Drifting in gale A DUTCH YACHT, the 42ft Ran I, reported at 2238 on Thursday June 4, 1981, that she was in difficulties in the vicinity of Shipwash Lightvessel; her engine had broken down and she was drifting in gale force winds. She had nine people on board.

Great Yarmouth Coastguard alerted a helicopter from RAF Coltishall which was already airborne on a night exercise and, at 2242, Aldeburgh Coastguard telephoned the honorary secretary of Aldeburgh lifeboat station. Aldeburgh's 42ft Beach lifeboat Charles Dlbdin (Civil Service No. 32) launched at 2259 under the command of Coxswain William Burrell.

It was a bad night with a force 8 gale blowing from west south west and very rough seas, although visibility was good. The tide was half flood.

At first the lifeboat headed east south east towards what was thought to be the casualty's position, but the helicopter sighted the yacht further south and directed the lifeboat to the new position.

The lifeboat came up with Ran I, 5'/2 miles south east of Aldeburgh station, at 2335. She then went alongside the yacht, helped by illumination from the helicopter's searchlight, and passed a tow line. It was not an easy operation in that rough weather and at one timethree lifeboatmen were washed off their feet along the deck.

Once the line was made fast the yacht was towed into the shelter of Orfordness and on to Harwich Harbour. The lifeboat returned to Aldeburgh at 0623 and was beached and once again ready for service by 0725.

For this service a letter of appreciation signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, was sent to Coxswain William V. Burrell, BEM, Acting Second Coxswain Colin Smith, Motor Mechanic Nigel A. Saint, Assistant Mechanic John A. McMullan and Crew Members Maurice H. Smith, Douglas G. Cook and Frederick S. F. Sharland..