Capsized dinghy TWO MEN visiting Tenby by yacht on Sunday September 28, 1980, were returning by dinghy from shore to their yacht in the late evening when their dinghy capsized. One man managed to cling to a rock but the other, who could not swim, was swept out towards Caldy Sound. His cries were heard by Second Coxswain Alan Thomas who immediately ran down to the lifeboathouse and raised the alarm. He was joined straight away by the honorary secretary, a crew was assembled very quickly and at 2345 Tenby's 46ft 9in Watson lifeboat Henry Comber Brown launched under the command of Coxswain Joshua Richards.

The weather was good with a gentle north-westerly breeze, force 3, and a slight sea; although it was dark, visibility was good.

The searchlight picked up the man on a rock off St Catherine's Island and he was taken aboard the lifeboat, but the other man was going out with the strong ebb tide. He was just about to sink below the surface when Crew Member Johnny John jumped overboard and held him up until the crew could get a line to him to pull the man in. He was hauled aboard and given artificial resuscitation.

Both men were landed at Tenby Harbour at midnight, just a quarter of an hour after the lifeboat had launched; they were taken to the Cottage Hospital for observation. The lifeboat was rehoused and once again ready for service at 0100.

For this service a letter signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, expressing appreciation to Coxswain Joshua Richards and his crew, and in particular to Second Coxswain W.

Alan Thomas and Crew Member John John, was sent to Mr E. W. Bancroft, Tenby station honorary secretary..