Yacht aground HEARING, just after 1700 on Sunday September 13, 1981. that a yacht had grounded on the training bank off Buoy C6. Helmsman Edward Brown telephoned the honorary secretary of New Brighton lifeboat station. Almost immediately, as preparation was being made to fire the maroons, a request came from Liverpool Coastguard to launch to the aid of the 28ft steel hulled yacht Blue Tango.

At 1712 New Brighton's Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat was' launched manned by Helmsman Brown and Crew Members Anthony Clare and Robert Robertson. It was a fine, clear evening but with a fresh to strong breeze, force 5 to 6, blowing from west south west and gusting to near gale, force 7. The sea was moderate to rough and there was a moderate west-south-westerly swell.

The forecast was that the weather would deteriorate.

Blue Tango was hard aground on the west training bank, seven miles north north west of the lifeboat station. On arrival, the Atlantic 21 ran the yacht's kedge anchor out into deeper water to the west to prevent her drifting further ashore as the tide rose, and shipping was asked to ease speed in passing.

At 1900. after a good deal of bumping and surfing in the heavy sea and swell in the making tide, the yacht came afloat.

The anchor held at first but then started to drag and the yacht knocked across the training bank to the east. The Atlantic 21 lifeboat went round the end of the bank to meet her and escort her into the channel. In view of the deteriorating weather, however, and the yacht's slow progress, the lifeboat towed her to Alfred Basin. The lifeboat returned to station at 2100 and was rehoused and once again ready for service by 2130.

For this service a letter signed by Commander Bruce Cairns. RNLI chiefof operations, was sent to Captain J. A.

Billington, New Brighton station honorary secretary, expressing the Institution's appreciation to Helmsman Edward B. Brown and Crew Members Anthony G. Clare and Robert F.

Robertson..