HELMSMAN A. Thirlby and his crew, Mr. P. Pemberthy and Mr. R. Hacking, of the St. Ives IRB, have been awarded a framed letter of thanks, signed by the Chairman of the Institution, Admiral Sir Wilfrid Woods, G.B.E., K.C.B., D.S.O., for their rescue of three men from capsized boats.

It was at 1751 hrs. on 6th September, 1968, that 'a canoe' was reported in difficulty east of Godrevy Point. The IRB was launched immediately and made for the position where they found a capsized motor boat with two men astride the keel. Both men were taken aboard the IRB and, as one was very shaken, he was winched up into a helicopter sent from Culdrose.

The IRB then made for Hayle with the remaining survivor. It was learnt there that another boat had capsized on the bar. This craft was found capsized with two men in the water. One man, who was close inshore, was being assisted by life-guards, but the other man, who was well out in the surf, was in distress although wearing a life-jacket.

BOAT WAS IMPEDED Helmsman Thirlby took the IRB to seaward, intending to run into the beach for a quick pick up of the casualty, but the man grabbed the boat's life-line so firmly that he could not be got inboard and impeded the boat's ability to manoeuvre. The next breaking sea caught the boat abeam and she capsized to starboard. Fortunately the crew and survivor were able to straddle the upturned IRB and were washed ashore about five minutes later none the worse for their ordeal.

The Inspector of Life-boats for No. 6 Area, Lt.-Cmdr. H. F. Teare, R.N.R., who investigated the service, commented: 'There is always an element of risk when operating with an IRB in surf conditions. On the day in question when the surf was heavy (10 feet) this risk was very apparent. Helmsman Thirlby was confident that passage through the surf was possible and his cool approach to the service is to be commended. Had he not been delayed in the surf due to the difficulty experienced in taking the casualty aboard the capsize would not have occurred. His decision to take this risk was instrumental in the saving of the man's life.'.