Waterlogged dinghy BOUND FOR THE WHELKINO GROUNDS, MFV Isabelle Kathleen cleared her moorings abreast the lifeboat house at Wells at about 1120 on Thursday, June 3,1976, and set out to sea. The 36' fishing boat was commanded by her owner, John Nudds, a lifeboat crew member, and crewed by Alfred Smith, another lifeboatman,lifeboatman, and Martin Frary, a regular member of the shore party.

The weather was fine, with a northnorth- east force 5 to 6 breeze causing a heavy sea and swell in the area of Wells Bar. High water was predicted at the bar for 1010.

When approaching the outer channel buoys, John Nudds sighted a 12' sailing dinghy in the breaking waters one mile to the east and, while he watched, saw her capsize, bow over stern.

He immediately tried to call Wells Coastguard but could not make contact.

Realising there was no chance of ILB assistance, he altered course across the toe of the eastern sands and came up on the dinghy, the anchor of which had fallen out during the capsize, holding her in position. The breaking seas had righted the dinghy and her two men crew were sitting in the waterlogged boat; both were wearing a wrap-around buoyancy aid and it was later found that only one could swim. They had sailed from Wells to Burnham Overy Staithe on the earlier tide and, being unsure of the return course, had headed for the Fairway Buoy in worsening wind and sea conditions.

In a depth of only 10 to 12 feet of water, John Nudds manoeuvred the fishing vessel to windward, affording a lee, taking great care not to let his boat, which draws 4' 6", fall down wind to the lee shore. A lifebuoy on a line was thrown to the dinghy and, one at a time, the men were pulled to safety; considerable skill was necessary to get the men inboard without injury as the fishing boat was rolling and lifting heavily in the breaking seas. The non-swimming survivor was considerably distressed.

Having taken both men aboard, John Nudds returned to harbour where they were landed, at their own request, close to the lifeboat house. He then, at 1245,returned to sea to continue his day's fishing.

For this service a framed letter of thanks signed by Major - General Ralph Farrant, Chairman of the Institution, has been presented to John Nudds, and letters of appreciation signed by Captain Nigel Dixon, RN, Director, to Alfred Smith and Martin Frary..