FOR a service in which Bridlington inshore rescue boat literally had to bounce over rocks on her way in to rescue two young men who had fallen over cliffs the Institution's thanks inscribed on vellum have been accorded to the IRB helms- man, Mr. Harry T. Wood. A framed letter of thanks, signed by the Chairman of the Institution, Captain the Hon. V. M. Wyndham-Quin, R.N., has been sent to the other member of the crew, Mr. R. Cooper.

At 7.56 on the evening of 26 March, 1967, the coastguard informed the Bridlington honorary secretary that two young men had fallen over the cliffs at south landing, Flamborough Head. The help of the Bridlington IRB was asked for and also that of the Flamborough life-boat, Friendly Forester. Both boats put out. There was a west south westerly wind of force 5 with a very choppy sea. It was two hours after high water. The Bridlington life-boat, Tillie Morrison, Sheffield II, which is one of the 35-foot 6-inch Liverpool type, had just returned from service and it was decided that she should escort the inshore rescue boat.

The two boats put out from their station at 8.5.

DANGEROUS SEA CONDITIONS The IRB arrived off the south landing at 8.45 and found the Flamborough life-boat standing by but unable to go close enough in to effect a rescue. Because of the dangerous sea conditions and the number of offshore rocks it was agreed that the IRB should be checked in to the shore from the Flamborough life-boat by veering lines and that the life-boat searchlight should be used to illuminate the scene. The IRB crew found that it was too difficult to handle their boat with lines attached and they therefore cast the lines off. They then bounced their boat over the rocks. Their propeller was damaged as they did so but they managed to reach the foot of the cliffs with the IRB half full of water.

The C.R.E. Company were already on the spot, and they helped to embark the two young men, who were injured, into the IRB and also to re-launch the boat. After leaving the shore the IRB again hit rocks, which did further damage to the propeller, but the fabric of the hull remained whole.

The two young men were put aboard the Bridlington life-boat, which left thearea at 9.35, arriving at Bridlington with the IRB in company at 10 o'clock. The Flamborough life-boat remained until it had been confirmed that the rescue had been carried out. She then left and returned to her station, which she reached at 9.30..