Two men on sandbank IT WAS at about 7.45 p.m. on August 4, 1973, that Mr J. R. Stephen, a Trinity House pilot, was informed by Mr Colin Bull that Mr Bull's brother and another man were adrift in a 7' dinghy off the oil jetty of Heysham harbour, Lancashire.

Having himself sighted the dinghy about half a mile west of No. 8 buoy, Mr Stephens immediately informed the Coastguard that an ILB was needed,and then, taking Mr Bull with him as crew as no seaman was available, sailed in the pilot boat to stand by.

The wind was south south west force 7 to 8 but, it being off shore, sea conditions at Morecambe launching site were satisfactory and the ILB set out at 8.15. She sailed at full speed through the Gunnel, but after 10 to 15 minutes had to reduce to quarter speed because the wind against the ebb (it was four and a half hours after high water but the ebb was held by the wind) was giving a short steep sea, estimated as 6' in height and 40' in length.

Immediately after the ILB left, the Morecambe fishermen's lifeboat, Sir William Priestley, sailed in support with Mr Edward Gerrard as coxswain.

When the ILB arrived off the oil jetty at 8.30 conditions were extremely bad. Visibility had closed to two and a half cables in spray and the helmsman, Mr Keith Willacy, decided he would have to turn back when, while awaiting a chance to turn, he sighted the Heysham pilot boat.

The pilot boat was standing by to the east of the casualty but was unable to go closer as she draws 7'. However, Mr Stephen was able to indicate the position of the survivors, about 10 to 15 yards north west of the Western Valleys wreck. Conditions were extremely bad, the surf estimated at 3' and very confused in the shallow water, but Mr Willacy asked the pilot to inform the Coastguard that he was going into the surf.

The ILB was anchored upwind of the casualty and veered down, but the anchor had been dropped too far to windward and the nearest approach was about 30'. Mr Willacy went over the side on a lifeline, but still couldn'treach the survivors, so he re-embarked and the anchor was recovered.

The ILB anchored again, this time in the surf, and veered down to the survivors, who were standing in the water.

Although their position was surrounded by heavy surf, for a short distance around them the sea was practically calm and there was no difficulty in getting them aboard.

The ILB recovered the anchor and set off for Heysham harbour at slow speed because of the weather and the boat being full of water. She was escorted by the pilot boat with Sir William Priestley not far behind.

On arrival, at about 9.30, the survivors were taken to hospital by ambulance, and it was decided that both the ILB and Sir William Priestley should remain at Heysham overnight. The ILB returned to station by road at 11 a.m.

the next day.

There is no doubt that but for the skill and tenacity of Mr Willacy, who has been awarded a bronze medal, both survivors would have drowned. This particular area of Morecambe Bay is notoriously bad in a south westerly wind on the ebb, and it is considered that notwithstanding the magnificent seamanship displayed in carrying out this rescue, the crew of the ILB showed a complete disregard of their own safety.

The thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum have been sent to crew member Andrew Jarvis, and a letter of thanks from the Director of the Institution, Captain Nigel Dixon, RN, has been sent to Trinity House pilot, Mr J. R. Stephen, for the part he played in the rescue..