Cruiser in difficulties A CABIN CRUISER off Skinningrove which appeared to be in difficulties and was being kept under observation, was reported to Redcar lifeboat station by HM Coastguard at 1910 on Sunday, September 26, 1976.

At 1938 the cruiser fired a red flare and at 1950 the 37' Oakley lifeboat Sir James Knott was launched and started a search for the casualty. Visibility was down to 50 yards and deteriorating, but with the aid of parachute flares, the cruiser, a 25' ex-naval cutter with two people on board, was sighted 1| miles north of Skinningrove Jetty. At 2103 the lifeboat was alongside and a towline was passed. Because of heavy swell, the lifeboat and her tow made for the River Tees, arriving, with the help of Tees Harbour Radar, at 2306.

At 2405, again helped by Tees Harbour Radar, the lifeboat started on her passage back to station, where she arrived at 0152 and was rehoused at 0248..