COXSWAIN JOHN KING, of Bridlington, has been accorded the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum for the rescue of four men from the motor fishing vessel Normanby on 6th January, 1967.

At 5.37 on the afternoon of that day the assistant mechanic G. Traves heard a Mayday call from the Bridlington fishing vessel Normanby. He immediately told Coxswain King, who informed the honorary secretary of the station, Mr.

M. E. Hodgson. Mr. Hodgson authorized the launch of the life-boat, and the maroons were fired at 5.45. Shortly before this the coastguard had confirmed that the Normanby was ashore between Flamborough Head and South Landing.

SQUALLS There was a southerly wind with a slight to moderate sea. The weather was overcast, and there were snow showers and squalls which greatly reduced visi- bility. It was an hour and a half before low water. Because of the snow and ice the crew and helpers had some difficulty in reaching the boathouse and the conditions also hampered them in launching the boat. Nevertheless at 6.5 the life-boat Tillie Morrison, Sheffield II, which is one of the 35-foot 6-inch Liver- pool type, was successfully launched off her carriage.

At 6.35 she passed the North Smithie buoy and Coxswain King altered course to north in order to close the casualty. The fishing vessel was eventually sighted between squalls. She was then on the rock shelf below the cliffs and was being pounded against the rocks by the swell and the sea which was increasing.

The district officer of the coastguard had a portable radio set on the cliffs above the rock, and radio-telephone contact was established with him and with the Normanby. By this time it was low water and the swell was considerable.

Coxswain King therefore decided to anchor and veer down on to the casualty.

LINES FELL SHORT Two rocket lines were fired, but they both fell short. Coxswain King therefore weighed anchor and came in closer, and two more lines were fired. These nearly reached the fishing vessel, but they sank before the crew could seize hold of them.

Coxswain King now decided to veer right alongside the casualty. This was done successfully and a line was passed aboard, although the life-boat had touched bottom several times.

While weighing anchor the anchor party were thrown off balance by a heavy swell and Second Coxswain J. Simpson had two of his ribs cracked. Nevertheless the Normanby was eventually towed clear of the reef by 8.40. Fifty-five minutes later she entered Bridlington harbour. The life-boat could not be rehoused until the next morning and remained afloat overnight.

Certificates recording their part in the service were issued to the other mem- bers of the crew: second coxswain John Simpson, bowman Dennis Atkin, motor mechanic Roderick Stott, assistant motor mechanic George Traves, and crew members Fred Walkington and Brian Bevin..