Broken steering gear THE DEPUTY LAUNCHING AUTHORITY of Whitstable lifeboat station was told by Thames Coastguard at 1930 on Sunday April 19, 1981, that the catamaran Rumpleteazer had broken her steering gear and needed help; she was two miles north of Herne Bay Coastguard Station. It was an overcast evening with a strong breeze to near gale, force 6 to 7, blowing on shore from the north east.

The sea was moderate to rough and visibility was reduced by squalls of rain. It was four hours after high water.

Whitstable's Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat launched at 1940 from her beach trailer with Helmsman Michael Judge in command; Brian Hadler and Nigel Scammell were his crew.

Once clear of Whitstable breakwater the lifeboat had to reduce speed to half as she headed into very short, heavy seas. Best course was made towards the casualty in the prevailing conditions and at 2000, in deteriorating weather and failing light, a red flare was sighted, pinpointing the catamaran. As the lifeboat approach it was learned that Riunpleteazer was making water in her forward compartments and, although her engine was running, she was unable either to steer or make headway.

Helmsman Judge asked her skipper to lower his sail and by 2010 the Atlantic was lashed alongside the catamaran, providing both power and steerage.

By this time the north-easterly wind had risen to gale force 8, with heavy rain squalls and short, steep breaking seas.

The two boats headed downwind towards the shore and at 2040 they were approaching Herne Bay small boat anchorage guided by the headlights andblue flashing light of the Whitstable Coastguard Mobile. At 2100, after waiting for a heavy squall to pass through, the catamaran was anchored and her three crew taken aboard the Atlantic 21. It was then that fatigue and hypothermia began to take their toll of the skipper and he was tended throughout the return passage by Crew Member Hadler.

Passage back to station was made at two-thirds speed in the very rough wind and sea and the port outboard engine was overheating. On arrival at Whitstable, at 2133, all three of the catamaran's crew were treated by the honorary medical adviser before being taken to Canterbury hospital by ambulance. The Atlantic 21 was refuelled and ready for restricted service at 2218. Her port engine was replaced the next day.

For this service the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to Helmsman Michael A.

Judge and vellum service certificates were presented to Crew Members Brian G. Hadler and Nigel D. Scammell..