Canoes upset ST ABBS, Berwickshire, lifeboat on September 17, 1972, made a fast getaway when two canoes capsized in Coldingham Bay. The wind had been blowing from a northerly direction for several days and there was a considerable swell running on to the beach.

Coxswain James Wilson, realising the urgency of the situation due to the weather and temperature of the water, immediately ordered the assembly signal to be given. The lifeboat Jane Hay, which is a 37-foot Oakley, was launched at 5.15 p.m. in a fresh northerly breeze with a heavy swell.

Coxswain Wilson conned the lifeboat close inshore in Coldingham Bay despite the heavy swell and at 5 p.m. came up with two men luckily still clinging to their capsized canoes. The two men were rescued. One of whom was in a bad way, and the lifeboat crew applied artificial respiration. Realising that the condition of both survivors was serious, the coxswain asked for a doctor and ambulance to meet the lifeboat on her return.

The lifeboat reached her station at 5.50 p.m. and the survivor who had been artificially revived was transferred to hospital by ambulance.

Coxswain Wilson was sent a framed letter of appreciation signed by the Chairman of the Institution, Commander F. R. H. Swann, OBE, RNVR, and the remainder of the crew received letters of thanks signed by the Director and Secretary, Captain Nigel Dixon, RN..