Trawler talked in EYEMOUTH LIFEBOAT STATION honorary secretary received a message from the harbour master at 0030 on Thursday May 1, saying that the trawler Glen Urquhart, which had been bound for fishing grounds, was taking water and making for Eyemouth. Forth Coastguard was informed, radio communications were established and it was learned that Glen Vrquhart was 21 miles east of Eyemouth. She was heading for the harbour at 10 knots in company with MFV Glencoe and she had a crew of nine. Eyemouth lifeboat was put on stand by and the crew were alerted.

At 0134 Glen Urquhart, now about ten miles east of Eyemouth, reported that the water level was increasing by about 12 inches an hour. In view of her size (length 106ft, draught 14ft), that the wind was from the north east and that her skipper had never been into Eyemouth Harbour, Eyemouth lifeboat was asked to launch and escort her in.

(The Admiralty North Sea (West Pilot) states that 14ft is the maximum draught for entry into Eyemouth Harbour at high water, that the approaches are flanked by rocks and that Eyemouth should never be attempted with strong winds between north and east, for then the bay, where there is little clear space with depths of over 18 feet, is a mass of broken water.) The 47ft Watson relief lifeboat TGB on temporary duty at Eyemouth slipped her moorings at 0140 under the command of Coxswain Alexander Dougal. The night was cloudy but visibility was good; a moderate to fresh breeze, force 4 to 5, was blowing from the north east and the sea was moderate.

It was approaching high water.

Good radio contact was made and the lifeboat and trawler rendezvoused at 0217. A request was made that the restricted approaches to the harbour should be kept clear and the lifeboat escorted Glen Urquhart in and led her on to the green leading lights. Then, with numerous radio messages, Coxswain Dougal 'talked' her safely right into harbour; a fine feat of seamanship on the part of both the lifeboat's coxswain and the trawler's skipper. The lifeboat was back on her moorings and ready for service at 0345.

For this service a letter of appreciationappreciation signed by Rear Admiral W. J.

Graham, director of the Institution, was sent to Coxswain Alexander Dougal..