Stranded in cave THREE CLIFF CLIMBERS, missing west of Anvil Point, were reported to Swanage lifeboat station by HM Coastguard at 1733 on Saturday November 29, 1980; the station's 37ft 6in Rother lifeboat J. Reginald Corah, was launched at 1746 under the command of Coxswain/Mechanic Victor Marsh.

A fresh to strong breeze, force 5 to 6, was blowing from the north and, except in the- shelter of the cliffs, the sea was choppy. High water had been at 1515.

Visibility was good, but it was a freezing cold evening.

The lifeboat reached the search area at about 1800. She was three quarters of a mile west of Anvil Point when she had to stop her starboard engine to deal with overheating of the exhaust manifold.

While she continued her search on her port engine, voices were heard and a man was seen on the rocks in the narrow Zawn Cave.

J. Reginald Corah was anchored at 1814 and two of her crew, Second Coxswain/ Assistant Mechanic Philip Dorey and Crew Member Ian Marsh, went in with the lifeboat's inflatable dinghy. A second man was a few feet up in the cave, and the third about 12 feet up.

Only the first man could be seen from the sea and none of them would have been visible from the air or the cliffs. If they had not been found, when the next flood tide had refilled the cave they would have been partially submerged.

By 1834 two of the climbers were on board the lifeboat, and a light was being shone in the cave so that the third man could climb down to the dinghy. The rescue trips were made through smooth water but in a strong tide. As it was more than three hours after high water, rocks in the floor of the cave were showing above sea level and the dinghy could not be rowed, but only paddled among the rocks. All three men were safely on board the lifeboat by 1839 and, cold, wet and exhausted, they were wrapped in blankets. Ten minutes later J. Reginald Corah had recovered her dinghy and her anchor and set course for station.

The climbers were landed at the lifeboat slip at 1910 and all three were examined by the honorary medical adviser. After getting warm and dry in the boathouse and having a cup of hot tea they were taken into the care of friends.

The lifeboat was rehoused and once again ready for service at 1945.

For this service a letter signed by Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, director of the Institution, expressing theInstitution's appreciation to Swanage lifeboat crew, and in particular to Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic Philip Dorey and Crew Member Ian Marsh, was sent to Captain D. A. N.

Aldridge, station honorary secretary..