THE LIFE-BOAT FLEET 144 station life-boats 102 inshore rescue boats 1 70-foot steel life-boat on operational trials 1 44-foot steel life-boat on evaluation trials at Barry Dock LIVES RESCUED 89,437 from the Institution's foundation in 1824 to 31st May, 1968 MARCH No. 1 Life-boat Area Thurso, Caithness-shire - At 10.30 a.m. on 12th March, 1968, a message was received that a member of the crew of the s.s. Explorer of Leith had suffered a heart attack. The life-boat Pentland (Civil Service No. 31) was launched at 11.30. It was high water and the weather was fine. The steamer was reached at 11.45 and the sick man was embarked. He was landed at 12.30 p.m. and the life-boat was rehoused at 1.15.

Aberdeen - At 11.39 p.m. on 2nd March, 1968, the coastguard in- formed the honorary secretary that an outboard dinghy with four people on board which had left Stonehaven at 7.30 was overdue. At 12.20 a.m.

as none of the dinghy's crew had returned home the assistance of the life-boat was requested. The life-boat Southern Africa, on temporary duty at the station, slipped her moorings at 1.7 a.m. in a light westerly breeze and a smooth sea. It was three hours before high water. A search was made of the coast between Aberdeen and Stonehaven and the life-boat found the dinghy, which had engine trouble, at 2.50. The crew were taken aboard the life-boat and the dinghy was taken in tow to Aberdeen. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.30.

No. 3 Life-boat Area BIyth, Northumberland - At 11.45 a.m. on 24th March, 1968, the 438 coastguard told the honorary secre- tary that a coble had fired distress flares in Cambois bay about one mile north of the harbour mouth.

The life-boat Winston Churchill (Civil Service No. 8) was launched at 12.12 p.m. in a south by south westerly wind of gale force, a moder- ate sea and an ebbing tide. The life- boat found the local fishing coble Border Queen with a crew of two one mile north of the lighthouse. Her propeller shaft was defective and she was taken in tow to Blyth. The life- boat returned to her station at one o'clock.

Sunderland, Co. Durham - At 11.56 a.m. on 10th March, 1968, it was learnt that the coble Wear Star was in difficulties south east of the South Outlet. The life-boat William Myers and Sarah Jane Myers was launched at 12.15 in a strong northerly breeze and a moderate sea. The tide was flooding. The life-boat came up with the coble one mile south east of the South Outlet and took her in tow.

The Wear Star which carried a crew of five was brought to Sunderland, and the life-boat returned to her station at 1.45 p.m.

No. 4 Life-boat Area Cromer, Norfolk - At 5.27 p.m. on 2nd March, 1968, the coxswain and motor mechanic saw distress flares from a small vessel two miles north west of the life-boathouse. The life- boat Ruby and Arthur Reed was launched at 5.35 in a light north easterly breeze and a slight sea. It was two hours after low water. On reaching the casualty, the pinnacePinnace, it was found that she was bumping on the rocks and driving shorewards before a light north easterly breeze. A line was passed and she was towed to deeper water.

There it was found that one of her crew of two had an injured finger.

He was taken aboard the life-boat while three of the life-boat's crew went aboard the pinnace to help anchor her. The injured man was taken to Cromer for hospital treat- ment. The life-boat then returned, and having put a further man aboard the pinnace, she took her in tow to Blakeney. On arrival at Blakeney it was found that a local boat was to small to take the tow. However, she acted as pilot boat to the life-boat and the pinnace was towed safely to The Pit. Owing to poor visibility and a freshening wind the coxswain decided to leave the life-boat at Blakeney overnight, returning her to her station at 10.58 on 3rd March.

At 10.3 p.m. on 30th March, 1968, the coastguard reported that the s.s. Alice Bowater had a sick man aboard suffering from acute abdo- minal pain. The vessel was then about 120 miles east of Spurn head.

Arrangements were made to meet the vessel at the Haisbro' lightvessel at 3.30 a.m. on the 31st March. The life-boat Ruby and Arthur Reed was launched with a doctor on board at 2.26 a.m. in a moderate westerly breeze and a slight sea. It was three hours before high water. The life- boat came up with the Alice Bowater at 3.25 and the doctor went aboard to examine the sick man. The patient and and doctor were then transferred to the life-boat, which took them to Cromer and returned to her station at 4.45. Later an operation was performed and the man had his appendix removed.

Skegness, Lincolnshire - At 4.5 p.m.

on 14th March, 1968, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a small boat was in difficulties about 440 one mile off Skegness pier. The life- boat Charles Fred Grantham was launched at 4.21 in a light westerly breeze and a slight sea. The tide was flooding. The life-boat found the speedboat Seaspray with a crew of two at 4.40. The crew were taken on board the life-boat and the speedboat taken in tow. The life-boat returned to her station at 5.5. The men rescued made a donation to the Institution's funds.

No. 7 Life-boat Area Swanage, Dorset - At 10.20 p.m.

on 10th March, 1968, the coxswain learnt that two people were missing in the Studland to Swanage area. The life-boat R.L.P. was launched at 10.30 in a gentle west by north breeze with a smooth sea. The tide was ebbing. Using her searchlight the life-boat searched for nearly an hour from Ballard head to Old Harry rocks. Three policeman at the top of the cliffs at Old Harry shouted to the life-boat crew that the missing pair had last been seen scrambling up the cliffs 400 yards on the Swanage side of Ballard head. The life-boat immedi- ately proceeded to the scene and after a careful search something was seen to move at the base of the cliff. Three members of the life-boat crew quali- fied in first aid launched the inflatable dinghy carried on board the life-boat and went ashore to investigate. They found a man and a woman very badly injured. With the aid of a policeman who had climbed down the cliff face the injured people were transferred to the life-boat by means of the dinghy. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 2.40 a.m. on llth March. A doctor and ambulance were waLiiT1 to meet her.

No. 8 Life-boat Area Llandudno, Caernarvonshire - At 4.30 p.m. on 20th March, 1968, the coastguard reported that a fishing boat was firing flares off Great Orme's head. The life-boat Lilly Wainwright was launched at 4.45 in a south westerly gale with a moderate sea. It was low water. The life-boat came up with a small motor launch and a punt. The crew of two reported that their fishing boat, which had the launch in tow, had struck an unknown object and sunk. The two men were embarked, and with the launch and punt in tow the life-boat returned to her station which was reached at 5.45.

IRB LAUNCHES Rescues by IRBs in March were carried out by the following stations: No. 4 Life-boat Area Southend-on-Sea, Essex - On 16th March, 1968, the IRB rescued the crew of two of a cabin cruiser for which special awards were granted.

A full account of this service appears on page 437.

No. 5 Life-boat Area Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent - At 12.20 p.m. on 31st March, 1968, a member of the IRB crew saw the two- man crew of a power boat waving their paddles to attract help. The IRB was launched at 12.26. It was high water. The IRB reached the power boat just before she struck the sea wall, and took her in tow to the slipway. As the IRB returned to the slipway a member of the public drew her crew's attention to a dinghy which was being carried by the tide on to the seawall. The IRB proceeded to the dinghy and took her in tow.

She returned to her station at 1.30.

The dinghy's crew member made a contribution to the Institution's funds.Eastney, Hampshire - At 2.40 p.m.

on 16th March, 1968, the coastguard stated that a dinghy had capsized north of the entrance to the Velder creek, Langstone harbour. The IRB was launched at 2.50 in a gale force west south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was one and a quarter hours after high water. The IRB rescued the dinghy's crew of two, and with the dinghy in tow, returned to the Eastney ferry pontoon, which was reached at 3.48.

No. 8 Life-boat Area Conway, Caernarvonshire - At 2.30 p.m. on 31st March, 1968, the police informed the honorary secretary that a sailing dinghy had capsized in the Conway estuary off Deganwy and the crew of two had been thrown into the water. The IRB was launched at 2.39 in a fresh south westerly breeze.

The tide was ebbing. On reaching the casualty they found a 14-year-old boy being carried downstream by the ebb tide. His father was clinging to the dinghy. The IRB rescued them and returned to the station at 3.15.

The rescued pair made a donation to the Institution's funds.

See page 458 for other IRB services APRIL No. 1 Life-boat Area Longhope, Orkneys - On 1st April, 1968, the life-boat T.G.B. proceeded to the assistance of the motor trawler Ross Puma of Grimsby and rescued her crew of 15. A full account of this service will appear in the December issue of THE LIFEBOAT.

No. 4 Life-boat Area Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- folk - At 1.29 a.m. on 14th April, 1968, the honorary secretary learnt that there was a sick man on board the Cross Sands lightvessel. The life- boat Khami with a doctor on board slipped her moorings at 2 o'clock.

There was a fresh north easterly wind with a moderate sea. The tide was 442 flooding. The sick man, who had had a stroke, was transferred to the life- boat, which brought him ashore at 4 o'clock. An ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital. The oxygen equipment carried on board the life- boat was used on this occasion and the man's life was saved by the services of the life-boat.

No. 5 Life-boat Area Hastings, Sussex - At 8.55 p.m. on 17th April, 1968, the motor mechanic told the honorary secretary that a red flare had been seen about five miles south east of the life-boat station.

The life-boat Fairlight was launched at 9.10 in a light south easterly breeze and a smooth sea. It was low water. The life-boat came up with the motor fishing vessel Moonshine with two men aboard at 9.36. Her engine had broken down. The life-boat took the vessel in tow to Hastings and returned to her station at 10.10.

Margate, Kent - At 10.14 p.m. on 15th April, 1968, it was reported that a cabin cruiser was aground on the rocks three-quarters of a mile from Fore- ness point. The life-boat North Foreland (Civil Service No. 11) was launched at 10.30 in a strong variable wind with a moderate sea. The tide was ebbing. The life-boat found the cabin cruiser Colette half sunk on the rocks. Her crew of two were sitting on top of the wheelhouse. The Margate pilot boat tried to float a life-raft to them. The life-boat fired a line across the boat to the two men but they were unable to seize it. The coxswain therefore took the life-boat 70 yards to the east and veered down on to the Colette. After about 10 minutes the life-boat crew were able to pull the two men aboard over the stern of the life-boat. The life-boat returned to her station at 11.50.

Owing to weather conditions the life-boat could not be rehoused. A further call was then received for the life-boat to search the Joss Bay area boat left at 12.15 a.m. on 16th April and returned at 4.30 without finding any vessel in distress. The two men on board the cabin cruiser Colette made a donation to the Institution's funds.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex - At 3.58 p.m. on 1st April, 1968, news was received that a fishing vessel was making distress signals half a mile east of the east breakwater. The life- boat Dorothy and Philip Constant was launched at 4.3 in a fresh south westerly wind gusting to gale force with a moderate sea. The tide was ebbing.

The life-boat came up with the fishing vessel NN157 and found that her nets had fouled the propeller.

The vessel, with a crew of two on board, was taken in tow and the life- boat returned to her station at 4.40.

Ramsgate, Kent - At 5.13 p.m. on 1st April, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that a yacht [R. J. Board was trying to enter the harbour.

While the information was being passed a red flare was fired by the yacht. The life-boat Michael and Lily Davis slipped her moorings at 5.22 in a squally west south westerly breeze and a choppy sea. It was four hours after high water. The life-boat came up with the yacht Jack Alma with three people aboard at 5.50.

Her engine had broken down, her main shrouds had been carried away and her anchor was fouled. The life- boat took her in tow to Ramsgate and returned to her station at 6.30.

No. 6 Life-boat Area Sennen Cove and St. Ives, Cornwall -At noon on 12th April, 1968, the coast- guard informed the honorary secre- tary of the Sennen Cove life-boat station that the owner of the exhibi- tion galleon Hispaniola had expressed concern for the safety of the vessel which was at anchor five miles west of Cape Cornwall. In view of increas- ing wind and flood tide the life-boatSusan Ashley was launched at 2.30 p.m. in a strong east south easterly breeze and a rough sea. It was three hours after low water. The life-boat came up with the Hispaniola at 4.20.

Her engine had broken down and she was drifting about 15 miles off Cape Cornwall. The Hispaniola was taken in tow by the life-boat. The strong headwinds and adverse tide coupled with the high superstructure of the galleon rendered the tow difficult.

The life-boat with her tow reached St. Ives Bay at 12.15 a.m. on 13th April. They dropped anchor in the bay as there was insufficient water to berth in St. Ives harbour. At 4.45 the life-boat, with the assistance of the St. Ives IRB which had been launched at 12.15, succeeded in manoeuvring the galleon to a safe berth. This operation was carried out with great difficulty and involved the closest co-operation between the life-boat and the IRB. At 6.30 the life-boat left St. Ives and the IRB returned to her station an hour later. At 8 a.m., while on the return passage, a request was received to take off a keeper from the Wolf Rock lighthouse who was seriously ill and required hospital treatment. The Sennen Cove life-boat reached the lighthouse at 9.10, but a rough sea made it impossible to take off the sick man. The services of a helicopter were requested and the life-boat stood by until the helicopter lifted the sick man from the lantern platform. The life-boat returned to her station at 4 p.m. The owner of the Hispaniola made a donation to the Institution's funds.

Plymouth, Devon - At 4.30 p.m. on 17th April, 1968, it was learnt that a sailing dinghy had capsized close to the Longroom signal station. The life-boat Thomas Forehead and Mary Rowse slipped her moorings at 4.37 in a gusty east south easterly breeze and a rough sea. It was one hour after low water. The life-boat came up with the sailing dinghy Sea Pink shortly 444 after launching. She had been swept on to the rocks and her skipper had scrambled ashore but was in danger of being swept out to sea. The life- boat put her bow in close to the shore and a line was thrown to the man who was then taken aboard the life- boat. The dinghy was taken in tow to Turnchapel and the life-boat re- turned to her station at 6.9.

Torbay, Devon - At 2.42 p.m. on 13th April, 1968, news was received that a small boat appeared to be in difficulties off Beesands. The life- boat Princess Alexandra of Kent slipped her moorings at 2.50 in a strong easterly breeze and a rough sea. The life-boat came up with the cabin cruiser Victoria with a crew of two and ten skin-divers on board.

She was wallowing badly and those aboard were bailing out. Owing to the difficult conditions the coxswain decided to tow her to Dartmouth which was reached at 6.15. The life- boat returned to her station at 7.20.

Appledore, Devon - At 7.16 p.m. on 12th April, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that two boys were stranded on the rocks on the south side of Baggy point. The life- boat Louisa Anne Hawker with the boarding boat in tow slipped her moorings at 7.24. It was shortly after high water. At 8.20 the life-boat reached the scene and the boys were taken by the boarding boat to the life-boat which landed them at Croyde. The life-boat returned to her station at 9.25.

No. 7 Life-boat Area Tenby, Pembrokeshire - At 4.20 p.m.

on 12th April, 1968, a report was received that a small boat was firing flares 500 yards from Stackpool quay. The life-boat Henry Comber Brown was launched at 4.28 in a moderate easterly breeze and a choppy sea. It was one and a half hours before high water. The life- boat came up with the motor boat Shark Tempest at 5.50. A rope had fouled her propeller. One member of her crew had gone ashore in a rubber dinghy to climb the cliffs to summon help while the other crew member remained on board. The man on shore became stranded on the cliffs and was taken oif by a punt which had been taken out by the life-boat.

The Shark Tempest was then taken in tow to Tenby and the life-boat returned to her station at ten o'clock.

No. 10 Life-boat Area Courtmacsherry Harbour, Co. Cork - At 6.40 p.m. on 15th April, 1968, the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Haulbowline informed the honor- ary secretary that the trawler Rose Crest was in difficulties with engine trouble south of Courtmacsherry.

The life-boat Sir Arthur Rose slipped her moorings at 7 o'clock in a south easterly gale with a rough sea. The tide was flooding. The exact position of the Rose Crest was not known and the life-boat started to search.

At 7.40 the trawler was contacted by radio telephone and the life-boat found her at Blind strand under Barry's point. The Rose Crest, with a crew of four, was taken in tow to Courtmacsherry and the life-boat returned to her station at 8.30. At 1 p.m. on 16th April the honorary secretary was told that the Rose Crest was once again in difficulties.

Her position was two miles east of the Old Head of Kinsale. The life- boat Sir Arthur Rose slipped her moorings at 1.30 in a strong south easterly wind with a rough sea. It was low water. The life-boat found the Rose Crest and took her in tow.

After about 10 minutes the line parted, so the life-boat passed her own tow line. After towing the trawler to Kinsale the life-boat returned to her station, which was reached at 7.15.

Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin - At 8.30 p.m. on 20th April, 1968, the Dun Laoghaire lighthouse keeper told the honorary secretary that a man who had set out for Holyhead in an aluminium tub was in difficul- ties one cable east of the east pier lighthouse. The life-boat John F.

Kennedy slipped her moorings at 8.37 in a fresh southerly breeze and a moderate sea. The tide was ebbing.

Just before the arrival of the life- boat the tub sank and a lighthouse keeper swam several hundred yards to the man's assistance. However, he found the strong currents were sweeping the man further away and he turned back on seeing the life-boat approaching. The life-boat rescued the man and returned him to the harbour where an ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital. The life-boat returned to her moorings at 8.50.

Fenit, Co. Kerry - At 1.55 p.m. on 25th April, 1968, Valentia radio informed the honorary secretary that a fishing boat with two men on board was in difficulties with engine trouble at the mouth of the river Shannon.

The life-boat Hilton Briggs slipped her moorings at 2.35 in a strong south easterly wind with a rough sea.

The tide was flooding. The life-boat came up with the vessel and the second coxswain went on board to handle the tow as the skipper had burnt his hand while firing a flare.

With the fishing boat in tow the life- boat returned to her station at 8.30.

See page 458 for other life-boat services IRB LAUNCHES Rescues by IRBs in April were carried out by the following stations: No. 2 Life-boat Area Kinghorn, Fife - At 11.30 a.m. on 23rd April, 1968, a sailing dinghy was seen to capsize about half a mile off shore. The crew of two were unable to right the boat. The IRB crew were informed and the IRB was launched at 11.35 in a fresh westerly breeze and a moderate sea. The tide was ebbing. The IRB came up with 446 the dinghy which was being swept out to sea and the two boys who were clinging to it were taken on board.

The dinghy which had lost its rudder and bailing bucket was also brought ashore. The IRB returned to her station at 12.40.

North Berwick, East Lothian - At 3.29 p.m. on 27th April, 1968, the East Lothian yacht club informed a member of the crew that a sailing dinghy had capsized while racing about three-quarters of a mile off shore. The IRB proceeded at 3.30 in a moderate easterly breeze and a slight swell. It was high water and there was a slight sea fog. She found the sailing dinghy Zest with two boys in the water close by. The boys were taken aboard the IRB which landed them at North Berwick harbour and returned to her station at 3.38. The dinghy was later recovered by the yacht club's rescue boat.

No. 4 Life-boat Area West Mersea, Essex - At 1.20 p.m.

on 14th April, 1968, the honorary secretary saw that a small speedboat had been swamped off Mersea beach and the crew were in the water. The IRB was launched immediately in a moderate to fresh east north easterly breeze and a very rough sea. It was four hours after low water. The IRB came up with the speedboat and found two people clinging to her.

The other two had managed to swim ashore. A man who appeared to be exhausted, and his daughter, were taken aboard the IRB which took them ashore. The IRB returned to her station at 1.50 p.m. The rescued crew made a donation to the Institution's funds.

Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex - At 11.15 a.m. on 14th April, 1968, the coastguard reported that a dinghy had capsized and her crew of three were being carried up river by the tide. The IRB was launched at 11.32in a fresh to strong east north easterly breeze and a choppy sea. The tide was flooding. She found the dinghy and her crew off Black point about two and a half miles up river. The crew, an instructor and two boys, were taken aboard and the dinghy, a scow, was towed to Creelsea. The IRB returned to her station at 12.5p.m.

No. 5 Life-boat Area Eastney, Hampshire - At 2.25 p.m.

on 21st April, 1968, it was learnt that the yacht Pegasus, with four men aboard, was aground on the south east end of East Winner. She was keeling over and was holed on her starboard side. The IRB was launched at 2.26 in a moderate to fresh breeze and a choppy sea. It was low water.

She proceeded towards the casualty and at 2.30 the coastguard requested that the fast rescue/boarding boat 18-02 be sent to back up the IRB.

The boat 18-02 slipped her moorings at 2.31 and proceeded to the yacht.

The IRB went alongside the Pegasus and then reported to the crew of 18-02 that there was no immediate danger, but the yacht was drifting further on to the East Winner. The boat 18-02 anchored, and kedged down on to the yacht. With some difficulty the IRB passed a tow rope from Pegasus to 18-02. At 2.58 the honorary secretary, who was aboard 18-02, despatched the IRB in order that she could cover the harbour as the weather was deteriorating and many boats were still at sea. The IRB therefore returned to her station, arriving at 3.9. The tow was secured and 18-02 entered the harbour at 3.40, when the Pegasus was moored and the four men were landed at Eastney ferry pontoon.

Littlehampton, Sussex - At 11.37 a.m.

on 14th April, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that a dinghy with two men on board had capsized off Rustington, one and three-quarter miles east of Little-hampton. The IRB was launched at 11.38 in a moderate east north easterly breeze and a correspondng sea. It was high water. The dinghy with the two men on board was taken in tow and beached. One of the crew was suffering from shock and exposure and both men were taken to hospital by helicopter. The IRB returned to her station at 12 o'clock.

Whitstable, Kent - At 11.7 a.m. on 10th April, 1968, the coastguard reported that a small yacht had capsized about half a mile to the west of the harbour. The IRB was launched at 11.10 in a fresh south easterly breeze and a moderate sea and swell.

It was high water. The IRB found the dinghy with a man clinging to her.

He was taken aboard the IRB and put ashore. The IRB subsequently towed the capsized boat ashore and returned to her station, arriving at noon.

Hastings, Sussex - At 12.55 p.m. on 4th April, 1968, the coastguard reported that a dinghy had capsized throwing the skipper into the water three and half miles south west of the station. The IRB was launched at 1.12 in a moderate south easterly breeze and a corresponding sea. It was two hours after high water. The IRB rescued the man who was found to be suffering from shock and exposure. The IRB returned to her station at 1.55.

No. 7 Life-boat Area Borth, Cardiganshire - At 10.45 a.m.

on 14th April, 1968, some members of the IRB crew informed the honorary secretary that a speedboat with one man aboard was being swept out to sea after her engine had failed. The IRB was launched at 10.47. It was one hour after high water. She reached the boat which had drifted to within five yards of 448 the rocks, secured a line and towed her ashore. The IRB returned to her station at 11.20.

Mudeford, Hampshire - At 7.5 p.m.

on 2nd April, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that the crew of a small boat were signalling for help off Barton. The IRB was launched at 7.10 in a fresh west north westerly breeze and a smooth sea.

The tide was ebbing. The IRB came up with the boat, took off two men and returned to her station at 8 o'clock.

No. 8 Life-boat Area Flint - At 12.50 p.m. on 13th April, 1968, the police reported that a man and two dogs were marooned on a sandbank in the river Dee at Talacre.

The IRB was taken to Talacre by road under a police escort. She was launched in a moderate easterly wind and a calm sea. There was a high spring tide. She proceeded to the sandbank which was about a quarter of a mile offshore, and took off the man who with his dogs had been stranded for about an hour. The IRB took them ashore and was then taken back to her station by road, arriving at 2.10.

Lytham St. Anne's, Lancashire - At 1.23 p.m. on 15th April, 1968, it was learnt that a sailing dinghy had capsized in the Ribble estuary, opposite Lytham windmill, and the crew member had been in the water for some time. The IRB was launched at 1.26 in a moderate easterly breeze and a rough sea. It was almost high water. She proceeded to the estuary and found a capsized minisail dinghy with a man clinging to her. He was taken aboard the IRB and landed at Lytham. The dinghy was subse- quently salvaged by another boat.

The IRB returned to her station at 1.48.

See page 458 for other IRB services LAUNCHES AND LIVES SAVED BY LIFE-BOATS AND IRBs 1st March to 31st May: Launches 447, lives saved 205 MAY No. 1 Life-boat Area Thurso, Caithness-shire - At 7.20 a.m.

on llth May, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that the motor vessel Tungsha of Toiisberg was making for Thurso bay with a passanger who had suffered a heart attack. She was expected to reach the area at 11 o'clock. The life-boat Pentland (Civil Service No. 31) with a doctor on board was launched at 10.55. It was two hours after high water. At 11.45 the sick man, accompanied by his wife, was trans- ferred to the life-boat and landed at Scrabster. The life-boat returned to her station at 12.15.

No. 4 Life-boat Area Clacton-on-Sea, Essex - At 4.43 a.m.

on 13th May, 1968, the coastguard reported that a flare had been seen near the North Buxey buoy. The life-boat Valentine Wyndham-Quin was launched at 5.15 in a south westerly gale with a moderate sea.

The tide was ebbing. A helicopter was also sent. At 6.39 the heli- copter reported that the cabin cruiser Blue Dolphin was aground half a mile north west of the Sunken Buxey buoy. The helicopter took off four people, leaving the skipper on board, and took them to Walla- sea. The life-boat stood by until the Blue Dolphin refloated and then took her in tow to Burnham. The cabin cruiser had engine trouble and her battery was flat. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.31.

Lowestoft, Suffolk-At 10.59 a.m.

on llth May, 1968, the honorary secretary learnt that a sailing dinghy with two people on board was being carried away by the ebb tide and appeared to be out of control. The life-boat Frederick Edward Crick slipped her moorings at 11.5 in a fresh south westerly breeze and a choppy sea. It was two hours after high water. The life-boat came up with the dinghy at 11.21 and took her in tow to Lowestoft. She returned to her station at 11.50.

Cromer, Norfolk-At 10.59 a.m. on llth May, 1968, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the fishing boat Provider with a crew of three had broken down just above Overstrand. The life- boat Ruby and Arthur Reed was launched at 11.8 in a strong west south westerly breeze and a choppy sea. It was two hours before low water. The life-boat came up with the fishing boat four miles east south east of Cromer. She was taken in tow to harbour and the life-boat returned to her station at 12.46.

Sheringham, Norfolk-At 9.40 a.m.

on 25th May, 1968, a local fisherman told the coxswain that the fishing boat Tania appeared to be in difficulties off Sheringham. The life- boat Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows was launched at 9.55 in a fresh east south easterly breeze and a moderate sea. It was one hour after high water. On coming up with the fishing boat the life-boat took her crew of two aboard and then took her in tow to Sheringham. The service was aided by the use of an emergency sea drogue made by the coxswain. The life-boat returned to her station at 10.30.

No. 5 Life-boat Area Margate, Kent-At 8.58 p.m. on4th May, 1968, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a flare had been sighted at Foreness point. The life-boat North Foreland (Civil Service No. 11) was launched at 9.15 in a strong east north easterly breeze and a rough sea. It was two hours before low water. The life- boat came up with the motor yacht Dilkusha about four miles north by east of Margate jetty at 9.50 The Margate pilot boat had reached the spot a few minutes earlier and was about to take the yacht in tow.

However, the tow was passed to the life-boat and, as one member of the yacht's crew was injured and the other inexperienced, a member of the life-boat crew went aboard the yacht to steer. The injured man was landed at Margate at 10.40, where a doctor was waiting to provide atten- tion, before he was transferred by ambulance to hospital. Later the yacht was berthed in Margate har- bour and the life-boat was left on moorings at 3.30 a.m. on 5th May.

She was rehoused at 7.50.

Hastings, Sussex - At 11.27 a.m. on 10th May, 1968, the foreman in charge of a dredger off St. Leonards informed the honorary secretary that the three men aboard were in danger and requested the assistance of the life-boat to take them off.

The life-boat Fairlight was launched at 11.35 in a south westerly gale and a very rough sea. It was half an hour before high water. The life-boat came up with the dredger at noon and took the three men aboard.

They were landed at Hastings and the life-boat returned to her station at 12.30. At 7.15 a.m. on 13th May the coastguard made a report that red flares had been fired from the dredger off St. Leonards. The life- boat Fairlight was launched at 7.31 in a south westerly gale and a very rough sea. It was one hour after low water. The life-boat came up with the dredger at her moorings two and a half miles off West St.

Leonards outfall at 8.2. The three men aboard were transferred to the life-boat and landed at Hastings.

The life-boat returned to her station at 8.25. The owners of the dredger made a donation to the life-boat crew.

At 10.59 a.m. on 13th May, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that flares were seen west of Rye harbour entrance. The life-boat Fairlight was launched at 11.10 in a south westerly gale and a very rough sea. It was one and a half hours before high water. She found the yacht Penguin with engine trouble east of the life-boat station. There were four people on board. They were transferred to the life-boat and the yacht was then taken in tow to Rye harbour by a fishing vessel.

The life-boat returned to her station at 1.40 p.m. where the yachtsmen were landed safely.

At 6.45 a.m. on 10th May, 1968, the motor mechanic informed the honorary secretary that a fishing vessel was firing flares under the cliff off Pett. The life-boat Fairlight was launched at 6.53 in a strong south westerly breeze and a very rough sea. It was three and a half hours before high water. The life- boat came up with the fishing boat Carol at 7.25. Her engine had broken down and she was dragging her anchor. She carried a crew of two.

The life-boat took her in tow to Hastings and returned to her station at 9 o'clock.

Dover, Kent - At 3.30 p.m. on 15th May, 1968, while the life-boat Faithful Forester was on exercise, a dinghy was seen to capsize throwing two men into the water. There was a moderate breeze from the south west and a corresponding sea. It was two hours after high water. The two men were taken aboard the life-boat and the boat was taken in tow to Dover.

The life-boat returned to her station at 5 o'clock.

Walmer, Kent-At 11 p.m. on 4th May, 1968, a radio report was received that the German yacht Peter von Danzig was dismasted near the Goodwin sands. The life- boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 32) was launched at 11.12 in a fresh southerly breeze and a choppy sea. It was low water. At midnight a message was received that neither the life-boat nor the tug Heros, which had proceeded from Dover to assist, had succeeded in locating the yacht.

Meanwhile the life-boat went further and further eastward as fresh positions were supplied by the coast- guard. Eventually the yacht carrying a crew of twelve was found seven miles north north west of Calais and taken in tow to Dover. The life- boat returned to her station at 1.40 p.m. on 5th June.

No. 6 Life-boat Area Swanage, Dorset-At 4.55 p.m. on 31st May, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that a sailing dinghy was in difficulties three miles south of Dancing Ledge. At 5.3 the life-boat R.L.P. was launched and at 5.27 she reached the sailing dinghy Arne. Her crew of two were taken on board and with the dinghy in tow the life-boat returned to harbour at 6.12. She was back at her station at 6.30.

Bournemouth, Hampshire - On 19th May, 1968, the IRB saved the motor boat Clipper and rescued her crew of three. A full account of this service, for which special awards were made, appears on page 436.

Plymouth, Devon-At 9.24 p.m. on 18th May, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that a man was trapped on rocks at the foot of the cliffs at Bovisand fort. The life- boat Thomas Forehead and Mary Rowse with the boarding boat in tow slipped her moorings at 9.35. It was two and a half hours before high water. She arrived off Cable beach at 9.50, and the boarding boat with two members of the life-boat crew aboard was sent to pick up the man at the foot of the cliffs. He was taken aboard the life-boat and landed at Millbay docks. The life-boat returned to her station at 10.15.

No. 7 Life-boat Area St. David's, Pembrokeshire - At 12.38 a.m. on 24th May, 1968, the coast- guard told the honorary secretary that the motor launch Saro I, with three people on board, had broken down two miles south of Ramsey Island. The life-boat Joseph Soar (Civil Service No. 34) launched at one o'clock in a strong south easterly breeze and a rough sea. It was one hour after low water. The life-boat came up with the motor launch five miles south of Ramsey Island and took her in tow at reduced speed to Solva harbour. Low water in the harbour prevented the mooring of the Saro I until 3.4. The life-boat stood by while attempts were made to restart the engine of the motor launch. The crew of the Saro I eventually decided not to proceed on passage that day and the life-boat returned to her station, which she reached at 4.50. A helicopter was present during this service.

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire; Rhyl, Flintshire; Beaumaris and Moelfre, Anglesey - At 4 p.m. on 6th May, 1968, the coastguard informed the Llandudno honorary secretary that a cabin cruiser had broken down one mile west of Great Ormes Head lighthouse. The life-boat Lilly Wain- wright was launched at 4.15 in a strong to gale force westerly wind and a rough sea. She found the cabin cruiser Calypso of Wallasey with engine failure wallowing in the heavy swell. The Calypso, which had five people on board, was taken in tow to Conway which was reached at 5.45.

On rounding Great Ormes Head onthe return passage to Llandudno, the coxswain received a message asking him to go to the motor vessel St.

Trillo, whose position was given as one mile and a half north of Llan- dudno. On reaching the St. Trillo it was found that a rope was fouling her port propeller. On board the vessel were 420 American tourists from the liner Kungsholm who were being ferried back to the liner after a sight- seeing tour of North Wales. At first the coxswain was asked to take off some of the passengers and the life- boat managed to secure alongside the St. Trillo. It was then decided that this would be unwise in the heavy swell and because the ferry was rolling badly, especially as the paw sengers were mostly elderly. An attempt was made later but there was no improvement in the swell and it was decided to stand by until further help came. The Rhyl life-boat Anthony Robert Marshall was launched at 7.50 and the Beaumaris life-boat Field Marshal and Mrs.

Smuts at eight o'clock. While these two life-boats were proceeding to the position, the ship's doctor from the Kungsholm, who was on board the St. Trillo, told the Llandudno cox- swain that he urgently needed insulin and other medical supplies which were on board the liner. The life-boat obtained these and passed them across to the St. Trillo. The trawler Kilravock of Conway had arrived and had managed to secure a line to the bow of the ferry. The Rhyl life-boat had meanwhile been redirected to Llandudno to pick up six skin divers and a doctor to take to the St. Trillo.

However, attempts were made first to tow the ferry to Llandudno with the three life-boats standing by to help if required. The tow was success- ful as the ferry boat's starboard engine had had some repairs carried out to it and Llandudno pier was reached safely. The passengers were disembarked. The Llandudno life- boat stood by while divers freed the port propeller. The Rhyl life-boat 452 reached the station at 1.40 a.m. on 7th May and the Beaumaris life-boat at 2.40. The service by the Llandudno life-boat ended at 2.15. The Moelfre life-boat Watkin Williams was also launched to give assistance, but was later recalled when the St. Trillo had been taken in tow. A twelve-man committee was later formed on board the Kungsholm and its chair- man sent a letter to express the gratitude of all the passengers to the life-boat crews, and a gift of nearly £1,500, collected from the passengers, was distributed among the crews of the Llandudno, Rhyl, and Beaumaris life-boats. A donation was also made to the Institution's funds by the skipper of the Kilravock.

IRB LAUNCHES Rescues by IRBs in May were carried out by the following stations: No. 2 Life-boat Area Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire - At 11.15 a.m. on 22nd May, 1968, an IRB crew member who was working at the boathouse heard cries for help from a man who was in the sea, approximately a quarter of a mile off shore. The IRB was launched im- mediately in a calm sea. It was high water. She reached the man at the same time as did a man in a punt.

With his help an elderly man, who was heavily built, was pulled aboard the IRB, which landed him at Rhu pier and then returned to her station, arriving at 11.25. The man was taken by car to his home and the honorary medical adviser was called.

At 7.5 p.m. on 7th May, 1968, a member of the IRB crew saw a dinghy drifting about half a mile offshore. Her occupant, an elderly man, was waving an oar with a rag attached. The IRB was taken by trailer to Helensburgh pier and launched from there at 7.10 in a light north westerly wind and a moderate sea. It was two hours before high water. The IRB rescued the man and then towed the dinghy to Rosnegh caravan site from where the man had originally set out. The IRB returned to her station at 8.15.

South Queensferry, West Lothian - At 2.15 p.m. on 12th May, 1968, the crew members who were standing by at the boathouse informed the honorary secretary that a small motor boat, which was in attendance at a local regatta, was drifting from the racing area. The IRB was launched immediately in a moderate to strong westerly breeze and a corresponding sea. It was almost high water. She came up with the motor boat No Ida, which had three people on board, and towed her to Queensferry harbour. While the IRB was returning to her station, a heavy squall caused several racing dinghies to capsize. She proceeded to the dinghy Sirocco, and found her two crew members were entangled with the running gear. They were quickly freed and landed at the Queensferry boat club. The IRB then proceeded to a position four miles east north east and came up with an R.N. Gemini craft which was endeavouring to right the capsized wayfarer dinghy Monsoon, whose crew had already been landed. She stood by while the Gemini craft returned to Port Edgar for assistance.

The IRB endeavoured to hold the dinghy in position but the increasing ebb tide carried them further out.

There was no sign of any further assistance, so the IRB returned to her station. On her arrival the crew were informed that a yacht about one mile to the east had asked for help. She found the yacht Snoozy Snip, with four people aboard, whose engine was giving trouble.

Assistance was given and the yacht escorted to Queensferry harbour.

The IRB finally returned to her station at 6.10.

Largs, Ayrshire - At 9.4 p.m. on 16th April, 1968, the police informed the honorary secretary that red flares had been fired from a boat in Fairlie bay. The IRB was launched at 9.10 in a gale force easterly wind and a rough sea. It was one hour after low water. She found a cabin cruiser, with two men aboard, moored in Fairlie bay. They were unable to row ashore because of the rough condi- tions. The IRB took them off and landed them at Fairlie pier. She then returned to her station, arriving at 10.5.

No. 3 Life-boat Area Sunderland, Co. Durham-At 4.30 p.m. on 5th May, 1968, the life- guard noticed that a yacht had capsized outside Roker pier. The IRB was launched immediately in a moderate westerly breeze and a corresponding sea with some swell.

It was low water. On reaching the yacht it was found that the crew of two men were still in the water.

They were quickly pulled aboard the IRB and taken ashore. Both men were very cold and exhausted. The IRB returned to her station at 5.15 and the yacht was brought in by a motor launch.

Tynemouth, Northumberland - At 3.25 p.m. on 20th May, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary sec- retary that one of the crew of a small sailing boat just outside the harbour was waving a paddle. The jib was down and the boat appeared to be out of control. The IRB was launched at 3.34 in a fresh northerly wind and a slight sea with some swell. She found that the dinghy's rudder had been smashed and the crew were unable to steer her. A line was secured, and with the dinghy in tow the IRB proceeded towards the harbour. An oar was passed to the dinghy whose own paddle had broken. The tow con- tinued at slow speed and the IRB took her up the estuary to a safe mooring. She returned to her station at 4.35.No. 4 Life-boat Area Brighton, Sussex-At 5.5 p.m. on 1st May, 1968, the police informed the honorary secretary that a sailing dinghy, with three people aboard, had capsized about half a mile west of the Palace pier. The IRB was launched at 5.15. She found the dinghy filled with water after being dismasted in a squall. The IRB brought the dinghy and her crew to the beach near the IRB station and was back on service at 5.45.

No. 5 Life-boat Area Eastney, Hampshire-At 11.20 a.m.

on 13th May, 1968, a member of the public informed the honorary sec- retary that a sailing dinghy had been dismasted near Sinah Warren Camp.

Three people were in the dinghy which was sinking. The IRB was launched at 11.30 in a strong south westerly wind which was gusting to near gale force. She found the dinghy and took off two men and a woman.

The dinghy was then towed ashore and beached. After landing the survivors the IRB returned to her station, arriving at 12.15 p.m.

At 12.50 p.m. on 5th May, 1968, the coastguard reported that a con- verted assault craft was in trouble on the East Winner in choppy conditions and her crew of two were waving for assistance. The IRB was launched at 12.55 in a fresh south south westerly breeze and a choppy sea. It was two hours after low water. The assault craft was bumping badly on the sand near an old picket boat boiler. The IRB kedged down on the boat, and the two men aboard said they had lost their propeller and had no oars. The boat was taken in tow and beached at Eastney coastguard station. The IRB returned to her station at 1.50.

At 10.45 a.m. on 5th May, 1968, the coastguard informed a member 454 of the crew that a dinghy had cap- sized near Langston Fairway buoy.

The IRB was launched at 10.50 in a strong south south westerly breeze and a choppy sea. It was just after low water. She stood by the dinghy and helped the crew to right her.

The dinghy was undamaged. The IRB towed her to East Winner and beached her. When the dinghy's crew had sorted out her gear and rehoisted the mainsail, the IRB escorted them to Eastney coastguard station and then returned to her station at noon.

At 4.20 p.m. on 19th May, 1968, the coastguard reported to an IRB crew member that two sailing dinghies had capsized south of the sewer out- fall and five people were in the water.

The IRB was launched at 4.23 in a fresh north east by easterly breeze with strong gusts and a short choppy sea. It was two hours before high water. Visibility was poor. On reach- ing the first dinghy she found that a fishing boat was assisting the crew to right her. When the fishing boat had towed the dinghy ashore, the IRB proceeded to the second sailing dinghy and found three people in the water. A man was attempting to right the craft and free his wife and ten-year-old son who were trapped under the sail. The IRB crew lifted up the mast and rescued them.

Then the dinghy was towed to Eastney. After landing the survivors the IRB returned to her station at 4.46.

At 11.5 a.m. on 5th May, 1968, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that a sailing dinghy had capsized with a broken mast and her crew of two were in the water.

The fast rescue/boarding boat 18-02 slipped her moorings at 11.10 and proceeded in a strong south south westerly breeze and a choppy sea.

She found the dinghy halfway be- tween Gunner point and Fairway buoy. She was keeling right over on her port side and her crew of two were standing on the centreboard.

18-02 stood by until the dinghy had drifted east on to East Winner.

18-02 was then anchored, her engine lifted and she kedged back on to the dinghy. A line was passed and secured by the crew who then attempted to get the sails down and square up the boat. The dinghy was righted but capsized again. One of the crew swam to 18-02 and was taken ahead slowly and weighed anchor.

The tow commenced with one of the sailing dinghy's crew standing on her centreboard to prevent her rolling.

They proceeded at slow speed to Eastney coastguard station, where the dinghy was beached with the assistance of a coastguard dinghy.

18-02 returned to her station at 12.30 p.m.

Hastings, Sussex - At 2.28 p.m. on 5th May, 1968, the motor mechanic was told that a catamaran was rapidly drifting towards the rocks under Ecclesbourne Glen cliffs. The crew of two were waving to attract attention. The IRB was launched at 2.30 in a fresh south westerly wind with a heavy swell. The tide was flooding. The IRB rescued the crew of two, and when the catamaran was only a few yards from the rocks she was taken in tow. The heavy swell over the rocks and the catamaran's rigging made the tow awkward. The catamaran was taken to the life- boat station where the rescued men were landed. The IRB returned to her station at 3.10.

No. 6 Life-boat Area St. Ives, Cornwall-At 10.5 p.m. on 30th May, 1968, the coastguard reported that a small white motor boat appeared to have broken down about two miles from St. Ives head and was drifting to seaward. The IRB was launched at 10.10 in a light variable breeze and a moderate swell. It was two and a half hours after high water. She came up with the fishing boat Pippin of St. Ives some three miles north west of St. Ives head and ascertained from her crew of two that she had run out of fuel.

The IRB towed her to St. Ives and returned to her station at 10.40.

Port Isaac, Cornwall-At 9.12 p.m.

on 9th May, 1968, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a fishing boat was overdue. The IRB was launched at 9.14 in a mode- rate to fresh west south westerly breeze and a moderate sea with a corresponding swell. It was almost low water. It was overcast and there were rain squalls which made the search difficult. The fishing boat Justine, with one man aboard, was found west of the station and taken in tow. She had run out of fuel and then broken a rowlock. The IRB towed the Justine to harbour and returned to her station at 9.53.

No. 7 Life-boat Area Mudeford, Hampshire - At 5.34 p.m.

on llth May, 1968, the IRB was launched to a dinghy which had capsized 300 yards off the entrance to the harbour. There was a moderate south westerly breeze with a slight sea. The tide was flooding. The IRB rescued one youth from the water and then went to the dinghy which was waterlogged. Two other youths and a man were lying across her.

The IRB, after taking the three survivors on board, left the dinghy and returned to the shore, where the two youths were given hot baths and dry clothes. The dinghy was salvaged by a fishing boat. The IRB returned to her station at 5.45.

The Mumbles, Glamorganshire - At 5.50 p.m. on 9th May, 1968, the coastguard told the coxswain that two boys had been reported on a capsized dinghy near Swansea piers.

The IRB crew, who had been preparing for an exercise with the Inspector of Life-boats, launched at 5.54 in a light south westerlyRamsgate, Kent - March 1st and April 2nd.

Rhyl, Flintshire - May 6th.

Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford - March 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, April 20th and May 13th.

St. David's, Pembrokeshire - March 24th.

St. Helier, Jersey - April 14th, 16th and May 18th.

St. Mary's, Scilly Islands - March 6th, April 6th and 12th.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey - April 25th.

Salcombe, Devon - March 12th.

Scarborough, Yorkshire - April 30th and May 28th.

Selsey, Sussex - April 15th and May 13th.

Sennen Cove, Cornwall - April 16th.

Sheringham, Norfolk - May 20th.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex - May 10th and llth.

Skegness, Lincolnshire - March 25th and 30th.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex - March 10th, 17th and 23rd.

Stornoway, Outer Hebrides - April 8th.

Stromness, Orkneys - April 8th and May 12th.

Stronsay, Orkneys - April 27th.

Swanage, Dorset - April 12th and 13th.

Teesmouth, Yorkshire - April 10th.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire - March 28th and May 4th.

Torbay, Devon - March 22nd, April 12th, 14th, 25th and 28th.

Troon, Ayrshire - April 10th.

Valentia, Co. Kerry - March 24th.

Walmer, Kent - March 14th.

Walton and Frinton, Essex - March 6th, 16th, 18th and 26th.

Wells, Norfolk - April 26th.

Weymouth, Dorset - May 13th and 31st.

Whitby, Yorkshire - March 27th, April 4th, 5th and May 28th.

Wick, Caithness-shire - March 25th, April 10th and May 10th.

Workington, Cumberland - April 24th and May 26th.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - April 16th and May 30th.

Life-boat 70-001 - March 24th, 28th, May 15th and 21st. (Stationed at Clovelly from March 31st.) Life-boat 70-002 - March 5th, 25th, April 8th, 27th, May 3rd and 31st..