A FRAMED letter of commendation signed by the Chairman of the Institution, Captain the Hon. V. M. Wyndham-Quin, R.N., has been sent to Coxswain David Cox and the crew of the Wells, Norfolk, life-boat for the rescue of a man and a dog from the yacht Kylin on I5th September, 1966.

At 11.15 tnat morning the coastguard told Coxswain Cox that the Kylin was aground to the west of the approach channel to Wells harbour. Her owner, a 70- year-old man, and his dog were aboard.

OWNER REFUSED TO LEAVE The coxswain walked across the sands and advised the owner to abandon his boat which was by now high and dry. The owner refused to do so.

Realizing that the yacht would start to float as soon as there was enough water in the channel the coxswain decided it would be advisable to launch the life-boat.

A west south westerly wind was blowing and was freshening and starting to veer to the north. Low water was at i p.m.

At 3.45 the inshore rescue boat was launched to stand by the yacht in case the yacht should be in difficulties before the life-boat could reach her. The life-boat Ernest Tom Neathercoat, which is one of the 37 foot Oakley type, put out at 4.35.

She went out through the channel entrance in order to approach the yacht from seaward.

The wind had now risen to gale force (force $ and was blowing from the north west and there were squally showers.

The life-boat approached the yacht at 5 o'clock. The yacht was now afloat with a 5 h.p. outboard motor running. Her owner was trying to keep her head up to the wind but was making no headway.

The life-boat went alongside and her crew grabbed the owner, who was somewhat reluctant to leave, and pulled him aboard the life-boat. The man expressed concern about his dog, and the bowman, John Cox, jumped aboard with a line. The yacht was taken in tow and secured at Wells quay at 5.45.

The other members of the crew were: Francis Taylor, John Cox, Albert Court, Alan MacDonald Cox, Albert Warner and B. Leggatt..