Storm search THE STATION HONORARY SECRETARY of Courtmacsherry Harbour lifeboat station was informed at 1428 on Saturday December 19, 1981, that a fishing boat had been seen to capsize and sink off Barry's Point. Maroons were fired and at 1445 Courtmacsherry lifeboat, the 47ft Watson Helen Wycherley slipped her moorings and set out on service under the command of Second Coxswain/ Mechanic Brendan Madden.

A fresh to strong south-easterly breeze, force 5 to 6, was blowing in the river, with a moderate sea running.

Visibility was poor in the continuous heavy rain. High water was at 1130.

Acting Coxswain/Mechanic Madden pressed on at full speed but had to reduce speed at the bar where conditions were exceptional, with a heavy onshore sea running against the ebb tide. The lifeboat pounded heavily several times and shipped heavy water aboard. With storm force 10 southeasterly winds clear of the land, the seas in Courtmacsherry Bay were violent.

Acting Coxswain Madden set a course for Barry's Point at half speed, but he used full power at times to maintain course. Visibility was severely affected by spray and heavy rain.

The lifeboat arrived off Barry's Point at 1520 and began searching for survivors; such were the conditions that it was not possible to distinguish the dangerous low reef around Horse Rock 3'/2 cables off the point. Weak RT communications were established with Milford Haven Coastguard at 1525, and they reported that a helicopter had been requested.

The search was continued north of Barry's Point and the lifeboat established good RT communications with Ballycotton Lighthouse from 1605 onwards.

Meanwhile, a shore search was organised by Noble Ruddock, a former RNLI Irish district engineer, and the lifeboat was directed towards wreckage sighted on the surface. At 1620 a sleeping bag was recovered about three cables north of Barry's Point and the lifeboat checked flotsam and oil, but found no sign of survivors.

At 1701 Ballycotton Lighthouse relayed confirmation of the position where the casualty was seen to sink, and at 1720 a Sea King helicopter from RAF Brawdy arrived on scene and began a search. The lifeboat continued to search the area between Barry's Point and theapproaches to Courtmacsherry Harbour.

At about 1900, while heading south at slow speed, the lifeboat fell off a heavy wave on to her starboard shoulder and heeled over almost 90 degrees. Except for a lookout, the crew were either in the wheelhouse or cabin, the lifeboat recovered and no one was hurt.

By 2000 it was considered that there was no chance of recovering survivors alive and at 2010 Acting Coxswain Madden was advised by the honorary secretary to cease searching and seek shelter. Shortly afterwards the helicopter abandoned the search.

Acting Coxswain Madden headed for Broadstrand Bay and anchored close north west of Quarry Point; he and Acting Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic Jeremiah O'Mahony took it in turns to stay at the wheel and engines were used to reduce the strain on the anchor cable. The wind gradually veered south and by 2300 had dropped to a moderate southerly breeze, force 4.

An hourly call was made to Ballycotton Lighthouse.

Anchor was weighed at 0730 the next day, Sunday December 20, and the search resumed between Barry's Point and Courtmacsherry Harbour bar. The wind was now south westerly force 2 or 3 but a heavy sea was still running and visibility was poor.

At 0830 the Irish warship LE Emer arrived and began to search, and at 0855 Acting Coxswain Madden streamed the drogue, crossed the bar and returned to station, securing alongside the Town Pier at 0900. The lifeboat was refuelled and back on her mooring, ready for service, at 1130.

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

Brendan Madden. A letter of appreciation signed by Rear Admiral W. J.

Graham, director, was sent to Noble Ruddock..