Fishing boat sinking ROSSLARE HARBOUR OFFICE informed Storeman R. Walshe at 1130 on Thursday December 7, 1978, that a Swedish cargo vessel had relayed a distress signal from a fishing boat sinking off Tuskar Rock. Maroons were fired at 1135, the deputy launching authority of Rosslare Harbour lifeboat station was informed and at 1155 the 46ft 9in Watson relief lifeboat Sir Samuel Kelly on temporary duty at Rosslare launched on service.

A storm force 10 to violent storm force 11 was blowing from the south east and there was a very heavy sea running. High water was at 1140.

Acting Second Coxswain Seamus McCormack was in command on service for the first time, the coxswain being away on lifeboat business. On clearing harbour he set course through the approach channel for Tuskar Rock.

Progress was difficult in seas estimated at 10 metres high and extra lookouts were posted to watch for navigation buoys through the driving rain.

At 1215 the casualty's position was amended to 3.5 miles 210°M from Tuskar Rock and Acting Coxswain McCormack altered course to intercept, allowing for the northerly drift.

The Swedish cargo vessel was sighted at 1300 and the casualty, Notre Dame du Sucre Coeur, ten minutes later. A helicopter was seen to recover a man from the sea and to stand off.

With the storm still blowing at force 10 to 11, Acting Coxswain McCormack circled the casualty to observe her motion in the seaway. He chose his moment to bring the lifeboat alongside the starboard quarter and one fisherman was dragged aboard by Crew Member Thomas Billington and Assistant Mechanic Sean Martley. A secondrun was made on to the port quarter and a second fisherman recovered.

After checking that there were no further survivors aboard, the fishing boat, obviously sinking, was abandoned.

The lifeboat returned to harbour at reduced speed in the following seaway, arriving at 1445. The fishermen were landed and the lifeboat made ready for service at 1530.

For this service the bronze medal was awarded to Acting Second Coxswain Seamus McCormack. Medal service certificates were presented to Motor Mechanic Matthew W.

Wickham, Assistant Mechanic Sean P.

Martley and Crew Members Thomas Billington, Peter Breen, Brian J.

Wickham and Bernard A. Keogh..