Service to Mi Amigo: On the evening of March 19, 1980. the radio ship Mi Amigo was reported to be dragging anchor in the vicinity of NW Long Sand Beacon. Sheerness lifeboat, the 44ft Waveney1 Helen Turnbull, under the command of Coxswain Charles Bowry slipped her moorings and in an easterly strong gale, force 9. headed down the Thames Estuary against the flood tide. DrivingDriving spray and heavy seas made it necessary to reduce speed and visibility was almost nil.

The lifeboat crossed into Black Deep and the casualty was sighted, aground on Long Sand shoal. It was decided that the lifeboat should stand by until the vessel refloated on the rising tide. Two hours later Mi Amiga refloated but could not start her pumps and she was rolling and pitching violently, shipping heavy seas overall. By now the wind had risen to storm force 10. Coxswain Bowry brought the lifeboat towards the casualty through the peaking, confused seas. A number of approaches had to be made before all four survivors were safely taken off, and soon after the lifeboat had pulled away Mi Amigo sank. For this service Coxswain/Mechanic Charles Bowry was awarded the silver medal (full report, THE LIFEBOAT autumn 1980)..