EASTNEY, HAMPSHIRE, ILB crew were alerted at 0315 on September 7, 1974, when the honorary secretary was informed by Shoreham Coastguard that red flares had been seen in the vicinity of Langstone Channel. ILB D184 was launched at 0343, by which time the casualty was being illuminated from shore by the Coastguard mobile patrol.

The wind was from the south south west force 9 with gusts to force 10. The sky was overcast and visibility very poor.

The tide had begun to ebb, giving wind over tide conditions, and launching was made difficult by a large swell running diagonally across the beach.

The run to the casualty was made at full speed directly down wind. The shore was obscured frequently in heavy rain squalls, but the boat ran well before the seas which became larger as the fetch increased. The directions from the Coastguard were so accurate that the ILB ran straight to the casualty, reaching her at 0359.

As they approached, the ILB crew saw that the boat was snubbing her anchor chain and taking seas over the bow. She was also yawing badly. The ILB passed down the starboard side and on rounding the stern met the full force of the gale. Helmsman Sydney Thayers, with great difficulty, managed to close the casualty's port quarter and with a combination of his skilful use of the engine and the strength of the crewmen theymanaged to retain contact with the boat.

A man was found tied to his 11-yearold son and both were lashed to the boat. With great difficulty they were transferred to the ILB. Both were suffering from shock and exposure and they were wrapped in the plastic blanket in preparation for the run back.

On leaving the casualty, at 0406, the ILB could make only very slow progress into the steep, short seas. Visibility was reduced to nil due to driving rain, spindrift and solid water. The survivors were landed in the lee at Eastney at 0431 and transferred to the Royal Portsmouth Hospital.

For this service the bronze medal for gallantry was awarded to Helmsman Sydney S. R. Thayers and to William Charles Hawkins, an operational swimmer.

The bronze second-service clasp was awarded to Dennis Faro. A letter of appreciation was sent to HM Coastguard for the excellent co-operation received during this service..