Rescues by IRBs in June were carried out by the following stations: NORTH-EASTERN DISTRICT Bridlington, Yorkshire - At 7 p.m. on 27th June, 1966, a dinghy was reported adrift half a mile to seaward of Skipsea.

The IRB was launched in a gale force westerly wind and a rough sea. It was low water. She proceeded to Skipsea and after a search located the dinghy about three miles offshore. Before the IRB could reach the dinghy, a helicopter arrived and winched up one man and a dog. The dinghy capsized during this operation and lost her outboard motor.

The IRB towed her to Skipsea beach with the helicopter in attendance. The helicopter lowered two crewmen to assist in beaching the dinghy. When this had been accomplished the IRB returned to Bridlington, arriving back on station at 10.30.

Humber Month (Cleethorpes) Lines - At 7 p.m. on igth June, 1966, a small boat with two occupants was stated to be in difficulties off the marine embankment, Cleethorpes. The IRB was launched immediately in a south easterly wind and a choppy sea. It was high water.

She proceeded to the position given and took three occupants off the dinghy which had a broken mast. The IRB then towed the casualty to Cleethorpes south beach and landed the three men. The IRB was about to return to her station when signals from a yacht and a helicopter were seen. The IRB went alongside a small boat whose outboard motor had failed and took two small children off.

While one of the adults was moving from his thwart the boat capsized throwing the occupants into the water. All four were rescued while a helicopter stood by.

The IRB returned to her station at 7.40 and landed the six survivors. The dinghy was towed in by a yacht.

SOUTH-EASTERN DISTRICT Southwold, Suffolk - At 4.31 p.m.

on 4th June, 1966, a small motor boat was reported in difficulties off Southwold harbour. The IRB was launched at 4.35 in a moderate south westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was one hour before low water. She found the motor boat Arod in broken water outside the harbour. She had had engine failure. There were two men on board. The IRB took one man off the casualty and then towed her into the harbour, returning to her station at 4-55- Walmer, Kent - At 11.15 a.m. on 5th June, 1966, it was noticed that a number of sailing dinghies and catamarans taking part in the Downs sailing club regatta had capsized in the strong west south westerly wind and choppy sea.

The club rescue boat was unable to cope.

The IRB was launched and in the next 90 minutes the crew righted three dinghies and a catamaran. The crew of the capsized catamaran were entangled in the sails and rigging. The IRB rescued them and towed the catamaran, together with two other craft, to the safety of the beach.

She returned to her station at 12.40 p.m.

At 2.30 p.m. on 5th June, 1966, a message was received that an inflatable rubber raft with four youths on board was drifting out to sea near the pier. The IRB was launched in a fresh west south westerly wind and a choppy sea. The tide was ebbing. Before the IRB could reach her, the raft was taken in tow by a motorboat.

While returning to her station the IRB sighted a dismasted catamaran some distance off shore, which was being driven seawards by the wind. The crew were unable to clear the wreckage so the IRB crew assisted them and towed the casualty to safety. As a number of craft taking part in a regatta had capsized, the IRB remained afloat to help the club's rescue boats. She went to the assistance of a dinghy whose sails had blown away, rescued her crew of two, and towed the boat to safety. The IRB gave assistance to five other craft of various types before the regatta ended, and returned to her station at 4.45.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT Eastney, Hampshire - At 11.55 a-mon I2th June, 1966, a boat was reported on fire on Sword Sands, Langstone harbour. The IRB was launched at 12 noon in a moderate south westerly wind and a calm sea. It was low water. She proceeded to the casualty, took off the four occupants, and landed them at the boathouse. The IRB returned to the speedboat at 12.30 p.m. and put two firemen aboard with fire extinguishers.

She arrived back on station at 12.50.

SOUTH-WESTERN DISTRICT Atlantic College, Glamorganshire - At 6.45 p.m. on 3rd June, 1966, a report was received that a girl had been cut off by the tide on a cliff ledge east of Nash point. The IRB was launched at 6.52 in a gentle westerly wind and a slight sea. It was one hour from high water. The IRB rescued the girl and landed her safely on a nearby beach, returning to her station at 7.20.

Newquay, Cornwall - At 4.10 p.m.

on i8th June, 1966, the police informed the honorary secretary that two persons were in difficulties in the water at the western end of Fistral beach. The IRB was launched immediately and proceeded to the position stated in a moderate to fresh south westerly wind and a moderate swell. It was five hours after low water.

When she approached the rocks at the western end of the beach, a man was seen on the rocks being helped by people on the shore. A girl who was still in the walor was taken aboard the IRB, which returned to her station at 4.33.

St. Ives, Cornwall - At 9 p.m. on 3rd June, 1966, an IRB crew member observed that the speedboat Tigress was not on her moorings. Subsequent inquiries revealed that the Tigress had been sighted about two miles north west of St. Ives Head, apparently stopped. The IRB was launched at 9.10 in variable winds and a smooth sea. It was one hour before low water. She proceeded towards the position given and sighted the speedboat one and a half miles north west of Canask rocks. The IRB closed with her and found that her engine had failed.

She took her in tow back to St. Ives, reaching her station at 10.30.

At 7.45 p.m. on igth June, 1966, the two people were reported cut off by the tide on the cliffs between Hell's mouth and Fisherman's cove, about half a mile east of Navax point on the eastern extremities of St. Ives bay. The IRB was launched at 7.53 in a light, variable wind and a smooth sea. It was one and a half hours after high water. She found the two youths in the position indicated.

They were about 20 feet above sea level.

The IRB was taken in against the vertical cliff and the youths slithered down into the boat. They had been on the cliff face since 2 p.m. The IRB took the youths to the pier. The IRB returned to her station at 8.40.

At 2.33 p.m. on 2Oth June, 1966, two people were stated to be in difficulties off Hayle Towans. The IRB was launched at 2.37 in a moderate to fresh westerly wind and a slight sea with a moderate swell. It was one and a half hours after low water. When she reached Hayle Beach her crew were informed that one man had been brought ashore by people on the beach, but the other man was still missing. The IRB started a search of the area and after about 15 minutes people on the beach indicated that they could see something in the surf. The IRB found a man there floating. He was immediately taken aboard the boat and one of the crew applied mouth to mouth resuscitation. The IRB then went to the beach where the man was transferred to a waiting helicopter and taken to a hospital in Penzance. The IRB returned to her station at 3.45.

NORTH-WEST DISTRICT Largs, Ayrshire - At 9.30 p.m. on 2yth June, 1966, an IRB member reported that an Alacrity class yacht appeared to be in difficulties in Castle bay. The IRB was launched immediately in a strong south south easterly wind gusting to gale force with a choppy sea.

She found the yacht with a man and a boy aboard. The IRB put a man aboard the yacht who lowered her sail and moored her. The IRB took the casualty's crew ashore, returning to her station at 10.30.

At 10.15 p.m. on loth June, 1966, a yacht was reported drifting through Largs bay and out to sea. The IRB was launched at 10.30 in a moderate to fresh south easterly wind and a choppy sea.

She recovered the yacht Caol-iln, towed her back, and remoored her on another buoy. When the IRB returned to her station police informed the crew that the yacht Pablo was reported as being dismasted on passage from Invership to Largs, and was drifting out into the main channel. The IRB found the yacht with one man aboard, and towed her to Largs.

The IRB returned to her station at 11.45.

Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire - At 9.55 p.m. on i8th June, 1966, two people were reported stranded on a rock at the foot of Constitution Hill, two miles north of the station. The IRB was launched at 10 o'clock in a light south westerly wind and swell. It was high water. She proceeded to the position given and took a man and a women off the rock. The IRB returned to her station at n o'clock and landed them.

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire - At 6.5 p.m. on zgth June, 1966, information was received that two girls were marooned on a sandbank a quarter of a mile off West shore. The IRB was launched at 6.12 in a light westerly wind and a moderate sea. The tide was flooding. On the way the IRB picked up a man who was swimming out to tell the girls to stay where they were until help arrived.

The girls were taken aboard the IRB which landed them and returned to her station at 6.40.

At 6.58 p.m. on 9th June, 1966, cries for help were reported from the sea off the West shore car park. The IRB was launched at 7.5 in very poor visibility and a smooth sea. It was four hours after high water. She found the motor launch Puffin, whose engine had broken down, and the launch's crew were not sure of their position in the mist. The IRB towed them to the Conway. Afterwards the IRB was beached at Deganwy, recarriaged, and towed back to her station, arriving at 9.15. A helicopter also took part in the search.

Blackpool, Lancashire. At 11.2 p.m.

on 3rd June, 1966, an amphibious craft with one man on board was reported in difficulties between the drilling rig Bedford X and the shore. The IRB was launched at 11.10 in a moderate southerly wind and a choppy sea. It was one hour before high water. She carried out a search without success. The IRB then searched nearer the shore and found the casualty about 150 yards off the sea wall.

The landing craft had sunk and was completely awash. There was a man clinging to the superstructure, but the seas were breaking over him and he could not have withstood the pounding much longer. The IRB made three runs before the man eventually jumped clear and was rescued. Each time the IRB was in danger of being damaged by the sunken craft. The IRB returned to the shore at 11.30 and transferred the survivor to a waiting ambulance.

Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire - At 3.17 p.m. on I2th June, 1966, the coastguard informed the mechanic that a boat had overturned off Abererch beach and the crew were in the water. The IRB was launched in a moderate southerly wind and a smooth sea. It was one hour before high water. She proceeded to the position given and found two youths clinging to the upturned sailing dinghy. The two youths were taken aboard the IRB. She returned to her station at 3.45. A helicopter also searched for the casualty.

Flint - At 10.38 a.m. on i8th June, 1966, the Deeside police informed the honorary secretary that four boys were trapped by the tide near Connah's Quay power station. At 10.42 the IRB was launched in a moderate westerly wind, while the tide was flooding. Within 20 minutes of the alarm being raised the boys had been picked up and safely landed by the IRB. She returned to her station at 11.20.

IRISH DISTRICT Bangor, Co. Down - At 2.35 p.m.

on 26th June, 1966, a youth in a rowing boat was reported to have lost an oar and was drifting out to sea. The IRB was launched at 2.40 in a moderate to fresh southerly wind and a calm sea. It was three hours after low water. The IRB took the youth off the rowing boat and recovered the lost oar. She then towed the rowing boat back to harbour, returning to her station at 3.15.

See page 279 for other IRB launches.JULY SOUTHERN DISTRICT Bembridge, Isle of Wight - At 2.38 a.m. on 5th July. 1966, it was reported that a small boat with a crew of four had capsized in the Solent. Two men had been rescued and it was thought the other two were near the Norris buoy. The life-boat Jesse Lumb launched at 2.48 on an ebbing tide and proceeded to search the area in conjunction with the IRB and a helicopter.

There was a light westerly breeze with a smooth sea. At 4.24 the life-boat rescued one of the missing men from a position inshore of the Norris buoy and at 5.7 the coastguard reported that the Southampton patrol boat had recovered the body of the other man. The life-boat and IRB arrived back at their station at 6.55.

Tor bay, Devon - At 11.28 p.m. on I4th July, 1966, a motor boat on hire from Ter'gnmouth was reported overdue. The owner was searching along the coast. It was decided if the boat was not traced by daylight the life-boat and a helicopter would carry out a search. There was a fresh north-westerly breeze with a choppy sea. The tide was ebbing. The life-boat Princess Alexandra of Kent proceeded at 6.30 a.m. After the search had lasted an hour a message was received from a helicopter that it had located the motor boat and rescued the three occupants.

The life-boat proceeded to the position and took the empty motor boat in tow, returning to her station at 9.15.

Newhaven, Sussex - At 5.40 p.m. on loth July, 1966, a cabin cruiser was seen drifting off Roedean gap. There was a strong south-westerly wind with a moderate sea. The life-boat Kathleen Mary launched at 5.58 on an ebbing tide, and at 6.45 came up with the yacht Erita whose engines had broken down. The Erita, which had 14 people on board, some of whom were in a very distressed condition, was taken in tow by the life-boat and brought safely back to Newhaven at 8.25.

Hastings, Sussex - At 4.30 p.m. on 26th July, 1966, it was seen that the yacht Rosemary on an easterly course half a mile south of the station was making very poor headway. The life-boat Fairlight was launched at 4.43 in a gale force south-westerly wind and a moderate sea.

It was high water. She intercepted the yacht and advised her to make for Rye harbour. At the entrance to the harbour the Rosemary experienced some difficulty and it was decided, with the life-boat still in attendance, to proceed to the lee of Dungeness. After the yacht had been safely anchored the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 9.55.

Eastbourne, Sussex - At 4.44 p.m. on I2th July, 1966, a yacht with one man on board was reported in difficulties four miles south-east of Beachy Head. A small coaster was standing by the boat. There was a gale from the south-west with a rough sea. The tide was flooding. The life-boat Beryl Tollemache was launched at 5.10 and at 5.45 came up with the yacht. A member of the life-boat's crew was placed on board and a tow line secured. At 7 o'clock the yacht suddenly sank and the yachtsman and the lifeboatman were thrown into the sea. Both were rescued by the life-boat. She reached her station at 7.50.

Plymouth, Devon - At 3.50 a.m. on 16th July, 1966, a converted ship's lifeboat with four men on board was stated to be overdue. The occupants had gone fishing at the ledges nine miles out. The life-boat Thomas Forehead and Mary Rowse left her moorings at 4.15 in a gentle north-westerly wind and a smooth sea. It was half an hour before high water. She found the casualty - it had engine trouble - at 4.30 half a mile south of the Bridge buoy. The life-boat towed the boat to Plymouth, and returned to her station at 5.30.

Selsey, Sussex - At 10.43 P-m. on 3 Dth July, 1966, flares were reported off East Wittering. At 10.50 the life-boat Canadian Pacific was launched in a south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was one hour after high water. By 11.25 she was alongside the yacht Aquilo which had three men on board. The casualty had a faulty engine. She was escorted through rough seas into Chichester harbour. At 2.40 a.m. on 3ist July the life-boat returned to her station.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - At 11.10 p.m. on 3ist July, 1966, red flares were reported about 400 yards east of the entrance to Lymington river. At 11.28 the life-boat The Earl and Countess Howe proceeded in a southerly gale. The tide was ebbing, the sea was very rough, and due to rain visibility was poor. The yacht Dido and the Lymington harbour master's launch, which had taken off the Dido's crew of two, were both aground. A line was fired across the launch and a towline made fast. The life-boat refloated the launch which then proceeded to Lymington to land the yacht's crew. The lifeboat returned to her station, arriving at 1.15 a.m. on ist August.

SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT Walton and Frinton, Essex - At 2.50 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, during the sea cadets' regatta, the weather conditions deteriorated and on the advice of the lifeboat coxswain the organizers decided the event should be cancelled. The wind had increased and the sea off the Walton front had become rough. The life-boat Edian Courtauld proceeded at 3.33 in a strong south-westerly wind and a rough sea. It was four hours after low water. She stood by until all the sea cadets were ashore. The life-boat then proceeded to the anchored barge British King which had been used as a floating headquarters.

A local boat was taking her in tow. After a member of the boat's crew had fallen overboard and had been picked up, the life-boat took over and towed the barge to her moorings. The life-boat then returned to her station, investigating a small motor boat on the way and advising its three occupants to abandon their trip to Clacton. She arrived back on station at 7.48 p.m.

At noon on 2yth July, 1966, a Belgian yacht was reported aground and capsized on the Longsand Head. The lifeboat Edian Courtauld left her moorings at 12.20 in a strong north-north-easterly wind and a very rough sea. It was four hours after high water. She reached the yacht Marie Galante at 2.30 but owing to the state of the tide could not get within 200 yards of her. A helicopter from Mansion had already taken three men off the casualty, leaving the owner and the skipper aboard. As soon as the life-boat had anchored awaiting the flood tide, a second helicopter took the remaining two men off the yacht and transferred them to the life-boat. At 6.28 the skipper and two members of the life-boat crew were put aboard the yacht and the life-boat took her in tow. Later another two men went aboard the yacht to assist in manning the pumps and baling her out, in an effort to save her as she was taking in water fast. At 7.15 the tow was let go and all hands taken off the yacht which was waterlogged and sinking. The life-boat returned to her station at 10.10.

At 2.19 a.m. on I3th July, 1966, a red flare had been reported about three miles offshore in an easterly direction. The lifeboat Edian Courtauld left her moorings at 2.45 in a fresh westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was one hour after low water. She proceeded to the position given. At 3.57 the m.v. Sir John Snett reported that she had the casualty alongside. The life-boat met the ship and found the dismasted yacht Mona with a man and woman aboard. She towed the yacht to the Walton river. After mooring the yacht the lifeboat returned to her station at 8.13.

At 8.7 p.m. on 7th July 1966, it was seen that a cabin cruiser about two miles off shore had her ensign at half mast and was flashing an Aldis lamp. There was a gentle north-north-westerly wind and a choppy sea. The life-boat Edian Courtauld proceeded at 8.24 and soon came up with the motor boat Leomar. The Leomar, which had run out of fuel, had seven people on board. She was taken in tow to Harwich, arriving at 11.30. The life-boat reached her station at 12.35 a-m- on 8th July.

Ramsgate, Kent - At 7.45 p.m. on 2ist July, 1966, it was seen that the yacht Inigo off the north end of the South Falls Head required assistance. There was a gale from the north with a very rough sea.

The tide was flooding. The life-boat Michael and Lily Davis launched at 7.57 and at ii o'clock came up with the casualty,, which had a crew of three on board. As the life-boat bowman leapt aboard the yacht to connect a tow rope he fell injuring his shoulder. The yacht was towed to Ramsgate harbour, arriving at 2.45 a.m. on 22nd July. The bowman, who was taken to hospital in a waiting ambulance, was discharged after treatment.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex - At 3.3 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, a small sloop appeared to be in difficulties off Warden point. There was a gale from the southwest with a rough sea. The tide was flooding. The life-boat Greater London II (Civil Service No. 36) launched at 3.24 and soon came up with the sloop, the occupants of which informed the coxswain that no assistance was required.

The life-boat then proceeded to investigate the small yacht Skim which was about one and a half miles west of Sheerness boom. The crew of three of the Skim were then taken on board the lifeboat which with the yacht in tow proceeded to Sheppey. The life-boat reached her station at 5.30 p.m.

At 12.22 a.m. on i6th July, 1966, a small fishing boat was seen drifting off No. 9 Sea Reach buoy. There was a fresh south-westerly breeze with a rough sea. It was one hour after high water. The lifeboat Greater London II (Civil Service No.

30} was launched at 1.48. After a short search with the aid of parachute flares the fishing boat was located. The life-boat went alongside and transferred the owner and two policemen to the boat, which was taken in tow to Southend. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 4 o'clock.

Walmer, Kent - At about noon on iyth July, 1966., two small boats were reported apparently broken down near Goodwin Fork buoy. A joint watch was kept on the craft by the honorary secretary and coastguard. The boats were seen to anchor in a dangerous position over the Goodwin sands. There was a strong north-westerly wind with a moderate sea.

It was two hours after high water. The life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No.

55) launched at 12.54. The coxswain explained to the occupants of the two small boats the danger they would be in as the tide continued to ebb. It was agreed that the boats should be taken in tow by the life-boat which brought both craft safely to the shore. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 3 o'clock.

Dover, Kent - At 1.47 p.m. on I2th July, 1966, the harbour control station informed the honorary secretary that an auxiliary motor yacht was dismasted and in difficulties about one mile and a half south of the breakwater. Her engine had broken down. The life-boat Southern Africa left her moorings at 2.6 in a strong south-westerly wind and a rough sea. It was four and a half hours before high water. A small oil tanker stood by the auxiliary sloop Kenfine, of Dover, until the life-boat arrived. The life-boat towed the Kenfine to a safe anchorage in Dover harbour, returning to her station at 3.30.

Margate, Kent - At 9.39 p.m. on nth July, 1966, a sick man on board the m.v.

Lady Sheena, near the east Margate buoy, required medical assistance. At 9.51 a further message requested that the lifeboat take a doctor to the vessel. The lifeboat Elizabeth Elson, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 10.5 with the honorary medical adviser on board.

There was a light southerly wind and a smooth sea. It was one hour before high water. The life-boat went alongside the Lady Sheena one mile north east of Margate and the doctor went aboard. The patient was lowered to the life-boat on a stretcher, under the supervision of the doctor, and the life-boat returned to Margate. The sick man was landed and taken to Margate hospital by the waiting ambulance. The life-boat returned to her station at 11.15.

Lowestoft, Suffolk - At i o'clock on 3rd July, 1966, the liner Dunera reported that a 13 year old girl on board had acute appendicitis and required immediate hospital treatment. The life-boat Frederick Edward Crick proceeded at 1.30.

There was a light north-easterly wind and a slight sea. It was low water. The lifeboat met the liner off the Gorton lightvessel and the patient was transferred to the life-boat together with a doctor. The lifeboat returned to her station at 4.50.

At 8 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, the yacht Chianti, with three people on board, was reported aground on the Newcombe sands. At 8.25 the life-boat Frederick Edward Crick set out. It was low water, there was a light westerly breeze, and the sea was choppy. The yacht had, however, refloated and the life-boat towed her to the harbour. The life-boat returned to her moorings at 9 o'clock.

Sheringham, Norfolk - At 8.42 a.m.

on ist July, 1966 a message was received that the m.v. Pantarali, lying off the Dudgeon lightvessel, had a sick crew member on board who required medical attention. An R.A.F. helicopter was lowering a doctor aboard but life-boat assistance was requested. The life-boat The Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows was launched at 9.16 in a light variable south-westerly wind and a slight sea. At 9.47 the coastguard informed the life-boat that the sick man had died. The helicopter could not take the body ashore, so the life-boat was requested to convey the body ashore together with the widow and a young crew member who was acting as interpreter for her. The widow was a Greek without any knowledge of English. The life-boat reached the Pantarali at 11.40 and took off the body, the widow and the interpreter. The coastguard had informed the coxswain that the widow was not aware that her husband had died so it was requested that a doctor stand by to meet the life-boat at Sheringham. He went aboard as soon as the life-boat arrived and gave the widow a sedative. She and the seaman were taken to the boathouse while the body was landed. The life-boat was back on station at 4.10 p.m.

IRISH DISTRICT Galway Bay - At 9.15 p.m. on loth July, 1966, the life-boat was requested to convey a seriously ill man to hospital on the mainland. At 10 o'clock the life-boat Mabel Marion Thompson was launched in a westerly breeze and smooth sea. It was high water. The sick man was landed at Rossaveel. Afterwards the life-boat returned to her station at 1.30 a.m. on i ith July.

At 11.30 p.m. on igth July, 1966, the honorary secretary was told that a young man had been taken ill and urgently needed hospital treatment. The life-boat Mabel Marion Thompson left her moorings at 12.30 a.m. on 20th July with the patient on board. There was a gentle west-northwesterly wind and a smooth sea. The tide was flooding. The patient was landed at Rossaveal where an ambulance took him to hospital. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.30.

At 8.30 p.m. on 3ist July, 1966, a message was received that a man had fallen from the pier and had sustained severe head injuries. It was two hours before low water. The life-boat Mabel Marian Thompson left her moorings at 9 o'clock and took the injured man to Galway.

There was a smooth sea and an easterly breeze. The life-boat returned to her station at 5.30 a.m. on ist August.

Newcastle, Co. Down - At 12.10 p.m.

on 13th July, 1966, news was received that a motor boat, which had been trying to take another in tow, had had to leave the casualty apparently broken down and drifting two miles south of Newcastle.

The life-boat William and Laura was launched at 12.15 m a moderate westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was low water.

When the life-boat reached the casualty she had got under way, so the life-boat escorted the boat back to harbour, returning to her station at 2.10 p.m.

Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin - At 8.20 p.m. on 23rd July, 1966, a small yacht appeared to be in difficulties in Dublin bay. There was a fresh westerly breeze with a choppy sea. The life-boat Dunleary II proceeded at 8.35 on an ebbing tide. She soon came up with a small dinghy with three people on board which was rapidly drifting seaward. The dinghy was taken in tow to Dun Laoghaire, arriving at 10.15.

Donaghadee, Co. Down - At 4.30 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, a small motor boat appeared in difficulties off Millisle.

There was a strong northerly wind with a very rough sea. The tide was ebbing.

The life-boat Sir Samuel Kelly proceeded at 5.5 and came up with the motor boat Sarna at 5.25. The Sarna was escorted to Donaghadee, arriving at 5.45.

Portrush, Isle of Man - At 7.25 p.m.

on 9th July, 1966, it was reported that two army assault craft with two people on each craft were drifting off Magilligan point. There was a moderate westerly wind with a corresponding sea. The life-boat Lady Scott (Civil Service No. 4) launched at 7.30 on a flooding tide and soon came up with the assault craft. The four occupants were taken on board the lifeboat which returned to her station - at 10.10 - with the two craft in tow.

Howth, Co. Dublin - At 10.35 P-mon I4th July 1966, Baily lighthouse watchkeeper informed the honorary secretary that a yacht two miles eastward appeared to have broken down and was flashing a light. The life-boat A.M.T. left her moorings at 11.10 in a gentle southwesterly wind and a smooth sea. It was one hour after high water. She went alongside the yacht Blue Peter and secured a tow line. The life-boat then towed her to Howth harbour, returning to her station at 12.16 a.m. on i5th July.

Ballycotton, Co. Cork - At 12.50 a.m.

on 20th July, 1966, a small dinghy, with four youths aboard, was reported missing.

At 1.50, following a message saying that boat could not be found in the harbour, the life-boat Ethel Mary left her moorings in a choppy sea and a moderate northerly breeze. It was low water. The life-boat searched and at 4 o'clock sighted the dinghy off Roberts Cove. Her occupants were given medical attention by a visiting doctor who had volunteered to accompany the life-boat. The youths were wrapped in blankets on board the lifeboat, which, with the dinghy in tow, returned to her station at 7.30.

At 5 p.m. on 25th July, 1966, information was received that a boat had been driven ashore at Ballycreenan Strand, three and a half miles north east of Ballycotton. A search was carried out along the shore but without success. The life-boat Ethel Mary proceeded at 6.15 in a strong south-westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was one and a half hours after low water. The life-boat, towing her boarding boat, searched the north side of the bay as far as Knockadoon Head and then received a message that the boat had been driven into a cave. She returned to Centre Strand and found the boat with her owner in the cave. The life-boat towed the boat, with her owner still aboard, back to Ballycotton, arriving at 10 o'clock.

SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT Life-boat 70-001 off The Mumbles Glamorganshire - At 7.21 p.m. on 2nd July, 1966, the coastguard informed the coxswain that a man had been carried through Inner Sound by the tide. The life-boat Charles H. Barrett (Civil Service No. 35) launched her IRB at 7.22 in a moderate west-south-westerly wind and a slight sea. It was one hour after high water.

The IRB went to Inner Sound and found a man, in an inflated rubber tyre, among the rocks on Middle Island. He was taken aboard the IRB and landed on Bracelet bay beach. The IRB returned to the life-boat, arriving at 7.32.

St. Mary's Isles of Scilly - At 6.40 p.m. on 3ist July, 1966, it was reported that a yacht near Bishop rock had a split sail. At 6.58 the life-boat Guy and Clare Hunter was launched. The sea was rough and it was one hour after high water.

There was a gale force north-westerly wind. The life-boat escorted the yacht Moshulu to St. Mary's harbour, returning to her station at 9 o'clock.

Sennen Cove, Cornwall - At 5.35 p.m. on 2ist July, 1966, two men were reported cut off by the tide in a cave near Land's End. A dinghy was put aboard the life-boat Susan Ashley which was launched at 5.55 in a moderate to fresh northeasterly wind and a moderate sea. It was two hours after low water. When the lifeboat arrived at Land's End the coastguards burned a flare to indicate the position of the cave. The dinghy was manned and went in to the cliff. The two youths who were on a ledge were taken into the dinghy and transferred to the lifeboat.

She returned to her station at 6.45.

At 8.37 p.m. on 30th July, 1966, it was noticed that a motor boat one mile northnorth- west of Cape Cornwall had fired a distress rocket. The life-boat Susan Ashley was launched at 8.45 in a strong north-westerly wind and a very rough sea. It was three and a half hours after low water. She proceeded to the motor launch Kathleen and took off one of her crew. The life-boat then escorted the casualty to St. Ives bay, where the St.

Ives IRB met them and saw the Kathleen to a safe anchorage while the life-boat returned to her station. The IRB took the casualty's crew ashore where a car was waiting to take them to their homes. The life-boat arrived back at Sennen Cove at 3.30 a.m.

Penlee, Cornwall - At 7 p.m. on 5th July, 1966, news was received that there was a sick man on board the Liberian tanker Alnair of Monrovia, which was some distance out. The life-boat Solomon Browne was launched at 4.25 a.m. on 6th July in a moderate north-westerly wind and a slight sea. It was two hours after low water. She proceeded to Newlyn where a doctor and two ambulance men were embarked, and then sailed to her rendezvous with the tanker. The lifeboat came alongside the tanker, five miles south of Penzance, at 5.35. The patient was taken on board and landed at Newlyn at 7 o'clock. The life-boat arrived back on station at 8.15.

Ilfracombe, Devon - On 30th July, 1966, the life-boat Lloyd's II was afloat at Combe Martin in connection with the local life-boat flag day. After she left Combe Martin Bay at 8.30 p.m. the pleasure steamer Cardiff Queen was seen about one mile north of the Copras, making for Ilfracombe. About 10 minutes later the coxswain noticed that the steamer had stopped. There was a fresh north westerly wind gusting to gale force, and a rough sea. It was three and a half hours after high water. The life-boat proceeded to the Cardiff Queen and found that the steamer had anchored because of an engine defect. At the request of the steamer's master the life-boat stood by and later proceeded to Ilfracombe to advise the agent of the steamer's position.

The life-boat then returned to the casualty and stood by for a further two hours, subsequently escorting her to Ilfracombe. The life-boat arrived back on station at n o'clock.

NORTH-WEST DISTRICT Rhyl, Flintshire, and New Brighton, Cheshire - At 10.15 p.m. on i5th July, 1966, news was received that the m.f.v.

Lily had been towed from about 11 miles west of the Bar lightvessel by the Bar pilot boat and handed over to the Mersey pilot cutter Puffin at the Bar. The master of the pilot boat on station at the Bar requested that the New Brighton lifeboat take over the tow as the station was extremely busy. The life-boat Norman B.

Corlett left her moorings at 10.15 in a strong north-westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was high water. She met the Puffin at Crosby Buoy at 11.40 and took over the towing of the m.f.v. Lily to Birkenhead.

After completing this service the lifeboat returned to her station at 1.50 a.m.

On 16th July Rhyl life-boat also launched, but was recalled when the Bar pilot boat reached the casualty.

Rhyl, Flintshire - At 6.38 p.m. on 19th July, 1966, the honorary secretary of the ladies' life-boat guild reported that a red flare had been fired from a fishing boat half a mile to seaward of the boathouse.

The life-boat Lucy Lavers, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 7.5 in a gentle north-north-westerly wind and a smooth sea. It was low water. She went alongside the m.f.v. Seawitch and took off a sick man, together with nine other passengers who asked to be taken ashore.

All were landed on the beach. The patient was taken to hospital and was later discharged.

The life-boat returned to her station at 7.45.

Holyhead, Anglesey - At 12.20 p.m.

on i6th July, 1966, a motor boat appeared to be in difficulties off West Mouse and her occupants were seen waving an orange flag. There was a strong northerly breeze with a rough sea. The tide was ebbing. The life-boat St. Cybi (Civil Service No. 9) launched nine minutes later and at 12.38 reported sighting a smoke float about half a mile west of Carmel Head. At 12.53 a helicopter rescued three people from the motor boat which had run out of petrol and had drifted to within fifteen yards of the cliff face. The life-boat took the motor boat in tow to Holyhead, arriving at 2.30.

Portpatrick, Wigtownshire - At 12.55 P-m- on Jyth Julys 1966, the m.f.v.

King Fergus was reported to have had engine failure north of Killintringan lighthouse. The life-boat The Jeanie left her moorings at 1.6 in a gentle northnorth- westerly wind and a slight sea. It was one and a half hours after high water.

She reached the casualty at 1.20 and towed her to Portpatrick. The life-boat returned to her station at 1.55.

New Brighton, Cheshire - At 9.55 p.m. on 2nd July, 1966, two dinghies were stranded off Guinea Gap. The life-boat Norman B. Corlett was launched at 10.10 in a light west-south-westerly wind and a smooth sea. It was rour hours after lew water. She found the craft afloat with engine failure. There were seven people in the two boats. The life-boat towed both craft back to Garston dock, and returned to her station at 12.55 a-m- on 3rd July.

At 2.30 p.m. on 8th July, 1966, two vessels were said to have collided in Crosby channel. The life-boat Norman B.

Corlett left her moorings at 2.50 in a gentle north-westerly wind and a slight sea. She proceeded to the position given and arrived alongside the s.s. Bannercliffe at 3.35. The other vessel involved, the m.v. Manchester Engineer, had proceeded up river toward Manchester. The life- boat stood by the s.s. Bannercliffe until 4 o'clock when the salvage vessel Salvor arrived. As her services were no longer required the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 5.50.

Barmouth, Merionethshire - At 7.21 p.m. on 8th July, 1966, a fishing boat was seen firing distress flares two miles off Llangelynin point. The life-boat The Chieftain was launched at 7.34 in a gentle westerly wind and a moderate sea. She found the m.f.v. Violet Sinclair seven miles south-west of Barmouth. Her engine had broken down. A bather had swum out to inform the casualty that the life-boat had launched. He was in an exhausted condition and the life-boat returned him to the shore. She then returned to the casualty and towed her to the harbour. The life-boat arrived back on station at 10.30.

SCOTTISH DISTRICT Life-boat 70-002, Lerwick, Shetlands - At 12.9 p.m. on loth July, 1966, a local visitor informed the coxswain that there was a dinghy apparently in difficulties off the harbour. Using his binoculars the coxswain saw that the dinghy was dismasted. The life-boat Grace Paterson Ritchie launched her small IRB at 12.11 in a gentle south by easterly wind and a slight sea. It was four and a half hours before high water. The IRB towed the dinghy with her two occupants back to their slipway at Lerwick. She returned to the life-boat at 12.30.

Montrose, Angus - At 6.50 a.m. on 27th July, 1966, the m.f.v. Stormdrift II of Montrose was reported immobilized with fouled propellers five miles southeast of Scurdyness. The life-boat The Good Hope was launched at 7.19 in a light westerly wind and a calm sea. It was one and a half hours after low water. She proceeded to the position given and found the casualty with a crew of four aboard.

The life-boat towed the fishing vessel to Montrose, returning to her station at 9 o'clock.

At 4.45 p.m. on 7th July, 1966, a radio message was picked up that the m.f.v.

Angus Rose had run out of fuel 13 miles east-south-east of Scurdyness. The lifeboat The Good Hope was launched at 5 o'clock with a supply of fuel on board.

There was a light wind and a calm sea. It was one and a half hours before high water. She found the fishing vessel in the position given and transferred the fuel.

The casualty's engine could not be started so the life-boat towed her to Montrose, arriving back on station at 9.38.

Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire - At 12.10 p.m. on 2ist July, 1966, a vessel off Broadsea was seen firing rockets and appeared to be on fire. The life-boat The Duchess of Kent was launched at 12.20 in a gentle north-westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was two and a half hours after low water. She reached the f.v. Harvester II and found that her electrical equipment had been on fire and her engine had stopped. The life-boat took the fishing vessel in tow and returned to Fraserburgh.

She arrived back on station at 1.20.

At 6.35 p.m. on 30th July, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the Icelandic vessel Magnus IV had engine trouble and required a tow.

The life-boat The Duchess of Kent was launched at 6.56 in a fresh north-westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was low water.

When the life-boat arrived at 7.55 a trawler was already taking the casualty in tow. The life-boat stood by until 8.23, then returned to her station, arriving at 9.30.

Barra Island, Outer Hebrides - At 9.20 p.m. on 30th July, 1966, the local doctor reported that a sick man on Rhu, Castlebay, required hospital treatment.

The life-boat R. A. Colby Cubbin No. 3 was launched at 9.45 in a moderate to fresh south-westerly wind and a comparable sea. The tide was flooding. She conveyed the patient from Rhu, Castlebay, to South Uist, and returned to her station at 5 o'clock.

Aith, Shetlands - At 12.45 a.m. on 3rd July, 1966, the medical authorities requested the assistance of the life-boat to take a doctor and nurse to Foula Island where someone was seriously ill. The life-boat John and Frances Macfarlane was launched at 2.5. There was a moderate southwesterly wind and a heavy swell. It was three and a half hours after high water.

The life-boat reached Foula and landed the doctor and nurse at 5.30 after encountering some difficulty in reaching the small pier, due to the low state of the tide.

The doctor returned to the life-boat at 7.5. She sailed immediately and arrived back on station at 10.45.

Stornoway, Outer Hebrides, and Life-boat 70-002 - At 5.20 a.m. on 15th July, 1966, a vessel was reported ashore at Renish point off Rodel. The life-boat The James and Margaret Boyd left her moorings at 5.50 in a moderate variable wind and a slight sea. It was five hours after low water. She reached the s.s. Stassa, of Panama, at 10 o'clock and stood by. As the tide flooded the lifeboat edged alongside the vessel and subsequently towed her off the rocks. The Stassa was anchored in Rodel Bay with the help of the m.v. Isle of Lewis. The James and Margaret Boyd continued to stand by until relieved by the life-boat 70-002 Grace Patterson Ritchie. The James and Margaret Boyd returned to Stornoway, arriving at 12.15 a-m- °n J6th July. The Grace Patterson Ritchie arrived alongside the Stassa at 11.15 P-m- The Stassa was taking water rapidly and the life-boat 70-002 started pumping the vessel out with her salvage pump. The pumping continued through the night and the next day. At midnight on i7th July the tug Crusader from Glasgow arrived, and at 3.50 a.m. the life-boat recovered her salvage hose and stood by while the tug took the Stassa in tow. At 6 o'clock the Stassa was again anchored and the tug departed as the casualty was considered unfit to tow. The life-boat continued to stand by, but further pumping tended to induce a dangerous list, so it was discontinued. The Stassa settled further and was soon awash. At 2 p.m.

an IRB from the life-boat helped three crew members of the Stassa to reach shore in one of the ship's life-boats which had become waterlogged. At 11.15 the master requested that the life-boat land him and his remaining crew of four.

This was accomplished and at 11.59 on the iyth July the Grace Patterson Ritchie life-boat continued on passage to Mallaig after being on service for almost 56 hours.

The casualty continued to settle and list and by noon the base of her funnel was in the water.

NORTH-EAST DISTRICT Seaham, Co. Durham - At 8.1 p.m.

on 26th July, 1966, a yacht about one mile offshore, to the north of Seaham, was seen to be making heavy weather. The Sunderland IRB was requested to investigate.

As the yacht was closing shore fast it was decided to launch the Seaham lifeboat.

The life-boat The Will and Fanny Kirby was launched at 8.35 in a moderate north-easterly wind and corresponding sea. The tide was flooding. She reached the yacht Sirius, which was very close to the rocky shore, and took her in tow to Seaham. The life-boat returned to her station at 10 o'clock.

Tynemouth, Northumberland - At 12.45 P-m- on J4tn July, 1966, news was received, that the Dutch trawler Noorderkroon, of Scheveningen, had a mine on board. H.M.S. Belton had put ratings aboard to secure the mine. The honorary secretary agreed that the life-boat could be used to put the bomb and mine disposal party from Rosyth aboard the trawler. The life-boat Tynesider was launched at 3 o'clock in a moderate northeasterly wind and a slight swell. It was three hours after high water. The lifeboat found the trawler six miles off the harbour and escorted her to a position three miles off the Tyne. The bomb and mine disposal party were embarked at North Shields and put aboard the trawler.

The master asked the coxswain to take off 11 men, leaving two of the crew, the mine party and two TV cameramen on board. The mine was exploded underwater at 9.56. The life-boat then went alongside the trawler and took off the mine party, together with the TV cameramen. The trawler crew were put back aboard their vessel which returned to the fishing grounds. The life-boat met the cameramen's small charter boat about two miles from North Shields, and took her in tow to North Shields fish quay. The Tynesider returned to her station at 11.30.

At 4.20 p.m. on 2nd July, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the Dutch trawler Pollux had a mine on board. She was making for the Tyne and a R.N. bomb and mine disposal party were on their way from Rosyth.

The life-boat Tynesider was launched at 10.5 in a moderate north north westerly wind and a slight sea. It was low water.

The officer in charge asked the coxswain to put his men aboard the Pollux, take off all her crew, and cruise at a safe distance until the mine was made safe. The lifeboat stood off until the detonator had been removed and then escorted the trawler into North Shields where her crew assisted in off-loading the mine. The lifeboat escorted the Pollux down river to the sea, and returned to her station at I o'clock next morning.

North Sunderland, Northumberland - At 7.56 a.m. on 28th July, 1966, the IRB seemed to have broken down on a service call to the tanker Ross Cleveland.

The life-boat Grace Darling was launched at 8 o'clock in a light west-south-westerly wind and a moderate sea. The tide was flooding. The life-boat proceeded to the IRB and took her in tow, arriving back at her station at 8.30.

Bridlington, Yorkshire-At 7.57 p.m.

on 28th July, 1966 a man was reported overdue from a fishing trip in a small dinghy.. There was a moderate south westerly wind with a corresponding sea.

It was one hour before low water. The life-boat Tillie Morrison, Sheffield II launched at 8.16 shortly after the inshore rescue boat. At 8.45 the IRB crew saw flares from a helicopter, which was also searching, and on proceeding in the direction indicated came up with the missing dinghy. The helicopter had rescued the man. The IRB beached the dinghy and then fired a flare to indicate to the life-boat that the casualty had been located. At 9.46 the IRB was secured to the life-boat which returned to harbour, arriving at 11.45.

Whitby, Yorkshire - At 10.58 a.m. on 2ist July, 1966, a small boat three miles north east of Whitby buoy was requesting assistance. At 11.10 the life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched in a strong northerly wind and a rough sea. It was four hours after high water, and very squally. The casualty proved to be the Panamanian motor vessel Taurus. A tug was summoned from Tees, and the lifeboat stood by until the tug took the casualty in tow. The life-boat returned to her station at 3.45 p.m.

The following life-boats were also called out in July: Aberdeen - 23rd.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk - I2th and iyth.

Angle, Pembrokeshire - 3151.

Appledore, Devon - i8th and 22nd.

Barrow, Lancashire - 24th.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight - i6th.

Bridlington, Yorkshire - 20th and 28th.

Caister, Norfolk - 20th and 24th.

Campbeltown, Argyllshire - 28th.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex - 22nd (twice), 24th and 28th.

Criccieth, Caernarvonshire - i6th.

Cromer, Norfolk - I2th.

Donaghadee, Co. Down - I3th and 20th.

Dover, Kent - 23rd.

Dungeness, Kent-9th, igth and 28th.

Dunmore East, Co. Waterford - 30th.

Exmouth, Devon - 28th.

Falmouth, Cornwall - iyth and 3ist.

Fishguard, Pembrokeshire - 26th.

Flamborough, Yorkshire - 24th.

Fleetwood, Lancashire - loth.

Hastings, Sussex - igth and 28th (twice).

Holyhead, Anglesey - I5th.

Humber, Yorkshire - nth.

Ilfracombe, Devon - I2th.

Islay, Hebrides - iyth.

Kirkcudbright - 2ist.

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire - igth and 29th.

Margate, Kent - iyth.

Minehead, Somerset - roth.

Newhaven, Sussex - 3151.

New Quay, Cardiganshire - 23rd.

Penlee, Cornwall - iyth and 30th.

Plymouth, Devon - iyth.

Portrush, Co. Antrim - 9th, igth and 22nd.

Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire - 29th.

Ramsgate, Kent - 4th.

Rhyl, Flintshire - i8th.

St. Abbs, Berwickshire - iyth.

St. Davids, Pembrokeshire - 2Oth and 2ist.

St. Helier, Jersey - I4th.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey - ist and 24th.

Salcombe, Devon - nth and zyth.

Selsey, Sussex - 2ist and 24th.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex - 24th.

Swanage, Dorset - 30th.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire - 3rd and 3ist.

Troon, Ayrshire - 24th.

Tynemouth, Northumberland - 22nd.

Walmer, Kent - 28th.

Weymouth, Dorset - 25th.

Whitehills, Banffshire - iyth.

Wicklow - iyth.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - I2th and 30th.

Life-Boat 70-001 - zoth, i8th and 26th..