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Scottish Maid and Seaspray

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..