SOUTH WEST St. Ives, Cornwall - At 6.25 p.m. on 3rd July, 1967, news was received that a skin diver was missing near the Stones reef. The IRB was launched at 6.30 in a moderate westerly breeze and a choppy sea. The tide was ebbing. The life-boat Edgar, George, Orlando and Eva Child was launched at 6.38. The life-boat and IRB searched an area a quarter of a mile north east of St. Ives Head to the Stones buoy. The skin diver was seen clinging to the Stones buoy and was taken on board the IRB. After transferring him to the fishing boat Prima Donna of Hayle, the IRB returned to her station, arriving at 7.15. The life-boat returned at 7.25 p.m.

At 3.44 p.m. on igth July, 1967, it was learnt that two women were cut off by the tide at Strap rocks on the East side of St.

Ives Bay. The IRB was launched at 3.48 in a gentle south westerly breeze and a slight sea. It was one hour to high water.

The IRB rescued the two women and landed them on Gwithian beach. The IRB returned to her station at 4.25.

Bude, Cornwall - At 9.12 a.m. on I5th July, 1967, it was learnt that two people were cut off by the tide two and a half miles south of the station. The IRB was launched at 9.19 in a light variable breeze and a calm sea. The IRB proceeded to Phillips Point and found two boys on a rock already awash from the swell. Owing to the swell the IRB could not go along- side the rock. A member of the crew therefore swam towards them with a line.

As this was too short, a length of the anchor rope was bent to the hand line and the first boy was hauled aboard the IRB.

The second boy who could swim a little was also rescued and the IRB returned to her station at 9.45. The two boys, who were Dutch, were given hot drinks at the boathouse and the honorary secretary drove them to Stratton where they were staying. The boys' father made a dona- tion to the Institution's funds.

The Mumbles, Glamorganshire - At 8.20 p.m. on 23rd July, 1967, a message was received that two boys were marooned on rocks in Caswell bay. The IRB was launched at 8.35 in a fresh south westerly breeze and a moderate sea. It was one hour before high water. The boys were taken on board the IRB and landed on the beach. She returned to her station at 9 o'clock.

Aberdovey, Merionethshire - At 1.30 p.m. on I5th July, 1967, information was given that swimmers were in diffi- culties off Ynyslas. The IRB was launched at 1.35 in a gentle west south westerly breeze and a calm sea. The tide was ebbing. Other craft were already atthe scene. Two bodies had been recovered and taken ashore. The IRB found another boy, who was taken on board.

Resuscitation was applied on the way back to the shore, where he was handed over to the medical authorities. The IRB returned to her station at 3 o'clock.

Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire - At 11.20 a.m. on 29th July, 1967, after returning ashore from a previous service, the IRB crew were told that a yacht had capsized half a mile off shore two miles north of Aberystwyth. The IRB pro- ceeded in a fresh south easterly breeze and a rough sea. The tide was flooding.

The yacht with a crew of two was found one mile off shore, four miles north of Aberystwyth, and was taken in tow. A shore boat took over the tow in order that the IRB could return to her station in case of further calls. The IRB returned to her station at 12.40 p.m.

Porthcawl and Atlantic College, Glamorganshire - At 3.30 p.m. on 30th July, 1967, the coastguard informed the Porthcawl and Atlantic College honorary secretaries that a dinghy had overturned at the mouth of the river Ogmore. The Porthcawl IRB which was already afloat proceeded immediately and was quickly followed by the Atlantic IRB, which was launched at 3.38. There was a gentle south westerly breeze and a slight sea. It was three hours after high water.

The dinghy had contained two adults and three children aged two, three and 10 years. The Porthcawl IRB picked up the two adults and landed them safely on shore. The two year old child was brought ashore by a member of the public. The Porthcawl IRB then went to the three year old child who was stranded on a small island, but when leaving the island her propeller fouled the bottom and the IRB was temporarily put out of action.

The child was transferred to the Atlantic College IRB which had now arrived on the scene. The four survivors were then conveyed to hospital where the two year old child later died. Both IRBs then carried out an intensive search for the 10 year old girl, aided by an R.A.F. heli- copter, but without success. When the 284 search was called off the IRBs returned to their respective stations, the Atlantic College IRB arriving at 5.45 and the Porthcawl IRB at 6.40.

Moelfre, Anglesey - At 9.23 p.m. on 25th July, 1967, it was learnt that two people who had rowed to Dulas Island in a rubber dinghy were unable to return due to the freshening wind. They were only wearing bathing costumes and could not remain overnight on the island. The IRB was launched at 9.28 in a strong southerly breeze and a rough sea. It was low water.

The IRB proceeded to Dulas Island, embarked the two swimmers and returned to her station at 10.9.

Rhyl, Flintshire - At 2.55 p.m. on 23rd July, 1967, news was received that a canoe had capsized off the Ffrith, Prestatyn, throwing the two occupants into the water. The IRB was launched at 3.10 in a strong offshore wind. The two men were exhausted and suffering from exposure. The IRB took them to Rhyl beach where they were transferred to a waiting ambulance. She returned to her station at 3.20.

Beaumaris, Anglesey - At 3.40 p.m.

on 28th July, 1967, the warden of the outdoor activities centre informed the honorary secretary that a dinghy with two of his pupils on board had capsized and they were exhausted following their efforts to right her. The centre's outboard motor boat went to help but was unable to tow the waterlogged dinghy back to the shore. The IRB was launched at 3.45 in a fresh south westerly breeze and a mod- erate sea. The tide was flooding The two boats were assisted to the shore. Shortly after the IRB had returned to her station a youth bathing from a rubber dinghy found that it was being blown away in the fresh breeze. The IRB was again launched and took the bather back to his dinghy.

The IRB returned to her station at 4.15.

At 6.15 p.m. on 29th July, 1967, a message was received that a converted ship's life-boat had grounded on the sandbank opposite the life-boat station.

The IRB was launched at 6.30 in a fresh south westerly breeze and a rough sea.

The tide was flooding. She found the vessel Iris with a broken rudder and leaking badly. The crew of two were taken on board the IRB and the boat returned to her station at 7.15.

Barrow, Lancashire - At 2.20 p.m.

on 26th July, 1967, it was learnt that three boys were cut off by the tide in Walney channel near North Scale. The IRB was launched at 2.30 in a moderate south westerly wind and a choppy sea. It was one hour before high water. The boys were found in the middle of the channel with the water up to their knees and still rising. They were taken aboard the IRB which took them ashore and waited until a police car picked them up. The IRB then returned to her station, arriving at 3.20.

Barmouth, Merionethshire-At 1.20 p.m. on 13th July, 1967, it was learnt that an ex-R.A.F. rubber dinghy was drifting out to sea and was in difficulties. The IRB was launched at 1.30 in a strong east south easterly breeze and a choppy sea. The tide was ebbing. When the IRB reached the rubber dinghy they found four people in an exhausted condition. They were taken on board the IRB and landed at Dyffayn Beach. The IRB returned to her station at 3.30.

Fleetwood, Lancashire - At 3.53 p.m. on 3ist July, 1967, information was received that two boys were marooned on a sandbank on North Wharf. The IRB proceeded at 4.3 in a light northerly breeze and a calm sea. The tide was flooding. The boys were rescued and the IRB returned at 4.22.

IRELAND Tramore, Co. Waterford - At 5.10 p.m. on gth July, 1967, the crew of the IRB were standing by when two people were seen trapped under the cliff by the incoming tide. The IRB was launched at 5.15 in a moderate to fresh south westerly wind and a rough sea with a heavy swell.

It was two hours before high water. On arrival at the scene the crew saw that the swell over the rocks made it dangerous to go in under power and so the engine was stopped and raised. The three crewmen went overboard and lifted the boat over the rocks. The trapped couple were em- barked, and when the helmsman was aboard the two other crewmen waded out waist deep in the water until the boat was safely over the rocks. They were then taken aboard and the IRB returned to her station at 5.40.

Howth, Dublin - At 1.25 p.m. on 7th July, 1967, information was given that a small boat was in difficulties one mile north west of the harbour. The IRB was launched at 1.32 in a fresh southerly breeze and a choppy sea. The tide was ebbing. On reaching the position given the IRB found a speed boat with engine trouble. The crew of two had been skin- diving and when the speed boat's engine failed they tried to tow the boat them- selves. The IRB took the speed boat in tow to the harbour which was reached at 1.45. The skindivers, who were exhausted, were given first aid treatment by the IRB crew and they were later taken by am- bulance to hospital. The IRB returned to her station at 2.30.

SCOTLAND Stonehaven, Kincardineshire - At 12.35 p.m. on 2ist July, 1967, it was reported that a man had collapsed at the foot of the cliff four and a half miles north of the station. The doctor in attendance advised that the man should not be hauled up the cliff face. The IRB embarked the man with the assistance of a policeman who came with them to Skaterow har- bour, Newtonhill, where the man was transferred to a waiting ambulance. The IRB returned to her station at 1.40.

South Queensferry, West Lothian - While the IRB was on exercise on 26th July, 1967, a sailing dinghy capsized off Limekilns. There was a fresh south westerly breeze and a moderate sea. The tide was ebbing. The IRB proceeded to the dinghy Hirondelle, rescued her crew of two and then, after righting the dinghy, towed her ashore, The IRB returned to her station a 9 o'clock,Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire - At 6.40 p.m. on 7th July, 1967, it was learnt that a yacht with two people on board required assistance. The IRB was launched at 6.44 p.m. in a strong breeze and a rough sea. The tide was ebbing. The yacht was found with her sails down and in a water-logged condition. One of her crew appeared to be dazed while the other had lost consciousness. They were taken on board and landed at the nearest point on shore. An ambulance took them to hospital where one died the next day.

The IRB returned to her station at 7.55.

Droughty Ferry, Angus - At 5.29 p.m. on 26th July, 1967, a message was received that a canoe had overturned about 150 yards south of Pilot pier. The IRB was launched immediately in a moderate south south westerly wind and a corresponding sea. It was one and a half hours before high water. She found the canoe in the position indicated and took both the canoe and its occupant aboard.

The IRB then returned to the beach where they were landed. She arrived back on station at 5.40.

Kinghorn, Fife - At 5.40 p.m. on 9th July, 1967, a report was received that a catamaran with a crew of two had cap- sized off the Island of Inchkeith. The IRB was launched at 5.50 in a fresh west- erly breeze and a moderate sea. It was high water. The pilot cutter from Leith also proceeded to their assistance. The IRB and pilot cutter were able to right the catamaran, but the centre board and paddle were lost. The IRB therefore took the damaged boat and her crew to Kinghorn and returned to her station at 7.10.

NORTH EAST Cullercoats, Northumberland - At 3.57 p.m. on 26th July, 1967, it was learnt that a rowing boat was in difficulties about three quarters of a mile east of Tynemouth Plaza. The IRB was launched at 3.59 in a strong south westerly breeze and a choppy sea. It was half tide. The IRB took the rowing boat with two people on board in 286 tow and returned to her station at 4.20.

The rescued rowers made a donation to the crew.

At 3.30 p.m. on i8th July, 1967, information was given that a rowing boat with four youths on board had capsized just outside the north pier of Cullercoats harbour. The IRB was launched at 3.31 in a light southerly breeze and a heavy swell. It was two and a half hours after high water. With the assistance of the lifeguard the youths were taken aboard the IRB and returned to the shore. First aid was rendered to one of the youths, and they were all taken to hospital by ambulance. The IRB returned to her station at 3.50.

Bridlington, Yorkshire - At 2.12 p.m. on 2§th July, 1967, news was re- ceived that a small outboard motor launch was in difficulties and was drifting out to sea. There was also a rowing boat along- side. The IRB was launched at 2.21 in a moderate west south westerly breeze and a choppy sea. The tide was ebbing. The IRB took the launch, which had engine trouble, in tow to the Corporation slip- way. There were four people on board.

The IRB returned to the rowing boat at their request and towed the boat to the harbour entrance. The crew of the rowing boat were very tired and their hands were badly blistered. The IRB returned to her station at 3.30.

The IRB was launched on I5th July, 1967, and took out a doctor to the wireless transmitting station "Radio 270". The life-boat Tillie Morrison Sheffield II was also launched and a full account of the service appears on page 282.

Sunderland, Co. Durham - At 5.30 p.m. on 9th July, 1967, it was learnt that a bather was in difficulties. The IRB was launched in a light breeze and a slight swell. The tide was flooding. The IRB took the bather on board and landed him at Seaburn. The IRB returned to her station at 6 o'clock.

Filey, Yorkshire - At 2.9 p.m. on 26th July, 1967, it was learnt that a child was drifting rapidly out to sea on an air bed. The IRB was launched at 2.16 in a light westerly breeze and a slight swell.

It was low water. The IRB rescued the child and returned to her station at 2.45.

SOUTH EAST Great Yarmouth & Gorleston, Nor- folk - At 11.35 p.m. on 3ist July, 1967, it was learnt that there had been an accident at Berney Arms Inn on the river Yare and a woman was bleeding badly.

The ambulance could not reach the inn as the only access is by water. The IRB was launched at 11.55 with two ambul- lance men on board. There was a gentle south south westerly breeze and the tide was flooding. The woman was embarked and the IRB brought her to hospital. The IRB returned to her station at 1.2 a.m. on ist August.

Harwich, Essex - At 5.28 p.m. on 22nd July, 1967, a message was received that a boat had capsized off Felixstowe.

The IRB was launched at 5.31 in a moderate sea. The tide was ebbing. The IRB proceeded and searched the area but found no trace of the casualty. On ex- tending the search the IRB came up with the submerged sailing dinghy Emma Peel with her crew of two clinging to her. The dinghy had struck an unknown object and had been holed. The two men were em- barked. After landing the men at Cob- bold Point the IRB contacted a Felixstowe yacht club rescue boat and told her crew of the submerged dinghy's position. The IRB returned to her station at 6.30. It transpired that the casualty originally reported was a canoe which had been brought ashore before the IRB's arrival.

No one was reported missing.

Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire - At 5.15 p.m. on 26th July, 1967, a visitor informed the honorary secretary that an air bed was drifting out to sea with a child on it. The IRB was launched at 5.17 in a light south westerly breeze and a calm sea. It was one hour after low water. The air bed was found about 400 yards off shore and the child was rescued.

The IRB then returned to the shore, arriving back at her station at 5.40.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex - At 4.10 p.m. on 29th July, 1967, it was learnt that a yacht had capsized off Barge pier. The IRB was launched at 4.13 p.m. in a fresh south westerly breeze and a moderate sea.

The tide was flooding. The IRB rescued the yacht's crew of two who were in the water. The dinghy was righted and han- ded over to the yacht club's rescue boat.

The IRB returned to her station at 4.40.

Southwold, Suffolk - At 3.55 p.m. on 3rd July, 1967, information was received that a small rubber dinghy with two girls on board was drifting out to sea off Benacre Ness. The IRB was launched at 4.3 in a moderate west south westerly breeze and a smooth sea. The tide was ebbing. The IRB proceeded to the position five miles north of Southwold and was directed to the dinghy by a heli- copter which had also been called. The IRB picked the two girls up and landed them on the beach. The IRB returned to her station at 4.50.

SOUTHERN Eastbourne, Sussex - At about 4 p.m.

on 14th July, 1967, a message was received that a sailing dinghy with a crew of two had capsized one mile south of the life- boat slipway. Although a fishing boat was nearby she was unable to cope. The IRB was launched in a strong westerly breeze and a moderate swell. It was high water.

The IRB took the dinghy's crew on board and then towed the dinghy to the sailing club where the rescued people were landed. She returned to her station at 5 o'clock.

Plymouth, Devon - At 11.50 a.m. on 16th July, 1967, it was learnt that three swimmers were in difficulties at the Mallard buoy. The IRB was launched at 11.53. It was one hour before high water.

The swimmers - two girls and a boy - were taken aboard the IRB and landed at Tinside beach. The IRB returned to her station at 12.10 p.m.

Eastney, Hampshire - At 3.53 p.m.

on gth July, 1967, it was reported that a sailing dinghy with a crew of two hadcapsized. The IRB was launched at 3.55 in a fresh south westerly breeze and a heavy ebb swell. It was three hours after high water. The dinghy had just capsized for a second time when the IRB reached the scene. She took the dinghy's crew on board and beached her safely at Gunner Point, Hayling Island, returning to her station at 4.20.

Plymouth, Devon - At 11.45 a-m- on 29th July, 1967, a member of the IRB crew observed that a small boy had fallen from the pier and was being swept out to sea. The IRB was launched immediately in a moderate sea. It was one and a half hours after high water. The boy was taken ashore by the IRB and artificial res- piration was applied at the station before the arrival of an ambulance. The IRB returned to her station at noon.

Lyme Regis, Dorset - At 1.48 p.m.

on 8th July, 1967, it was learnt that a swimmer was in difficulties a mile and a half east of Charmouth, off the Golden Cap. The IRB was launched at 1.50 in a strong west north westerly breeze and a moderate sea. It was low water. A 13 year old boy was found lying face downwards in a distressed condition in a semi- waterlogged canoe. The canoe had cap- sized and had been righted by the boy who had become exhausted by the effort.

He was given first aid. The IRB returned to her station at 2.5.

Whitstable, Kent - At 3.5 p.m. on 27th July, 1967, a message was received that a sailing dinghy with two girls on board was in difficulties off Tankerton Bay. The IRB was launched at 3.8 in a moderate to fresh south westerly wind and a corresponding sea. It was one hour before high water. The sailing dinghy was found with her sails and part of her gear carried overboard. She was being swept out to sea by the offshore wind.

The two girls were taken aboard the IRB and, with the dinghy in tow, she returned to the shore. After beaching the sailing dinghy the IRB returned to her station, arriving at 4 o'clock.

Brighton, Sussex - At 4 p.m. on 2nd July, 1967, information was received that 288 a small boat was in difficulties about two miles west of the station. The IRB was launched at 4.3 in a fresh south westerly breeze a slight sea. The tide was flooding.

The boat was sighted three quarters of a mile offshore drifting east. When the IRB came up with the casualty, a sailing dinghy, it was found that her steering had been broken and the boat was being swamped. The crew of two were taken on board the IRB and the boat was taken in tow. Owing to her water-logged condition, however, she soon capsized and two members of the IRB crew dived over- board to right her. The tow then pro- ceeded slowly downwind to the shore near Norfolk Square groyne. The IRB returned to her station at 5.3.

Littlehampton, Sussex-At 3.30 p.m.

on 9th July, 1967, a member of the IRB crew was informed that four skin divers were missing near the Winter Knoll buoy.

The IRB was launched at 3.32 in a moderate south westerly breeze and a considerable swell. The tide was ebbing.

The fishing vessel Teresa fired a smoke flare to attract the IRB. The Teresa had two skin divers on board and reported that two were still missing and that the motor boat Jack of Diamonds, from which they had been working, was also missing.

The IRB continued searching and soon found the two missing divers who were embarked. After landing them the IRB returned to the fishing vessel Teresa to take off the two other divers. Thzjack of Diamonds was found at Plymping where she had put in to refuel. A helicopter also took part in the search. The IRB returned to her station at 5 o'clock.

SOUTH WEST Borth, Cardiganshire - At 1.15 p.m.

on 13th July, 1967, the honorary secretary, while on a routine visit to the boathouse, saw a pram dinghy in difficulties one and a half miles offshore. The sails had been lowered and the crew were trying to row ashore but they were making little head- way. The IRB was launched at 1.16 in a fresh easterly breeze and a choppy sea.

The tide was ebbing. The IRB took the dinghy, with two people on board, in tow and after beaching the dinghy returned to her station at 1.30.

Mumbles, Glamorganshire - At 11.5 a.m. on nth July, 1967, it was learnt that a swimmer was in difficulties in the vicinity of Bracelet bay. The IRB was launched at 11.9 in a light south south westerly breeze and a calm sea. The tide was ebbing. The IRB took the swimmer on board and brought him ashore. The IRB returned to her station at 11.30.

See page 311 for other IRB launches.