MFV broken down HM COASTGUARD reported to the deputy launching authority of Southend-on-Sea lifeboat station at 1706 on Sunday May 2, 1982, that MFV Mary had broken down and had asked for immediate help; she was about 15 miles east of the lifeboat station, due west of Maplin Edge Buoy. The fishing vessel Costalot had tried to take off Mary''-, two crew but had been unable to get alongside.

The relief Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat on temporary duty at Southend was launched on service at 1712 manned by Helmsman Robert Fossett with Crew Members Mark Fossett and Simon Spratt. A strong breeze, force 6. which was increasing and which was to reach gale force 8, was blowing from west south west. The tide was in the third hour of flood so that, with wind against tide, there were heavy and confused seas in the Leigh Channel and The Warp. Visibility was good.

At 1742 Helmsman Fossett reportedto Thames Coastguard that he had reduced speed because of the deteriorating weather and because wind and spray were reducing visibility. As by this time the wind had risen to gale force, Thames Coastguard began radio checks with the Atlantic every five minutes and advised the launch of Sheerness lifeboat to help Southend lifeboat if required; Sheerness 44ft Waveney lifeboat Helen Turnbull slipped her moorings at 1803 under the command of Coxswain/ Mechanic Robin W. Castle and set out across the Thames Estuary making good speed.

Meanwhile. Southend Atlantic continued to make best possible speed to the casualty and at 1759 Mary was sighted at anchor in a narrow gut to the west of Maplin Edge Buoy. She was being tossed about in the breaking seas and grounding in the troughs, and she was taking a lot of water on board. Helmsman Fossett, realising the danger of any delay, spoke with her crew by radio and asked them to be ready to abandon ship immediately.

As Helmsman Robert Fossett made his approach towards Mary the Atlantic was broached by the seas and laid over on her starboard sponson several times.

However, Crew Members Mark Fossett and Simon Spratt managed to snatch the two fishermen from Mary at the first attempt. The lifeboat was then driven clear of the casualty into deeper water and at 1808 Thames Coastguard were informed that both men were safely aboard the Atlantic.

The return passage to Southend was head to sea and, in the heavy breaking waves, the lifeboat was pitching severely.

Concerned that there might be the possibility of capsizing. Helmsman Fossett stationed Crew Members Fossett and Spratt in the bows to distribute the weight more evenly. However, this proved to be extremely punishing for the lifeboatmen and, as one of the fishermen, suffering from seasickness and hypothermia, was becoming very weak, the engines were throttled back until there was just enough speed to give steerage way while Crew Members Fossett and Spratt sheltered the two fishermen from the wind and spray.

In view of the worsening weather and the state of the survivors. Helmsman Fossett decided that the two men should be transferred from Southend Atlantic to Sheerness Waveney lifeboat. At 1825 the Atlantic, continuing to make headway, was informed that Helen Turnbull would reach her position in about 30 to 40 minutes and the two lifeboats rendezvoused at South West Swin Buoy at 1855. As there was no shelter from wind or sea which could be gained, it was decided to make the transfer immediately.

Sheerness lifeboat ran down sea, the Atlantic 21 was driven alongside and one man was taken aboard Helen Turnbull: the manoeuvre was repeated for the transfer of the second survivor.

At 1900 both lifeboats set course for Southend Pier at reduced speed. Thereturn passage was made in extremely rough conditions, taking nearly two hours, with the Sheerness Waveney escorting the Southend Atlantic 21.

Both lifeboats reached Southend Pier at 2048 and the two fishermen were landed to a waiting ambulance. Southend Atlantic 21 was rehoused and once again ready for service by 2107 and Sheerness Waveney lifeboat returned to station; she arrived at Sheerness at 2146 and was refuelled and back on her moorings by 2215.

For this service the bronze medal was awarded to Helmsman Robert T. Fossett of Southend-on-Sea lifeboat and framed letters of thanks signed by the Duke of Atholl, chairman of the Institution, were presented to Crew Members Simon P. Spratt and Mark A. Fossett.

A letter signed by Lt-Cdr Brian Miles, deputy director, expressing the Institution's appreciation to Coxswain/Mechanic Robin W. Castle and his crew was sent to Captain William I. Patterson, honorary secretary of Sheerness lifeboat station..