Sea Rhine founders I would like to thank you and the crew of the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat for your help when you came to the assistance of Sea Rhine off Lowestoft on Wednesday morning, February 11.

It was a great disappointment to me personally that we were unable to save the little ship, but nevertheless it was most reassuring to see that 'blue flasher' when you arrived on the scene, and to see some cheerful faces when I eventually transferred to the lifeboat. I must admit the last hour or so on board Sea Rhine was somewhat lonely! Once again, many thanks to you and your crew, and I hope that when we next meet it will be under less tedious circumstances.

—DOUGLAS SENNETT, relief mate, MV Sea Rhine, 19« Arlington Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex.

This letter, much appreciated by the crew of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat, was written to Staff Coxswain William Dent.—THE EDITOR.

Bernard F. Gribble I am researching the life and work of Bernard F. Gribble, marine artist 1873-1962, who painted many lifeboat scenes. I would be most grateful if anyone having knowledge of the artist or his works would contact me.— DAN M. REES, 74560 Monnetier-Mornex, France.

Rescue on Redwood Creek As a Britisher, yachtsman and current resident of San Francisco I must register an objection to the remarks of R. W. V. Jessett in his letter published in the winter issue of THE LIFEBOAT.

He described his stirring account of ' . . . probably the first rescue in these parts (San Francisco Bay) under the flag of the RNLI; I do not expect it to be the last.' He spoke of those rescued as 'typical of SF Bay trailer boat operating; they had no lifejackets, no flares, no bailer, no seamanship .. .'.

Typical you say, Mr Jessett? Horsefeathers ! After years of sailing these waters I have been more than impressed with the extent of safety equipment used by the average weekend sailor. Anyone who knows the United States cannot help but admire the splendid job done by the US Coast Guard, its civilian arm the USCG Auxiliary and other organisations such as the US Power Boat Squadron in the name of 'water safety'. The very latest safety equipmentis given prominence by yacht brokers and chandlers. Most boats sport the USCG Auxiliary 'Courtesy Checked' sticker on windshields, and indeed everywhere one goes, be it marina, boat show or boatowners' meeting, the topic of safety is constantly being taught, discussed and practised.

In the summer one of the local radio stations runs a cabin cruiser broadcasting fishing and weather conditions on the bay itself, and safety tips are all part of the regular format.

While I am sure that Mr Jessett sailing about the bay in his MV Red Duster flying the RNLI flag is a welcomed addition, perhaps a word of warning is in order. This being a bicentennial year he should take care in boarding the boat of any super-patriot who may misunderstand his undoubtedly good intentions!—PETER SCOTT-PADGET, San Francisco, California, USA.

All on a summer day . . .

You might be interested to hear of a brief incident which took place at Goring Lock, on the Thames, last summer. We were waiting in the lock for the water level to fall when a lady who was helping the lock-keeper said, 'I see you are flying an RNLI flag. Could you tell me where I can get one?' So here was the perfect opportunity for me to explain about Shoreline. By that time the lock gates were open and away we went.

I don't know if she joined, but she certainly gave the impression that she intended to do so.—FRANK HARPER, 6 Highbury Terrace, Bath..