FOR a service which led to the rescue of six people from the motor fishing vessel Castle Dawn, Mr. Samuel McCullough, skipper of the motor fishing vessel Be Ready, and Mr. Ernest McKee, skipper of the motor fishing vessel Ambitious, have both received framed letters of thanks signed by Admiral Sir Wilfrid Woods, G.B.E., K.C.B., D.s.o., Chairman of the Institution.

At about 1.15 a.m. on 17th October, 1967, the Be Ready, which was some six miles west of St. Bee's Head, received a radio message from the Castle Dawn, a 70-foot motor fishing vessel. The Castle Dawn stated that she was in difficulty and was shipping water. Her position was 9$ miles west of St. Bee's Head. The Be Ready immediately made for the position given.Mr. R. Donnan, a fish dealer of Whitehaven, and part owner of the Castle Dawn had also intercepted the message. He went to the harbour and informed Skipper Ernest McKee of the motor fishing vessel Ambitious, who also made for the casualty.

There was an east north easterly gale of force 7 to 8 with a rough sea. The tide was half ebb. The Be Ready reached the Castle Dawn about 1.45. She passed a tow-line and began to tow the other vessel towards Whitehaven against the wind and the sea.

Towing continued for some four miles, when the Ambitious approached and began to escort both vessels. Constant efforts were made to pump out the Castle Dawn, but the water continued to gain on the pumps and steering became difficult.

ON POINT OF SINKING After continuing under tow for a further two miles Skipper Howard Forsythe decided to abandon the Castle Dawn. By this time his vessel was on the point of sinking and her steering gear was out of action. He asked for his vessel to be put before the wind to make it easier for her crew to be taken off.

Skipper McCullough complied with this request and then took up a position to windward to afford a lee while the crew were taken off.

The Ambitious then went alongside on the lee of the sinking vessel. She rescued two men at the first attempt before the sea threw the two vessels together.

The port bulwarks of the Ambitious were damaged, but she made a second attempt and this time the remaining four men were taken off.

The Castle Dawn foundered at about 4.15, and the other two vessels returned to Whitehaven in company, the six survivors being landed at 9 o'clock..