. The IRB crew returned to their craft and the lifeboat hauled her off from the rocks. The life-boat returned to her station at 5.45 and the IRB at 5.55 p.m.

Scarborough, Yorkshire - At 7.50 p.m. on 27th May, 1966, the coxswain was informed that the trawler Dinas of Fleetwood had a badly injured man on board who required a doctor. There was a moderate northerly wind with a corresponding sea. It was three hours before high water. The life-boat jf. G. Graves of Sheffield launched at 7.55.The life-boat came up with the trawler one mile east south east of the Castle and, after the injured man had been treated by the doctor, he was transferred to the life-boat.

The patient was brought to Scarborough and conveyed to hospital. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 8.50.

Teesmouth, Yorkshire - At about 5.36 p.m. on 28th May, 1966, the coastguard sighted a small fishing boat being blown out to sea with three people on board. Her engine had failed and she had neither oars nor anchor. In the absence of the honorary secretary, who was at South Gare with the second coxswain, the coastguard fired the maroons.

The second coxswain went out in his boat with one of the life-boat launchers on board and managed to get a line to the fishing boat Minni. He started towing her to Paddy's Hole. The crew of the life-boat, Sarah Jane and James Season, who had assembled at the boathouse, noticed that little progress was being made with the tow. The life-boat was launched at 6.15 in a strong south westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was high water. She assisted in towing the casualty to safety and returned to her station, arriving at 7.5.

SCOTTISH DISTRICT Barra Island, Outer Hebrides - At 12.50 p.m. on 4th May, 1966, the local doctor informed the honorary secretary that a nine year old boy had to be taken to the mainland for hospital treatment. As there was no other suitable boat available, he requested the help of the life-boat R.A. Colby Cubbin No. 3. The life-boat set off at i o'clock with the patient on board in a gale force south-easterly wind and a rough sea. It was three hours after low water. The life-boat landed the patient at Loch Boisdale, returning to her station at 9 o'clock.

STRUCK ROCK At 5.40 p.m. on 28th May, 1966, the trawler Welsh Consort struck a rock at the entrance to Castlebay Harbour when leaving. She blew her siren continuously and the life-boat R.A. Colby Cubbin No. 3 was launched at 6 p.m.

There was a light northerly wind and a smooth sea. It was three hours after high water. She stood by until 1.30 a.m., when the casualty refloated herself, and then escorted her to an anchorage. The lifeboat returned to her station at 3 o'clock.

The trawler had been holed, but her own pumps were able to cope, and she sailed for Milford Haven with an escort vessel at 3.15.

FIVE PEOPLE At 6.45 p.m. on 22nd May, 1966, the honorary secretary was informed that a small motor boat with five people on board was adrift in the sound of Barra with engine trouble. The life-boat R.A.

ColbyCubbinNo. 3 was launched at 7 o'clock in a gale force northerly wind and a very rough sea. The tide was flooding. Before she could reach the given position the casualty was taken in tow by another fishing boat. The life-boat escorted both craft to Northbay harbour, and then returned to her station, arriving at n o'clock.

MATERNITY CASE At 5.10 a.m. on 22nd May, 1966, the doctor informed the honorary secretary that there was an expectant mother who needed to be transferred to hospital at South Uist. The life-boat R.A. Colby Cubbin No. 3 was launched at 5.45 in a moderate south south easterly wind and a smooth sea. The tide was flooding. She landed the woman at Loch Boisdale and returned to her station at 11.55 a-m- Stromness, Orkneys - At n.i a.m.

on 28th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the Norwegian motor vessel Kings Star of Allesumd was ashore on the north shoal.

The life-boat Archibald and Alexander M.

Paterson was launched at 11.13 a-m- in a light south-south-easterly wind and a smooth sea. It was low water. She reached the casualty at 1.33 p.m. and found that most of the crew were in their ship's boats and in no danger. She went alongside the casualty and the coxswain went aboard. The master informed him that he had ordered a tug, which was coming from Middlesbrough, but it would not arrive until after midnight. The vessel was badly holed and he asked that pumps be sent as soon as possible. At the request of the life-boat pumps were obtained from the fire service and conveyed to the casualty in local fishing boats. At 2.25 the casualty slid off the rocks and the coxswain offered to escort her to Stromness.

The life-boat picked up the seamen and took the ship's boats in tow to Stromness.

She returned to her station at 6.p.m.

Mallaig, Invernesshire - At 8.55 p.m. on yth May, 1966, the doctor informed the honorary secretary that a patient on the Isle of Rhum needed to be removed to hospital immediately, and as no other suitable craft was available it was requested that the life-boat E. M. M.

Gordon Cubbin be used. She left her moorings at 9.10 in a moderate southeasterly wind and a moderate sea. The tide was ebbing. The life-boat reached the Isle of Rhum at 11.30 and embarked the patient. She then returned to Mallaig, transferred the patient to the waiting ambulance, and arrived back on station at 1.30 a.m.

POOR VISIBILITY At 2.15 p.m. on 25th May, 1966, a man informed the motor mechanic that he had seen a launch which seemed to be drifting about three miles south west of Mallaig.

The motor mechanic, together with the honorary secretary and the coastguard, went to the look-out hut but owing to poor visibility could not see the launch. After further inquiries the life-boat E. M. M.

Gordon Cubbin was launched at 4 o'clock in a moderate south south westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was low water. The life-boat found the launch adrift and towed her back to Mallaig. She arrived back at her station at 4.45 p.m.

Islay, Inner Hebrides - At 12.25 P-mon loth May, 1966, the local doctor asked the honorary secretary if the lifeboat could be used to convey an urgent surgical case from Jura Island to Islay, as the weather was too bad for the small ferry launch to be used. The life-boat Francis W. Wother spoon of Paisley left her moorings in a gale force south-southwesterly wind and a rough sea. At 12.35 she collected the patient and his sister and landed them at Port Askaig, where they were transferred to a waiting ambulance.

The life-boat returned to her moorings at 2 p.m.

Aith, Shetlands - At 9.10 p.m. on ist May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the Foula mailboat had been reported overdue. She was last seen six miles east-south-east of Foula, apparently drifting. The life-boat John and Frances Macfarlane left her moorings at 9.40 in a moderate to fresh west-south-westerly wind and a rough sea. Three fishing vessels and an aircraft assisted in the search. At 12.45 a.m. a red light or flare was seen approximately one mile south east of Foula. This was found to be the missing motor vessel Melvin, with a crew of two on board and her engine out of action. The life-boat took the vessel in tow to Foula and returned to her moorings at 5.20 a.m.

Buckie, Banffshire - At 2 p.m. on 4th May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a boat had been reported to be drifting approximately four miles north-west of Buckie.

The life-boat Laura Moncur left her moorings in Buckie Harbour at 2.10 in a moderate south-easterly wind and a choppy sea. It was two hours after high water. The life-boat reached the drifting vessel, which was the lobster fishing boat Rose, at 2.30. She required assistance as her engine had broken down. A tow-line was passed to the Rose at 2.35, and the life-boat towed her back to Buckie harbour, arriving at 3.10 p.m. She returned to her moorings twenty minutes later.

IRISH DISTRICT Baltimore, Co. Cork - At 7.30 p.m.

on 29th May, 1966, the Hare Island Post Office informed the honorary secretary that a yacht had grounded on a rock between Hare Isle and Cunamur Point (Taylor's Rock). The life-boat Sarah Tilson was launched at 8.30 in a moderate south-easterly wind and a choppy sea. It was low water. She reached the yacht Hermus at 9.5 but was unable to get near her until 10.30. The life-boat towed the casualty off the rock at 11.35 and escorted her back to Baltimore harbour, arriving at her station at 12.30 a.m. The skipper of the yachtmade a gift to the life-boat crew.

Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford - While the reserve life-boat H. F. Bailey was on passage from Arklow to Rosslare harbour on 3ist May, 1966, she came up with a small yacht which was becalmed with her engine broken down, south of Cahore Point. At the request of her crew the yacht Squibbs of Hoylake was towed to Rosslare harbour and berthed alongside the pier.

Douglas, Isle of Man - At 2.30 p.m.

on 5th May, 1966, the harbour master told the honorary secretary that the motor vessel Gripsholm of Gothenburg had landed approximately 300 passengers at Port St. Mary in the morning and they were due to re-embark at Ramsey in the afternoon. The weather, however, became unfavourable at Ramsey and she was diverted to Douglas. As there were no other suitable craft available it was agreed that the life-boat should ferry the stranded passengers back to their ship.

The life-boat R. A. Colby Cubbin No. i was launched at 3.15 in a moderate northerly wind and a choppy sea. It was two hours after high water. The life-boat made three trips between the shore and the boat, in very rough conditions, and returned to her station at 6.40 p.m. The owners of the vessel made a donation to the funds of the Institution and a gift to the life-boat crew.

Kilmore, Co. Wexford - At 5.30 p.m. on 20th May, 1966, the honorary secretary at Dunmore East informed the Kilmore honorary secretary that a yacht was in difficulties off the Conningbeg lightvessel. The life-boat Cecil Paine was launched at 5.45 in a light southerly wind and a smooth sea. When she came up with the cabin cruiser Sure Return, it was found that the casualty had engine trouble, but was already being towed to Dunmore East by the Dutch coaster Fastnet. Having assisted them to get under way, the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 8.10 p.m.

Howth, Co. Dublin - At 9.15 p.m.

on 24th May, 1966, a fire on a fishing trawler, which looked like a signal fire to attract attention, was noticed. The lifeboat A.M.T. was launched at 9.30 in a southerly wind and a smooth sea. It was low water. When she was about a mile from the casualty a helicopter, which had flown over the trawler, lowered a man on to the life-boat who reported that the men had lit a fire to warm their hands.

The coxswain, however, thought it advisable to close with the trawler Wanda and discovered that its gear box had broken down. She was anchored at the time and in no danger, but asked to be towed to Dun Laoghaire harbour. The life-boat complied with this request and returned to her station, arriving at midnight.

The following life-boats were also called out in May: Aberdeen - 2oth.

Anstruther, Fife - 3ist.

Appledore, Devon - 28th.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight - 3rd and 8th.

Boulmer, Northumberland - 29th.

Campbeltown, Argyllshire - 23rd.

Dover, Kent - 1st and i8th.

Douglas, Isle of Man - 3Oth.

Exmouth, Devon - 2gth.

Fishguard, Pembrokeshire - 3Oth.

Girvan, Ayrshire - 23rd.

Hartlepool, Co. Durham - 2ist.

Hastings, Sussex - yth.

Howth, Co. Dublin - 15* and 22nd, Humber, Yorkshire - 22nd and 24th.

Lowestoft, Suffolk - nth.

Minehead, Somerset - 23rd.

New Brighton, Cheshire - 2ist and 22nd.

Penlee, Cornwall - 26th.

Plymouth, Devon - 29th.

Porthdinllaen, Caernarvonshire - Ramsgate, Kent - 2yth.

Redcar, Yorkshire - i6th.

Salcombe, Devon - 2ist Shoreham Harbour, Sussex - i8th.

Stronsay, Orkneys - 28th and 3Oth.

Swanage, Dorset - 22nd.

Teesmouth, Yorkshire - 4th.

Torbay, Devon - 28th.

Tynemouth, Northumberland - 22nd.

Walton and Frinton, Essex - 8th.

Weston super Mare, Somerset - 18th.

Weymouth, Dorset - i3th, zyth and 29th.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - 23rd..