THE thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum have been accorded to Motor Mechanic P. N. Thomson and Crewman J. Anderson of the Whitby IRB who saved three people and a dog from a capsized cabin speedboat.

It was at 1845 hrs. on 18th August, 1968, that the local coastguard reported that a 20-foot vessel had capsized in the surf about 150 yards from the IRB house. The honorary secretary, Mr. E. Thomson, sent the life-boat mechanic, Mr. Thomson, to help with the IRB and then attempted to telephone the IRB stand-by crew. Unfortunately at the same moment the IRB duty crewman was attempting to do the same. The result was that both got the engaged tone and were unable to get through.

As soon as Motor Mechanic Thomson reached the IRB house, he and Crew- man Anderson wasted no further time. They donned their life-jackets, and with great difficulty launched the IRB themselves.

When the IRB made for the casualty at 1855 hrs. three men could be seen on the upturned hull which was about 120 yards from the shore.

MEN ON HULL The wind was north west, force 3, and the swell caused by the gale was breaking in heavy surf for a distance of about 200 yards from the shore. The speedboat was found head to sea with three men on the upturned hull.

As the IRB closed from the south the men on top told them that some people were trapped under the boat. This was almost immediately confirmed for, as the casualty was thrown up in the surf, two people could be seen clinging on to part of the hull. As the bow of the upturned vessel was lifted by the sea, the IRB was driven under it to hold part of the hull above water so that the two survivors could escape. Mechanic Thompson, with great difficulty, managed to break the grip of first the girl and then the man. Just as the IRB was working clear another man emerged from underneath and was pulled inboard.

As the three survivors from under the hull were in a poor state, and the three men on top of the hull were in better condition, it was decided to land the first survivors and then go back for the others. However, just as the IRB was setting off again at about 1910 hrs., the casualty grounded and the remaining three survivors were able to struggle ashore. A dog was afterwards taken alive from the speedboat by one of the IRB crew. The IRB was rehoused, with the help of spectators, by midnight..