Two yachts aground BRADWELL COASTGUARD MOBILE was in the vicinity of Stansgate on the afternoon of Friday, May 20, keeping watch over a number of yachts off Osea Island, when, at 1723, a yacht was seen to be heading for the sand spit at the eastern end of the island and a red flare was sighted. Lifeboat attendance was requested and the honorary secretary of West Mersea ILB station immediately gave authority for maroons to be fired.

Meanwhile, it appeared that a second yacht was altering course to go to the aid of the first; she also ran aground on the spit, at the north-eastern edge.

The wind was north east, strong force 6 gusting to gale force 8, and, with a strong ebb tide, the seas were heavy and short. Predicted high water at Bradwell was 1548. The weather was fine with fair visibility.

At 1732 West Mersea Atlantic 21 ILB launched on service. Once clear of the West Mersea approaches she had to reduce speed in the heavy seas, but she reached the 23' sloop Contessa, the second grounding, at 1752. Approach to the casualty was difficult in the shallow water as the two streams of ebb tide around Osea Island, reaching a rate of 3 knots, were meeting and causing very heavy confused seas of up to 6 feet against the gale force northeasterlynortheasterly wind. One crew member boarded Contessa and an anchor was run into deep water by the ILB.

Both this yacht and the first casualty, the 25' sloop Lionheart, were chartered from Maldon. The two men in Contesscfs crew of four were loath to leave until told of the continuing bad forecast and an estimated re-floating time at 0100. All four of the crew were then taken aboard the ILB and landed at Marconi Yacht Club, Stansgate, where the Coastguard mobile awaited them.

The Atlantic 21 then went on to Lionheart, reaching her at 1807. After the ILB had run an anchor away for them, the yacht's four crew members were taken off, the transfer, once again, requiring careful manoeuvring; the four people were landed at Stansgate at 1830.

Before returning to station the ILB continued westward to warn other yachts to remain west of Osea Island.

The 6-mile passage back eastwards was again made at reduced speed with the ILB leaving the water frequently in the heavy seas. She was refuelled and ready for service at 1922.

For this service a letter of appreciation signed by Captain Nigel Dixon, RN, Director of the Institution, was sent to Helmsman James Clarke. Letters of thanks signed by Commander Bruce Cairns, Chief of Operations, were sent to Crew Members Graham Knott and David Mills..