Dragging anchor PORTLAND COASTGUARD received a call at 1530 on Saturday September 19, 1981, from the motor fishing vessel Outlaw saying that her engine had failed and she was dragging her anchor three miles west of St Albans Head. There was no other vessel in the area able to offer assistance, so Swanage lifeboat was asked to launch. Maroons were fired at 1547 and at 1555 Swanage lifeboat, the 37ft 6in Rother7. Reginald Corah, launched under the command of Second Coxswain Philip Dorey; Coxswain/ Mechanic Victor Marsh was on leave but nevertheless he joined the crew as assistant mechanic.

A strong breeze to near gale, force 6 to 7, was blowing from south south west, with moderate seas in Swanage Bay. Heavy rain squalls restricted visibility and the tide was half ebb.

The lifeboat headed south south west from Peveril Point at full speed until, abeam of Anvil Point she altered course to the west. With wind against tide, rough seas were encountered steaming through the tidal race off St Albans before course was altered to run abeam of Kimmeridge Ledges.

By 1645 Outlaw was in sight aground on the western end of the ledges, and VHP radio communication was established between the two boats. There was only one man on board Outlaw and he was told to put on a lifejacket and prepare to take a towline.

The wind had now backed to south south east and increased to gale force 8, gusting to strong gale force 9. The sea was very rough with rain and spray reducing visibility to 100 yards.

Acting Coxswain Dorey noted that Outlaw's anchor warp was leading eastward and holding her head to wind, but he decided to approach on a northwesterly course along the line of the ledges, passing the casualty's port side.

Rounding under the stern the lifeboat approached the fishing vessel's starboard bow, but, just as the towline was thrown aboard, heavy confused seas swept Outlaw against the lifeboat's port bow, causing some damage. Rather than go forward to secure the line to a suitable towing point, the man on board made it fast to a bulwark cleat. It was obviously inadequate, so Acting Coxswain Dorey ran the lifeboat ahead, calling for the tow to be let go. He stayed clear of the casualty while a severe squall passed before, at 1652, turning shorewards to her starboard side.

With about 80 feet between Outlaw and the next ledge outcrop, Acting Coxswain Dorey turned the lifeboat head to sea and laid close against the casualty's starboard bow, giving Acting Second Coxswain Christopher Haw and Crew Member John Corben time to haul the man inboard from the starboard shoulder.

Crew Member Corben helped the man into a survivor's lifejacket and wrapped him in blankets as Acting Coxswain Dorey headed south east, clearing the ledges. Turning east, the lifeboat passed one mile south of St Albans Head at 1744. Speed had to be reduced in very heavy seas off Durlston Head but the lifeboat returned to station at 1853. The survivor was landed and the lifeboat was rehoused and once again ready for service at 1915.For this service the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to Acting Coxswain Philip J.

Dorey. Vellum service certificates were presented to Acting Second Coxswain T. Christopher Haw, Acting Motor Mechanic John Corben, Acting Assistant Mechanic Victor A. C. Marsh and Crew Members Terry R. Dyke, Anthony C. Higgins and Neville J.

Legg..