GROUNDED YACHT THE Eastney, Hampshire, ILB on 18th June, 1972, went to the aid of the yacht Florya and rescued three people.

At 1 p.m. on that day Hayling Island Coastguard reported that a large yacht was standing into danger off the East Winner Bank at the entrance to Langstone harbour. Shortly after this message the yacht grounded on the eastern side of the East Winner and fired red flares.

From among the duty crew who were already standing by, the honorary secretary selected the three most experienced crew members, and McLachlan ILB 18-008 slipped her moorings at 1.5 and made at full speed towards the Langstone bar buoy.

The weather was overcast with drizzle and only moderate visibility. The wind was south west force 7-8, gusting at times to force 9. A rough sea was running, especially in the vicinity of the Langstone bar, and the speed was reduced accordingly when the ILB left the harbour entrance.

The ILB cleared the southern end of the East Winner and rounded up on a northerly course towards the casualty, which was about one cable off shore. Better progress was made in the slight lee provided by the bank against the south westerly wind.

The yacht, which was identified as the Florya, a 29 foot g.r.p. sloop with a crew of three, was lying to ground tackle, was rolling heavily and pounding on the bank of the rising tide. The ILB approached close to the casualty at 1.40 and then grounded herself quite heavily when about 30 yards from the yacht. She was manoeuvred off by using her engines without sustaining any damage.

On instructions from the helmsman of the ILB two crew members from the yacht veered down towards the life-boat in an inflatable dinghy and were taken safely on board. Unfortunately,while the dinghy was being hauled back to the yacht, the veering line parted and the third man was unable to retrieve the dinghy. As the tide was making, the helmsman decided to make a further attempt at going alongside the casualty.

This attempt was successful, and with the bow of the ILB momentarily hard against the quarter of the yacht, the third man was hauled on board.

Hayling Island Coastguard were then advised that all members of the yacht's crew had been taken safely on board and that the ILB was returning to her station. The helicopter from No. 22 Squadron, R.A.F. Thorney Island, which had been hovering but was unable to assist owing to the danger of fouling the yacht's mast, also returned to its base.The ILB was subjected to a difficult and very uncomfortable return passage, especially while working clear of the bank and crossing Langstone bar. Over a period of about 10 minutes several heavy seas were taken aboard and twice the ILB was completely filled, although on each occasion the water was cleared quickly through the freeing ports. After crossing the bar the sea conditions improved and the ILB reached her station at 2.45.

The thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to Helmsman John Fletcher, and two members of his crew, Mr.

Francis Thomas Hawkins and Mr. Graham Jewell, each received a certificate to commemorate their part in the rescue..