Yacht dragging anchor A YACHT AT ANCHOR but in difficulties in heavy seas off Three Cliffs Bay, Gower, was seen by Mumbles Coastguard and reported to the Mumbles honorary secretary at 1350 on December 19, 1973.

Maroons were fired and William Gammon—Manchester and District XXX, a 46' 9" Watson lifeboat, was launched at 1413.

The wind was force 7 to 8 from east south east and the sea rough. It was high water. The casualty, the 30' yacht Karfinn, was reached at 1500 after an uneventful downwind passage. She was at anchor about three to four cables off Three Cliffs, her anchor was thought to be dragging and she was in danger of being overwhelmed by heavy seas. There were two men on board who appeared to be in a distressed state. The sea was described as strength 5, the tidal stream negligible.

Coxswain Derek Scott, BEM, madetwo attempts to come alongside the yacht, and then decided to try to get a crewman on board. The bow of the lifeboat was angled in to the starboard side of Karfinn and Crew Member W.

Clements, holding the end of the towing line, managed to leap aboard. The line was quickly secured and Mr Clements instructed one of the crew to slip the anchor cable. The tow back to Swansea began at 1506.

During the passage back the sea state became worse, but Crew Member Clements, with skill and determination, managed to prevent the yacht from sheering uncontrollably; Karfinn's crew went below leaving him to manage as best he could and did not appear again until the dock entrance was reached.

After a while Mr Clements had to lash himself into the cockpit, but in spite of being wet, cold and continually buffeted by wind and sea, he remained at the helm of Karfinn for three hours until safety was reached.

Coxswain Scott did consider trying to put another crew member aboard the yacht, but decided the conditions were too bad to make the attempt.

William Gammon and Karfinn entered Swansea Docks at 1800, where the life-boat remained for the night, it being too rough to rehouse her at Mumbles.

For this service a framed letter of appreciation signed by the Chairman of the Institution, Commander F. R. H.

Swann, CBE, RNVR, was sent to Crew Member W. Clements..