Pounding on bank GREAT YARMOUTH Coastguard informed the honorary secretary of Lowestoft lifeboat station at 0215 on Thursday April 16, 1981, that the Panamanian coaster Avenir was aground l'/2 miles north east of Lowestoft and bouncing on the banks. Lowestoft lifeboat, the 47ft Watson Frederick Edward Crick, slipped her mooring at 0237 and, under the command of Second Coxswain John Catchpole, set out on service.

It was an overcast night with moderate visibility. A strong breeze, force 6, was blowing from the north east and the sea was very rough. It was half an hour after low water.

On clearing harbour full speed was made towards the casualty, which could be seen stranded on Holm Sand. As the lifeboat approached, Avenir could be seen pounding on the bottom in the heavy breaking seas being driven over the bank. The master asked that he and his four crew should be taken off.

Acting Coxswain Catchpole decidedto go straight in to the coaster's starboard side. A first attempt to get alongside was made at 0300 but there was not enough water; the lifeboat herself was pounding on the bank and she could not get close to the casualty.

Pulling off astern, she tried two more approaches from other angles, hoping to find enough water, but each time she had to clear astern. On a fourth attempt, however, although still hitting bottom, the lifeboat was driven alongside and all five men were taken off before, at 0320, she pulled off again stern first.

Passage was made back to Lowestoft and the five men were landed at 0355.

The lifeboat was refuelled, back on her mooring and ready for service at 0410.

For this service a framed letter of thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, chairman of the Institution, was presented to Second Coxswain John W.

Catchpole..