Took line to survivor MR DOUGLAS GiBBiN of the Hartlepool Co. Durham, inshore lifeboat, as reported on page 16, was awarded the bronze medal of the RNLI for the part he played in saving the life of a 16-year-oldboy from drowning.

The Hartlepool ILB, one of the new Atlantic 21 class, was launched at 1.40 p.m. on October 1, 1972, following a report that a sailing dinghy was in trouble by the breakwater at North Gare.

The wind was south easterly force 4 to 5 with a short choppy sea and a heavy south easterly swell.

Once the ILB had cleared the harbour, Helmsman Michael O'Connor saw a group of people gathered on the breakwater.

Heading towards them he found a small capsized sailing dinghy being washed against the breakwater. Twopeople were seen clinging to the dinghy.

On the first run in, the ILB was prevented from approaching nearer than 25 yards to the dinghy as the sea was very confused and there was a heavy backwash.

On the second attempt the ILB closed with the dinghy but the helmsman was forced to turn away at the last minute because of the seas.

As he did so Mr Gibbin, who was wearing a wet suit under his protective clothing and lifejacket, took a line and jumped into the water, making for the nearest survivor. Just at that moment the port engine cut out and the helmsman had to take the ILB into calmer seas. Mr Gibbin, who by this time had reached the survivor, was forced to let go his line to prevent being dragged away.

Turning back again on one engine only, the third crew member, Mr Ian Holdsworth, threw a line to Mr Gibbin, who caught hold, and while still supporting the survivor was dragged back towards the ILB. As Mr Holdsworth managed to drag the survivor aboard, the other engine cut out and the ILB was thrown against the breakwater leaving Mr Gibbin still in the water.

Fortunately Mr Holdsworth managed to get the starboard engine restarted immediately and the ILB turned to pick up Mr Gibbin, who had managed to swim away from the breakwater. The second survivor had in the meantime been pulled up on to the breakwater by members of the local fire brigade.

By this time the survivor aboard the ILB had become unconscious through exposure and exhaustion, and the ILB radioed for an ambulance to stand by at Hartlepool which was reached at 3.30 p.m. It was later found that a rope had fouled the port propeller.

It was considered that Mr Gibbin showed considerable courage in going into the water and that his action undoubtedly saved a life. Mr O'Connor handled the ILB in a seamanlike manner in difficult conditions. By restarting the starboard engine at a critical moment Mr Holdsworth had contributed to the success of the service.

Mr O'Connor and Mr Holdsworth received the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum. At the same time a letter of appreciation signed by the Director of the Institution was sent to the Chief Fire Officer, Hartlepool..