Two towed AT ABOUT 1600 on Wednesday December 6, 1978, Robert Gorman, a fisherman and ILB crew member at Aberystwyth, saw a capsized sailing boat and the college rescue boat about 400 yards off shore. Realising that they would need help he prepared to sail his own boat, FV Lona. A force 8 gale, gusting, was blowing from the south east. Sunset was at 1550 and high water had been at 1207.

Robert Gorman reached the capsized boat, which had drifted further out to sea, and took her in tow. The college rescue boat headed for harbour but her engine failed, so that she now needed help. Robert Gorman took Lona alongside, passed a line and with both boats in tow entered harbour at 1650 and secured alongside. The four rescued people needed medical assistance before being allowed to leave the station.

For this service a framed letter of thanks signed by Major-General Ralph Farrant, chairman of the Institution, was presented to Robert Gorman..