MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK THE sighting of a man in distress on Culver Cliff near Minehead, Somerset, on 2nd July, 1972, led to a rescue by the local ILB. He was first seen standing on a small overhanging rock, about 50 feet up, waving a towel. The man's transistor radio continued to play pop music.

At 11.15 a.m. ILB crew member Mr. Kevin Escott was advised by a local boatman that a man had been sighted half-way up Culver Cliff, about half a mile west of the life-boat station.

The ILB was launched with a crew of four into a force 4, north westerly wind and moderate sea.

The ILB went at full speed to the area off Culver Cliff and the position of the casualty was pointed out by the first informant, Mr. Edward Slade, who had returned to the scene in his boat.

Crew members David James and Christopher Rundle landed on the beach, and Mr. James who was in command, instructed the ILB to stand off and wait for further instructions.

Mr. James scaled the cliff face, which consisted of loose chalk and grass, and reached the casualty who appeared to be in good health but refused to climb down. Instructions were passed down to Mr. Rundle to recall the ILB and remove the anchor line.

The anchor line was passed ashore and Mr.

Rundle attempted to climb up with it to the overhanging rock but was unable to do so. Mr.

James descended and took the rope up the cliff to the casualty. The lower end of the rope was passed down to Mr. Rundle, a bight of the rope was made fast round the casualty, the other end being secured round the rock. The casualty was lowered down to the beach.

Mr. James lowered himself on the rope to a position below the overhanging rock and retrieved the casualty's transistor radio. The radio was still playing pop music. Then Mr. James returned to the overhanging rock, disconnected the line, and returned to the beach.

A framed letter of appreciation signed by the Chairman of the Institution, Commander F. R. H. Swann, O.B.E., R.N.V.R., has been sent to Helmsman James..