Trapped under pier FOUR FISHERMEN in a 14ft dinghy, trapped among the girders under the central pier and being battered by the waves, were reported to the honorary secretary of Morecambe ILB station by HM Coastguard at 1458 on Sunday June 11.

The tide was still flooding and a gentle to moderate breeze was blowing from the west when at 1505 the inshore lifeboat launched into a moderate sea and made for the casualty at full speed.Arriving on the scene four minutes later, the ILB embarked two of the survivors. Having landed them safely ashore, she returned to the dinghy and, taking the remaining two people on board, she again returned to the shore with the dinghy in tow.

It transpired that the fishing party had set out that morning in good weather but as the day progressed, the weather deteriorated and they decided to return to shore. On the way back, their outboard engine failed and they were driven under the pier and into the girders by the wind and tide.

The ILB returned to her station where she was rehoused and again made ready for service at 1538..