IRB LIFTED CLEAN FROM WATER Two members of the Southend-on-Sea IRB crew, Mr. Colin Sedgwick and Mr.

Robert Chalk, have both received letters of thanks signed by the Chairman of the R.N.L.I., Admiral Sir Wilfrid Woods, G.B.E., K.C.B., D.S.O., for the part they played when two boats found themselves in difficulties in a gale off Southend on 9th November, 1969.

At 2.9 p.m. the Southend coastguard told the honorary secretary, Mr. P. G.

Garon, M.C., G.M., that a small boat was in difficulties east of the pier and a cabin cruiser was also in trouble near Canvey Point. Mr. Garon decided that both the life-boat and the IRB should be launched, as it was doubtful whether the life-boat would be able to reach the boat near the pier because of the state of the tide.

There was a west south westerly gale of force 9-10, the sea was rough, there were rain squalls, and it was two hours after high water.

The IRB was the first to launch at 2.30. She made for the boat near the pier, while the life-boat crew mustered. After a passage of a mile in heavy sea conditions the IRB found a small boat about one mile north east of the pier head.

This was five minutes after the IRB had been launched. There was one man on board the motor boat, which had engine trouble. The IRB took her in tow and reached the pier at 2.55. Seven minutes later the IRB made for Canvey Island to help the life-boat with the other casualty. Visibility was now much reduced by flying spray, and the IRB had to reduce speed against a strong spring ebb tide and in extremely bad conditions. At times she was lifted clean from the water. She eventually found the cabin cruiser about half a mile east of Canvey Point. This was at 3.30. The cabin cruiser was aground with seas breaking over her and filling the cockpit. She had a crew of three.

WAITED FOR DRY SANDS Mr. Colin Sedgwick tried to veer down on to her with anchor and cable, but he could not bring the IRB close enough. The Southend life-boat Greater London II (Civil Service No. 30), which is one of the 46-foot 9-inch Watson class, now reached the scene, and Coxswain Peter Gilson suggested that the IRB should lie off in the lee of the sands and wait until the sands had dried, as the crew of the cabin cruiser were in no immediate danger. This was done, and at 4 o'clock the three survivors walked across the sand. They were picked up by the IRB, which landed them at the pier. The IRB finally reached her station at 4.45.

This was a service in which because of the state of the tide only the IRB could render effective help.

Central Appeals Committee In the April, 1970, issue of THE LIFE-BOAT Mr. Norman Crumbie described the aims of the new Central Appeals Committee of voluntary workers.

Since the report appeared a second representative for London (South of the Thames) has been appointed. He is Mr. L. H. Rosan, F.I.P.L.A., of 256 High Street, Croydon, Surrey.

The correct address for the South East representative is Mr. F. Carl Seager, M.B.E., "Robins Close", Buckland, Betchworth, Surrey.

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