Ex pilot cutter HARTLAND COASTGUARD received a message from the British coaster Candourity at 0255 on Monday September 3, 1979, reporting the sighting of a red flare and a flashing light from a yacht some 13 miles north by east of Trevose Head. The wind was westerly, near gale force 7, and the sea rough with a moderate swell. The night was overcast with heavy showers.

Padstow lifeboat was alerted and at 0319 came a message that Candourity had now reached the yacht, Peggy, an ex Bristol Channel pilot cutter. Wreckage of the yacht's bowsprit, topmast, rigging and sails were over her starboard side; two inflatable dinghies were over her port side and the people on board were waving. Candourity was unable to go alongside but she was standing by.

Padstow lifeboat, the 48ft 6in Oakley James and Catherine Macfarlane, launched at 0355 under the command of Coxswain Trevor England and headed for the casualty. By 0448 she could see Candourity ahead and by 0535 she was alongside Peggy. There, were nine people on board. With considerable difficulty in the rough seas and swell an injured women and four children were transferred to the lifeboat; three men and a woman remained on board the yacht.

It appeared that Peggy had collided with a radar buoy. She was takingwater and her pumps were out of action so, during what proved to be a very slow tow, the four people on board formed a bucket chain to bail.

Arrangements were made for medical assistance to be available on arrival at Padstow and for a pump to be brought out to meet the two boats at Stepper Point.

Anchorage under Stepper Point was reached at 0751. The pump was put aboard and, after the survivors were landed into the care of those ashore, the yacht was put in tow again at 1203 and moored safely at the station by 1305. The lifeboat was rehoused and ready for service at 1600. A large donation to the Institution's funds was received from Peggy's crew.

For this service a letter signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, expressing the Institution's appreciation to Coxswain Trevor England and his crew, was sent to Lt-Cdr J. W.

Hamilton. Padstow station honorary secretary..