DOCTOR'S BOLD JUMP MR. D. j. REEVES, the staff coxswain of the Clovelly, North Devon, life-boat Charles H.

Barrett (Civil Service No. 35), a 70-foot steel boat, was told by Hartland Coastguard on 7th November, 1971, that a man was seriously injured abord the German m.v. Embdena. At 6 o'clock Dr. D. Mackenzie was contacted, and within half an hour was with the life-boat when she sailed to meet the Embdena.

The wind was west south west, force 8, with a rough sea and a heavy westerly swell. There were heavy rain showers and visibility was poor.

After a passage lasting three and a half hours against a rough sea and a flood tide the casualty was found at 10 p.m. 25 miles west of Hartland Point. Fifteen minutes later the German lay hove to, rolling and pitching heavily.

Despite the fact that both vessels were pitching and rolling, the life-boat approached the Embdena's starboard side, and with the assistance of a headrope and engines Coxswain Reeves brought her alongside the casualty, allowing Dr. Mackenzie to jump aboard.

The transfer of the doctor was not without its dangers. He managed, however, to jump from the life-boat rail clear of the ship's bulwark, to land on all fours on her deck, while the life-boat ranged 15 feet alongside.

It was then found that the injured man had died. Due to the heavy sea conditions the doctor did not re-embark in the life-boat until both vessels were in the lee of Lundy Island some 20 miles to the north east. Finally, at 1.30 a.m.on 8th November, Dr. Mackenzie returned to the life-boat. Clovelly was reached at 8 o'clock.

Dr. Mackenzie has been accorded the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum for this service..