Lifeboat and ILB AT 0813 ON WEDNESDAY August 17, 1977, HM Coastguard Aldeburgh requested the launch of Aldeburgh lifeboat to a yacht firing red flares about half a mile east of the lookout. Because of the difficulties of launching at low water (high water Aldeburgh was predicted at 1421) the honorary secretary consulted the coxswain and it was considered that a launch was possible even though the wind was easterly strong force 6 gusting to near gale force 7 with heavy breaking seas on the beach and offshore shoal area. Visibility was moderate.

Maroons were fired at 0818 and Aideburgh's 42' Beach lifeboat The Alfred and Patience Gottwald launched but did not clear the beach and broached to the south in the heavy onshore seas.

While recovery operations were begun, HM Coastguard requested the launch of Harwich lifeboat and a rescue helicopter from RAF Coltishall.

Further red flares were sighted from the yacht, which was seen to be drifting towards the shoals off Orfordness, and the Coastguard Rescue Equipment team was mustered at Orfordness. Among those helping with the recovery of Aldeburgh lifeboat were several crew members of the newly established inshore lifeboat and, after consultation with the honorary secretary on the beach, it was agreed that an attempt should be made to launch the ILB although conditions were known to be in excess of normal limitation.

At 0845 the D class ILB was carried down the beach and the two most experienced crew members, HelmsmanJohn Marjoram and Crew Member Douglas Cook, boarded. Three ILB and a number of lifeboat shore helpers held the boat until a break in the seas allowed the crew to launch, the first few yards being made under oars. The engine started at the first attempt but a sea filled the boat before a clear line could be found through the surf. The boat drained quickly and by driving along the surf line, riding the seas, and edging eastwards, the ILB cleared the inner shoal area and headed south.

At 0903 she came up with the 24' yacht Spreety, which was manned by the owner and his young son and was without auxiliary power.

By this time the wind was a steady force 7, causing severe conditions; in the shoaling waters the seas were irregular and breaking heavily.

The helicopter arrived at 0904 and after the young boy had been taken safely into the ILB he was winched into the helicopter and flown ashore to Aldeburgh, into the care of the branch chairman.

The ILB agreed to stand by the casualty until she could rendezvous with Harwich lifeboat or the Felixstowe Ferry shoreboat since the River Ore entrance was unfit for the singlehanded yachtsman.

In the meantime, recovery of Aldeburgh lifeboat was continuing when, at 0915, Coxswain Reuben Wood saw a break in the seas as a heavy wave lifted the boat. Ordering all hands to clear the bow, he put both engines full astern and cleared the beach stern first, the cockpit filling as the boat drove aft. The lifeboat then headed south, reached the yacht at 0953 and took her in tow. With the ILB in company, the lifeboat towed the yacht into the River Ore. After negotiating the turbulent entrance safely, at 1025, the ILB went on ahead to arrange berthing at Orford Quay, andthence up river to Slaughden Quay, Aldeburgh, where she was recovered into the town at 1105 by the shore party.

The lifeboat secured the yacht at 1110 and returned seaward to station, being safely beached and ready for service 1407.

For this service the bronze medal has been awarded to Helmsman John Marjoram and framed letters of thanks signed by Major-General Ralph Farrant, the chairman of the Institution, have been presented to Crew Member Douglas Cook and Coxswain Reuben Wood. A letter of thanks signed by John Atterton, deputy director of the Institution, has been sent to the crew and shore-helpers of Aldeburgh lifeboat station..