Coal cargo shifts THE CREW of Clovelly lifeboat, the 71' Clyde Charles H. Barrett (Civil Service No. 35), at anchor in Lundy Roads at 1125 on Tuesday, January 21, sighted MV Robert and saw that she had a 30° list to starboard. As she approached she asked the lifeboat to take off her crew of four. Robert was a two hatch coaster registered in Panama, of about 350 gross tons; her list was due to her cargo of coal having shifted.

The lifeboat's ILB was despatched immediately. By 1148 Robert had put down her anchor and Charles H. Barrett closed the casualty.

There was a gale force 8 to 9 westerly wind blowing in the lee of Lundy Island; the sea was rough to moderate, the day cloudy with good visibility.

After taking on board the captain and crew at 1150 the lifeboat crew spent anhour and twenty minutes examining the condition of Robert from all sides; her master was convinced she would capsize at any moment. At 1310 Charles H.

Barrett returned to her anchorage, about 220 yards away.

Between 1830 and 1845 the lifeboat moved more into the shelter of Lundy Island and by 1900 three of Robert's crew were transferred to MV Polar Bear, making for Ilfracombe. Robert's master remained on board the lifeboat and between 1915 and 1950 he made two brief visits to the stricken vessel.

By 1115 the following morning, Wednesday January 22, the list had increased to 70°. Robert had dragged her anchor during the night and the lifeboat closed on her position. She finally sank at 1140: 1 -fa nautical miles from Lundy South Light on a bearing of 205°M and -fa nautical miles from Tibbett's Point.

After reporting the outcome to Hartland Coastguard at 1145, Charles H. Barrett sailed for Ilfracombe where the master was landed by 1340. Leaving Ilfracombe again at 1530, the lifeboat returned to her station by 1730..