LAUNCHES AND LIVES SAVED BY LIFE-BOATS AND IRBs 1st September to 30th November: Launches 401, lives saved 195 SEPTEMBER SCOTTISH DISTRICT Wick, Caithness-shire - At 3.50 p.m.

on r6th September, 1966, a message was received that a doctor was required by the U.S. salvage vessel Kittiwake which was on passage to Dogger Bank to search for a sunken German submarine. The life-boat Thomas McGunn, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 4 o'clock with a doctor on board. There was a strong west north westerly wind and a choppy sea. The tide was ebbing.

She proceeded to Freshwick Bay and transferred the doctor to the Kittiwake.

The life-boat returned to her station at 6.50.

Stronsay, Orkneys - At 10.20 p.m.

on 6th September, 1966, news was received that a patient on the Isle of Sanday needed medical attention. The life-boat The John Gellatly Hyndman slipped her moorings at 10.45 in a gale force west by northerly wind and a very rough sea.

It was one hour after low water. She proceeded to the Isle of Sanday, embarked the doctor and his patient, and conveyed them to Kirkwall, arriving at 2.15 a.m.

on yth September. The patient was taken to hospital and the life-boat then returned to Stronsay, landing the doctor at Sanday en route. It finally arrived back on station at 5.30.

Barra Island, Outer Hebrides - At 2.50 a.m. on 4th September, 1966, the motor fishing vessel Lady of the Isles was overdue. The life-boat R.A. Colby Cubbin No. 3 slipped her moorings at 3.25 in a gale force south westerly wind and a rough sea. The tide was at half ebb. The Lady of the Isles had left the isle of Canna at 5 p.m. the previous day and had not been seen since. The life-boat found her sheltering in Loch Boisdale and escorted her to Castlebay. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 10.30.

Mallaig, Inverness-shire - At 5.40 p.m. on 5th September, 1966, a boat was reported to be overdue between Tirea and Coll. The life-boat EMM. Gordon Cubbin left her moorings at 5.50 in a gale force south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was one hour after low water.

After an hour she was recalled by the coastguards as the boat was safe, but she had only been back on station for twenty minutes when the boat was again reported to be in difficulties and the life-boat proceeded immediately. She found the motor yacht Collach, of Coll, in Loch Breacacha, on the Isle of Coll. The lifeboat made several attempts to approach her but this proved impossible owing to the ebbing tide and darkness. During one of the attempts a heavy sea broke over the life-boat shearing the loudhailer and cracking one of the wheelhouse windows. When daylight came it was seen that the casualty seemed to be lying safely. A further attempt was made to get into the loch but this was also unsuccessful.

The coastguard life-saving apparatus team were standing by ashore and it was felt that they could easily take the occupants off if necessary. After sending a message to the honorary secretary, the life-boat proceeded to Aringour where the crew informed the life saving apparatus team that they felt that the occupants should be taken ashore. The skipper insisted that he remain on board, but the remainder of the yacht's crew and passengers were taken off by the lifesaving apparatus team. They confirmed that there was no risk in the skipper remaining on board, so after advising the honorary secretary of this, the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 7.35 p.m. on 6th September. During this service invaluable assistance was rendered to the life-boat by the m.v. Ajax in locating the casualty.

At 12.55 a.m. on igth September, 1966, the motor fishing vessel Argonaut of Kirkaldy, was reported ashore on the Cairns of Coll after a May-day call. The life-boat E. M. M. Colby Cubbin was launched at 1.15 in a light southerly wind and a slight sea. The tide was at half ebb.

She proceeded to the casualty in poor visibility and was helped by the coaster Loch Carron which guided her to the casualty by radar. The life-boat went alongside to assure the fishing vessel's crew that they were not in danger. She then stood by and later assisted in refloating the Argonaut which then proceeded to Fort William, escorted by another fishing boat. The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 11.30.

NORTH-EAST DISTRICT North Sunderland, Northumberland - At 12.7 p.m. on I4th September, 1966, three small sailing craft were seen in difficulties in Newton Bay. They were unable to make the shore because of the strong offshore wind which was freshening.

The life-boat Grace Darling was launched at 12.15 m a gale force west south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was three hours after low water. She proceeded to Newton Bay and took eleven people off the three craft belonging to the Newton Nautical Centre, and put them ashore. The life-boat towed the three craft to the shore where they were beached, and returned to her station at 2.15.

Tynemouth, Northumberland - At 11.45 P-m- on J6th September, 1966, the honorary secretary heard the local fishing vessel Craighall, which had a sick man on board, asking Stonehouse radio for medical advice. The doctor at Aberdeen was not able to make a definite diagnosis so the honorary secretary telephoned the doctor concerned and offered to take a local doctor out to the vessel. This offer was accepted and the life-boat Tynesider was launched at 12.34 a.m. on iyth September with a doctor on board. There was a moderate to fresh south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was one hour after low water. She met the motor fishing vessel Craighall thirty two miles off the Tyne and manoeuvred close to the trawler's quarter. Choosing the right moment the coxswain took the life-boat alongside and the doctor jumped aboard the vessel.

The Craighall continued her passage to North Shields at full speed while the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 9.5. Once aboard the fishing vessel the doctor gave the patient a morphine injection and asked that an ambulance stand by. The vessel arrived at North Shields at 8.20.

Filey, Yorkshire - At 7.20 p.m. on I yth September, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the trawler Boston Wasp, which was fifty miles off Filey had a badly injured man on board who required immediate medical attention. She was steaming due east towards Filey at eleven knots. The lifeboat The Isa & Penryn Milsted was launched at 7.45 with a doctor on board.

There was a light westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was two and a half hours after high water. A Shackleton aircraft and a helicopter took off but the helicopter had to turn back because of its limited fuel capacity. The Shackleton located the trawler and guided the life-boat to her through the thick mist by dropping flares and keeping in radio contact with both vessels. The life-boat met the trawler approximately fourteen miles north east of Flamborough and put the doctor aboard. When he had treated the injured man they were both transferred to the life-boat which returned to Filey, where an ambulance was waiting to take the man to hospital. The life-boat arrived back on station at 2 a.m. on i8th September.

Humber, Yorkshire - At 3.21 p.m. on 13th September, 1966, it was seen that a cabin cruiser was being towed towards Spurn Head by the pilot launch. They were kept under observation for some tune, and as there was a heavy swell running and nowhere to shelter, it was decided to launch the life-boat. The life-boat City of Bradford III was launched at 3.30 in a strong west north westerly wind and a rough sea. It was four hours after low water. As this was a busy period for the pilot launch she took over the tow of the cabin cruiser Petan at the military pier, and proceeded to Grimsby. Just before they entered the harbour the Petan's mast was carried away when the mast stays parted under the heavy pitching. She was moored safely without further mishap and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 5.50.

Flamborough, Yorkshire - At 6.12 p.m. on 18th September, 1966, the police informed the coxswain that a skin diver was in difficulties under the cliff between the life-boat station and the coastguard lookout. The coxswain rang the coastguard who said that a party had gone to try to reach the man from the cliff top. A local fishing boat was already there, but could not get in to him because there was a heavy swell running. The life-boat Friendly Forester was launched at 6.35 in a light westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was two hours before high water. She proceeded to the position stated and a line was fired to the man but it fell short.

The second attempt was successful and the man was hauled to safety by breeches buoy. The life-boat returned to her station with the skin diver, arriving at 7.25.

Hartlepool, Co. Durham - At 12.50 a.m. on 8th September, 1966, a small dinghy, with one man aboard, was reported overdue from a fishing trip. At I o'clock the life-boat The Princess Royal (Civil Service No. 7) left her moorings in a light westerly breeze and a calm sea.

It was two hours after high water. The dinghy was found three and a half miles out to sea with engine trouble. The occupant was taken aboard the life-boat and the boat towed to Hartlepool. The life-boat returned to her moorings at 2.40.

Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland - At 5.57 p.m. on 4th September, 1966, a catamaran sailing in Berwick Bay was reported to have fired a red flare.

At 6.2 the life-boat William and Mary Durham was launched in a strong west south westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was five hours after low water.

The catamaran, which had four people on board, had dragged her anchor and was being blown out to sea. The life-boat took her in tow and returned to her station, arriving at 7.55.

SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT Walton and Frinton, Essex - At 7.14 p.m. on gth September, 1966, a fishing boat, apparently with engine trouble, was noticed approximately half a mile north north west of the Sunk lightvessel.

A further message reported that the boat was drifting and had requested assistance. The life-boat Edian Courtauld slipped her moorings at 7.55 in a light south south easterly wind and a choppy sea. It was one hour after high water.

In the meantime the Sunk pilot cutter had towed the fishing boat, an ex-naval pinnace named Julia Fisher, to the lightvessel and had moored her. The life-boat reached the lightvessel at 9.12, took the boat in tow and proceeded to Harwich where the Julia Fisher was moored. The life-boat returned to her station at 2.45 a.m. on loth September.

At 5.35 p.m. on 4th September, 1966, a large vessel was reported aground on the Gunfleet Sands, but there was no immediate danger. The honorary secretary and the coxswain went to the coastguard lookout and saw the collier Corsea hard aground on the furthest end of the Gunfleet Sands. There was an adverse weather forecast anticipating gale force winds, so the life-boat Edian Courtauld left her moorings at 6.31 in a strong south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours after high water. On her way to the casualty, she called on the private radio ship Olga Patricia to tell them that they had dragged their anchor about one mile northwards. The life-boat then proceeded to the Corsea and the coxswain went aboard. When he returned, the life-boat stood by until the tugs, which had been summoned, had secured the towlines. When the tugs confirmed that they had the situation well in hand the Edian Courtauld returned to her station, arriving at 11.30.

At 11.57 a-m- °n 2r d September, 1966, information was received that the German ship Jane had the British yacht lolanthe in tow and was anxious to hand her over to the life-boat. The life-boat Edian Courtauld slipped her moorings at 12.49 p.m. in a gale force west south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was one hour before high water. She met the Jane and took over the tow. The German vessel then continued her passage. The lifeboat towed the lolanthe to Harwich, moored her in the harbour, and returned to her station at 9.10.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk - At 7.15 p.m. on 25th Sep- tember, 1966, three men in a boat off Gorleston were seen flashing a light and waving their arms. The IRB was launched immediately to investigate and the life-boat Louise Stephens was launched at 7.26 in support. There was a light east by northerly wind and a slight sea. It was one hour before high water. She met the returning IRB which reported that the longshore boat Girl Pat was anchored off Gorton with engine trouble. The IRB returned to her station at 8.7. In the meantime the life-boat reached the Girl Pat and took her in tow to Gorleston. She arrived back on station at 8.40.

Wells, Norfolk - On ifth September, 1966, the Wells life-boat Ernest Tom Neathercoat rescued a man and his dog from the yacht Kylin. A full account of this service, for which a special award was made to the coxswain and crew, appears on page 24.

Ramsgate, Kent - At 5.27 p.m. on 4th September, 1966, the motor yacht Patna in a position half a mile off Margate pier requested the assistance of the Ramsgate life-boat. The life-boat Michael and Lily Davis slipped her moorings at 5.37 in a strong south south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was three hours after high water. She found the yacht anchored and towed her to Ramsgate. The life-boat returned to her station at 7.52.

Margate, Kent - At 2.9 p.m. on 4th September, 1966, a small boat with two men aboard was seen drifting off Foreness Point with her outboard motor broken down. The life-boat Elizabeth Elson, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 2.25 in a gale force southwesterly wind and a very rough sea. It was four and a half hours after low water. She proceeded towards the position indicated, but a Dutch trawler signalled to her, and when she closed with the trawler the master said that he had picked up two men and a small boat. The men were wet and suffering from shock. They were taken aboard the life-boat together with their boat. The life-boat returned to Margate harbour at 4 o'clock, landed the men at Margate pier and moored their boat in the harbour. She arrived back on station ten minutes later. A helicopter also searched for the casualty.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT Hastings, Sussex - At 6.6 p.m. on 18th September, 1966, a vessel was noticed burning red flares three to four miles south west of the life-boat station. The life-boat Fairlight was launched at 6.34 and proceeded to a position south of the bathing pool to investigate. It was four hours after high water. She found the small motor bostKiando with three people on board. The life-boat took the boat in tow and returned to her station, arriving at 7.16.

At 9.53 a.m. on 4th September, 1966, a yacht was reported in distress about six miles south of Hastings. At 10.7 the rifeboat Fairlight was launched in a south westerly gale and a rough sea. It was one hour after low water. The life-boat reached the casualty, the catamaran Alleda, which had been taken in tow by a German coaster. The life-boat took over the tow and brought the Alleda safely to Dover harbour. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 9.48.

At 1.34 p.m. on 4th September, 1966, the motor yacht Cedefore, with twelve people on board, was seen to be in difficulties off Ramsgate. The life-boat Michael and Lily Davis left her moorings at 1.46 in a strong to gale force south westerly wind with a very rough sea. It was one hour before high water. She proceeded to the position given and found the Cedefore one mile north east of Ramsgate. The life-boat took her in tow and returned to Ramsgate, arriving at 2.38.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight - At 3.43 p.m. on 4th September, 1966, a yacht off Bembridge ledge was seen firing red flares. The life-boat Jesse Lumb was launched at 3.50 in a gale force south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours after high water. She reached the yacht Zest II and took her in tow ten minutes later. She towed the casualty to the life-boat station and secured her to a mooring buoy. The life-boat arrived at her station at 4.22.

At 6.45 p.m. on I4th September, 1966, the sailing yacht Cambus Omay, with a crew of three, asked for the assistance of the life-boat off St. Catherine's Point as her engines had broken down and her sails had been carried away. The life-boat Jesse Lumb was launched at 7 p.m. in a gale force south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was one hour after low water.

She proceeded towards the position given and information was then received that the cross-channel car ferry Vicking II was standing by the yacht until the lifeboat arrived. The Jesse Lumb reached the casualty at 9.10 and took her in tow. The car ferry then continued her passage while the life-boat towed the yacht to Bembridge, arriving back on station at II o'clock.

At 5.41 p.m. on 8th September, 1966, a German ship reported that a French sailing yacht was leaking twenty nine miles south east of St.

Catherine's Point, and that the yacht could hold out for two to three hours by using pumps. The life-boat Jesse Lumb was launched at 5.55. It was one hour after high water. A helicopter also proceeded.

The life-boat met the warship Whitby, which had taken the ketch Jezebel of Le Havre in tow, and took over the tow at 8.31. She took the ketch back to the life-boat station. The Jesse Lumb arrived back on station at 10.30.

At 7.15 p.m. on i3th September, 1966, the vessel Commodore Charles H. Smith reported having picked up two survivors from a small ketch which they had then taken in tow. The life-boat Jesse Lumb was launched at 8.20 in a light west north westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was four hours after low water. She proceeded to the Nab tower, took the survivors off the Commodore Charles H. Smith and with the American ketch Erisca in tow, returned to Bembridge at n o'clock.

Weymouth, Dorset - At 8.28 p.m. on 12th September, 1966, red flares were sighted in Weymouth Bay. The life-boat Frank Spiller Locke left her moorings at 8.48 in a strong westerly wind and a rough sea. The tide was ebbing. She proceeded to a position two miles south of White Nothe and then saw a white flashing light under White Nothe. The life-boat fired a parachute flare and searched the area but found nothing. She then searched between Bowleaze and Shambles lighrvessel.

At 9.34 flares were reported north east of the coaling jetty in Portland harbour, and a few minutes later Weymouth harbour radio reported that red lights had been seen off the pier. The life-boat steamed in that direction and soon picked up an echo on her radar. This proved to be the casualty, the yacht Mignonette, of Southampton with two people on board.

A line was secured and the yacht was towed to Weymouth with her engine broken down and her sails torn. The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 10.30. A helicopter also assisted in the search.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex - At 7.50 p.m. on nth September, 1966, a red flare was sighted in the Worthing ferry area. The dredger Seastone, which had just left the harbour, also sighted the flare. The life-boat Dorothy and Philip Constant was launched at 8 o'clock in a fresh west south westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was three hours after low water. A few minutes later the Seastone reported that she was alongside the fishing vessel Tulari which required a tow to Shoreham. She was one and three quarter miles north west by north from Worthing pier. The life-boat proceeded towards the position given. The Tulari fired a second flare to direct the life-boat which arrived alongside at 9 o'clock. She had a fishing party of five men on board, and had been drifting since 3 o'clock when her engine had broken down. The lifeboat took her in tow to Shoreham and moored her at the west arm of the railway quay. During the tow one of the party had fallen and injured his arm so the life-boat asked for a doctor to be available when they landed. She returned to her station, arriving at 10 o'clock.

Plymouth, Devon - At 7.43 p.m. on 27th September, 1966, news was received that the yacht Norian had broken down in heavy seas twenty two miles south south east of Eddystone, and was asking for the assistance of a tug and a life-boat. The life-boat Thomas Forehead and Mary Rowse slipped her moorings at 7.53 in a gale force wind and a heavy swell. It was one hour after high water.

It was then reported that two trawlers, one of them being Dutch, were standing by. The Dutch trawler got a line to the casualty but did not start to tow her.

When the life-boat arrived the trawler advised that the tug Titan was on her way to the casualty. The life-boat stood by until the tug arrived at i.io a.m. on 28th September, and then sprayed oil on the very confused sea to windward, in order to ease the difficulty the tug was having in getting a line aboard the casualty.

She escorted the tug and the yacht on to Sutton harbour and then returned to her station, arriving at 8.30.

SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT Penlee, Cornwall - At 5 p.m. on loth September, 1966, the life-boat was asked to take a sick man off the motor vessel Ramadhan which would be arriving in Mounts Bay at about 8.45. The life-boat Solomon Browne was launched at 7.30. It was low water. She proceeded to Newlyn to pick up a doctor and ambulance crew, and left Newlyn at 8 o'clock. She met the vessel five miles south of Penzance, took off the sick man and returned to Newlyn where the patient was transferred to an ambulance. The life-boat was back at Newlyn and ready for service at 10 o'clock.

At 4 p.m. on 29th September, 1966, a sick man on board the m.v. Dunedin Star, of London, needed to be brought ashore.

At 9.45 the Solomon Browne life-boat was launched. The tide was ebbing. A doctor and ambulance crew were embarked at Newlyn and the life-boat met the Dunedin Star four miles south of Penzance. The sick man was taken on board the life-boat and she returned at midnight to Newlyn.

The life-boat was moored for the night and was rehoused at 5.20 p.m. on 3oth September.

Coverack, Cornwall - At 9.40 a.m. on 7th September, 1966, a large steamer was reported in a dangerous position inside the Manacle rocks in thick fog. At 10 o'clock the life-boat William Taylor of Oldham was launched. It was high water.

The S.S. Alkon of Neipaieye was escorted clear of the rocks and proceeded to Falmouth.

The life-boat returned to her station at II o'clock.

Appledore, Devon - At 4.4 p.m. on I4th September, 1966, concern was felt for the safety of a barge which had been moored on the gravel bank northwards of Crow Point, on the morning tide. Her crew of four had reboarded her when she dried out. The weather had worsened and the coxswain thought she would be in difficulties when the breaking seas of the flooding tide reached her, before she floated off the bank. The life-boat Louisa Ann Hawker proceeded at 4.48 in a gale force south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was one and a half hours before high water. She stood by the barge Marlene until she refloated and then escorted her to Appledore. The life-boat returned to her station at 5.8.

Barry Dock, Glamorganshire - At 3.5 p.m. on loth September, 1966, the life-boat Rachel and Mary Evans was launched in a gentle north westerly wind and a choppy sea to escort a number of rowing boats in a race organized by the Barry Rowing Club. It was two hours after high water. When they rounded Sully Island two of the skiffs were swamped in the tidal race off the island.

The two crews were taken aboard the life-boat and their skiffs taken in tow back to the club's slipway at Barry. The life-boat then resumed her escort duty until the race was over. She returned to her station at 7 o'clock.

Life-boat 70.001 at The Mumbles - At 2.5 a.m. on i6th September, 1966, the coastguard informed Staff Coxswain J. M.

Hunter that the coastal tanker Westerndale H., of Hull, was aground on the Wash Sands. The 70-feet life-boat Charles H. Barrett (Civil Service No. 35) left her moorings at 2.10. It was low water. She reached the casualty at 4.10 and stood by until the tanker refloated. The tanker Shell Glassmaker, which had arrived on the scene before the life-boat, also stood by. At 4.25 the IRB was sent from the life-boat to the tanker and returned to report that the casualty had got off under her own power but her steering had jammed and she wished the Shell Glassmaker to take her in tow. This was done and the life-boat escorted both vessels towards Barry Docks until 6.30 when she returned to her station. While returning, the life-boat sighted the East Nash buoy adrift one mile south of St.

Donnards. After contacting the Trinity House vessel Alert by R/T she took the buoy in tow until she met the Alert off Nash pier. The buoy was then hoisted aboard the Alert and the life-boat proceeded to her station, arriving at 11.15.

Fowey, Cornwall - At 9.10 a.m. on 2nd September, 1966, a yacht was thought to have capsized between Looe and Polperro.

The life-boat Deneys Reitz proceeded at 9.20 in a strong westerly wind with a moderate sea. It was one hour after high water. It was then reported that the yacht Sirocco, of Port Wrinkle, had sailed from Polperro at 6.40 for Salcombe, and was reported to be about five hundred yards off Downderry on a lee shore. The yacht was escorted by the life-boat round Rame Head and into Cawsand bay where she anchored. The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 2.40.

NORTH-WESTERN DISTRICT Moelfre, Anglesey - At 3.7 p.m. on i oth September, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor yacht Cordelia II was in difficulties six miles north of Puffin Island with both engines broken down. The life-boat Watkin Williams was launched at 3.15 in a gale force south westerly wind and a very rough sea. It was two hours after low water. When she reached the position stated there was no sign of the casualty and she started to search. The position of the yacht was later indicated by a helicopter. The life-boat took the yacht in tow at 5 o'clock. The tow parted at 7.16 but was reconnected within a few minutes. After the casualty had anchored off Moelfre a mechanic was put aboard and the life-boat returned to her station at 10.25.

At 2.56 p.m. on 3rd September, 1966, a rowing boat was reported in danger two miles north of the boathouse. Four minutes later the life-boat Watkin Williams was launched in a rough sea and a strong south westerly wind. It was one hour after high water. The casualty had three young men aboard. Their outboard motor had failed. They and their boat were brought in by the life-boat which returned to her station at 4.50.

Criccieth, Caernarvonshire - At 2.45 p.m. on 6th September, 1966, a speed boat was seen adrift in Criccieth Bay.

There was a fresh westerly breeze with a rough sea. At 3.5 the life-boat Robert Lindsay was launched on an ebbing tide and towed in the casualty, which had nobody on board. A thorough search of the area was made, but no one was found.

The life-boat returned to her station at 4 o'clock.

New Quay, Cardiganshire - At 4.49 p.m. on 3rd September, 1966, a message was received that a yacht was in distress and burning flares. At 5.5 the life-boat St. Albans was launched in a fresh south south westerly wind and a rough sea.

It was low water. The life-boat proceeded to the yacht but had to leave the casualty in the care of a motor boat while she towed another boat which had run out of fuel into harbour. The yacht was taken in tow by the motor boat and the lifeboat returned to her station arriving at 6.59.

New Brighton, Cheshire - At 6.50 p.m. on nth September, 1966, red flares were sighted off the RI buoy in Rock channel, river Mersey. The life-boat Norman B. Corlett left her moorings ten minutes later. It was three hours before high water. She found the motor boat, Trust in Providence, towing the motor boat Vajas. The life-boat took both craft in tow until they were off Brunswick dock, when she slipped the tow and returned to her station at 10.50.

Workington, Cumberland - At 9.19 p.m. on nth September, 1966, red flares were sighted off Parton. The life-boat Manchester and Salford XXIX left her moorings at 9.30 in a strong south westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was six minutes before high water. She proceeded to the position given and found the motor cruiser Unicorn, with four occupants, which had broken down about one mile off Parton. The life-boat towed the casualty to Whitehaven and then returned to her station, arriving at 12.30 a.m.

on 12th September.

Beaumaris, Anglesey - At 3.21 p.m.

on 3rd September, 1966, news was received that a yacht, whose engine had failed, was being driven on to the rocks at Puffin island. The life-boat Field Marshal and Mrs. Smuts was launched at 4 o'clock in a strong south westerly wind with a rough sea. It was two hours after high water. She found the yacht Gannet of Redwharf bay held fast between the rocks. The life-boat was manoeuvred close to the rocks and the yacht's crew were taken off in their own dinghy. The casualty was then made fast to the rocks to prevent further damage when the tide refloated her. The life-boat returned to her station at 6.40. A helicopter also took off on this occasion.

Holyhead, Anglesey - At 12.7 a.m.

on i8th September, 1966, the Liberian motor vessel Tyne Ore had a sick man on board who required urgent medical attention. The life-boat St. Cybi (Civil Service No. 9) was launched at i.io. It was five hours after low water. She proceeded to the vessel and took off the sick man. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 3.30, and landed the patient.

Fleetwood, Lancashire - At i .20 p.m.

on 4th September, 1966, a yacht was seen being driven ashore on Pilling sands. At 1.30 the life-boat Ann Letitia Russell was launched in a southerly gale and a rough sea. It was one hour before low water.

The yacht, with three people on board, was towed to Jubilee quay. The life-boat returned to her station at 2.50.

Barrow, Lancashire - At 2.45 a.m.

on 28th September, 1966, news was received that an air search had been in operation since the previous day for the yacht J.B.W., which was overdue at Glasson dock on passage from the Isle of Man. The IRB was therefore asked to investigate a small boat which was about ten miles north west of the Lune buoy.

The IRB was launched at 3 o'clock. It was three hours after high water. She found the boat, which was identified as the yacht J.B.W., off Lightening Knoll buoy. The yacht's engine had broken down, she was leaking badly and her compass was out of order. Her master asked to be towed to Glasson Dock. The IRB then proceeded to her station, reported on the situation, and returned to the casualty to stand by until the lifeboat arrived. One of the IRB's crew went aboard the yacht to assist. The life-boat Herbert Leigh was launched at 4.40. She reached the J.B.W. fifty minutes later and gave the three occupants a hot drink.

The yacht was towed to Barrow Docks, and the life-boat returned to her station at 7.40.

IRISH DISTRICT Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford - At 10.45 a-m- on 3rd September, 1966, a small boat was reported to be in difficulties two and a half miles east of the harbour. At 10.55 tne life-boat H. F.

Bailey, on temporary duty at the station, left her moorings. It was two hours after high water. The life-boat found the motor launch Came with engine failure, and towed her to harbour. The life-boat returned to her moorings at 11.40.

Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin - At 5.10 p.m. on 2nd September, 1966, a dinghy with a crew of two was reported to have capsized one mile east of Mugglins.

At 5.15 the life-boat Dunleary II left her moorings in a strong westerly wind and a choppy sea. The tide was ebbing. The life-boat came up with the dinghy, which had been taken in tow by a trawler, and took on board one of her crew. The other had been picked up by the trawler. The life-boat returned to her moorings, arriving at 6.15.

Peel, Isle of Man - At 12.58 p.m. on I2th September, 1966, the motor fishing vessel Rosinbhir, of Liverpool, was reported to have broken down six miles north west of Peel. The life-boat Clara and Emily Bar-well was launched at 1.25 in a light south westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was two hours after high water.

She reached the casualty at 2.45 and took her in tow to Peel. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.55.

Kilmore, Wexford - At 11.15 p.m.

on 8th September, 1966, a small pleasure boat with one man on board was reported overdue. The life-boat Cecil Paine was launched at 11.30. It was high water.

She found the boat, whose engine had failed, and took her in tow. The life-boat returned to her station at 1.45 on 9th September.

Valentia, Co. Kerry - At 3.35 p.m.

on 14th September, 1966, three men were reported stranded on the Blasket Islands.

There was a westerly gale with a very rough sea. It was high water. The lifeboat Rowland Watts proceeded at 4.10 with the life-boat boarding boat in tow.

During the crossing of Dingle bay weather and sea conditions were so bad that the boarding boat twice capsized, sustaining some slight damage. On arrival at the island two of the men decided to remain but the third agreed to be taken off by the life-boat. This was accomplished with the help of the boarding boat, and the man was conveyed to Valentia. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 8.18.

Galway Bay - At 4.15 p.m. on 3rd September, 1966, a North Aran lighthouse- keeper informed the honorary secretary that a rowing boat with two occupants had been sighted about one hundred and fifty yards off the island on which the lighthouse stands. The life-boat John R. Webb, on temporary duty at the station, left her moorings at 4.45 in a gale force south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours before high water. She proceeded towards the position given, keeping in R T contact with the North Aran lighthouse, and came up with the rowing boat English Rose III at 6 o'clock. The occupants were two British paratroopers who had rowed across the Atlantic from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A., but had been blown off their intended course to England (see December, 1966, issue of THE LIFE-BOAT, page 206). They were taken aboard the lifeboat which took their boat in tow and landed them at Kilronan pier. The lifeboat returned to her station at 7.40.

Ballycotton, Cork - At 2.50 a.m. on 3rd September, 1966, the Garda informed the coxswain that the trawler Virtue Petit, of Milford Haven, was steaming to Ballycotton with a seriously injured man on board. The life-boat Ethel Mary left her moorings at 3.5 and after embarking a doctor and a nurse, proceeded to meet the trawler. The doctor and nurse were put aboard the trawler where they attended to the injured man. The doctor, nurse, and the injured man were taken off by the life-boat at 5.45 and landed on the quay.

The patient was transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital. The life-boat returned to her station at 6.30.

Wicklow - At 10.55 P-m- on September, 1966, the m.v. Westerook, which had left Wicklow harbour that night bound for Cork, was reported aground on the North Arklow bank and had asked for the assistance of the lifeboat.

The life-boat J. W. Archer was launched at 11.10. It was one hour after high water. The life-boat found the m.v.

Westerook seven miles south south west of the North Arklow buoy. The life-boat went alongside and the coxswain went aboard. He then asked the second coxs- wain to sound around the ship. There were seven feet of water on the port side and ten to eleven feet on the starboard.

The coxswain then advised the master to weigh anchor and go full astern. As there was no movement he suggested that they try to go full ahead and then astern. This time the vessel refloated. A member of the life-boat crew was put on board the casualty to act as a pilot and the life-boat escorted her back to Wicklow.

When the Westerook was safely moored, the life-boat moved to the east pier at 3.45 a.m. on 30th September, as there was insufficient water at the slipway to rehouse. The life-boat was finally rehoused at 9 o'clock.

The following life-boats were also called out in September.

Arklow, Co. Wicklow - 28th.

Baltimore, Co. Cork - 24th.

Bridlington, Yorkshire - 5th.

Caister, Norfolk - i6th.

Campbeltown, Argyllshire - 9th.

Cloughey-Portavogie, Co. Down - 26th.

Donaghadee, Co. Down - 3rd.

Douglas, Isle of Man - 26th.

Dover, Kent - i8th.

Dunbar, East Lothian - iyth and 18th.

Dungeness, Kent - 4th, roth and I4th.

Falmouth, Cornwall - ryth.

Fishguard, Pembrokeshire - 30th.

Fowey, Cornwall - 3rd.

Girvan, Ayrshire - 1st.

Hartlepool, Co. Durham - I4th.

Hastings, Sussex - 6th and i2th.

Holyhead, Anglesey - 3oth.

Humber, Yorkshire - 2nd.

Kirkcudbright - igth.

Lerwick, Shetlands - 20th.

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire - 20th.

Longhope, Orkneys - 5th and 6th.

Margate, Kent - 2nd and 25th.

Newbiggin, Northumberland - I4th and i yth.

New Brighton, Cheshire - 4th.

Port Erin, Isle of Man - 5th.

Portpatrick, Wigtownshire - ist.

Rhyl, Flintshire - I3th.

St. Abbs, Berwickshire - St. Helier, Jersey - I3th.

St. Mary's, Scilly Islands - 27th.

Salcombe, Devon - 6th.

Selsey, Sussex - (i2th two launches) I4th and 2yth.

Sennen Cove, Cornwall - yth.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire - 2nd.

Troon, Ayrshire - nth.

Weymouth, Dorset - 3rd and 4th.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - 4th, 6th and 19th.

Life-boat 70-001 - ist..