Marooned on platform THAMES COASTGUARD contacted Aideburgh lifeboat station's honorary secretary on the afternoon of Wednesday October 24, 1984 and requested a launch to 12 maintenance menmarooned on an offshore platform which forms part of Sizewell nuclear power station.

At 1402 Aldeburgh's 37ft 6in Rother class lifeboat, James Cable, launched from the beach with Coxswain William Burrell in command. The weather had been deteriorating all day and at the time of launch the wind was a southerly near gale, force 7, and there was a moderate to rough sea with moderate swell; it was overcast with occasional rain and visibility was moderate to poor.

The lifeboat headed north at full speed and arrived at the platform at about 1425. An inflatable dinghy could be seen, made fast to the structure, but submerged. Coxswain Burrell steered to the east of the platform, then swunground to head south into the wind and tide for an approach on the west side of the platform, where there was a walkway.

The wind was now fluctuating between south and south west, force 7 to 8, and there was a rough confused sea with six to eight foot swell. It soon became clear that it would not be possible to lay the lifeboat alongside as there were six steel projections jutting out from the walkway. These were thought to have supported wooden fendering in the past. Instead, the coxswain was forced to make a series of runs in to take off the 12 men. On the first, one man was successfully embarked but on a second attempt the high wind and rough sea made it necessary to steam abruptly full astern to avoid damage to the lifeboat's hull.

For the third run in the coxswain approached the rig at an angle of about 40°, his port bow well fendered, and, using helm and engines, held the lifeboat in a position so that two men were able to jump onto the foredeck. Just afterwards, the seas lifted the lifeboat some six to eight feet, forcing her bow under one of the projections and causing some damage to the port pulpit rail and end box.

On the next run in eight men were able to jump aboard the lifeboat. Unfortunately one of them landed heavily and suffered a broken ankle.

On the final run in it took much persuasion to get the last man to jump but eventually he was pulled aboard and the lifeboat headed for home at full speed.

All those who had been taken off were in the wheelhouse, except the injured man. The first aiders in the crewconsidered, under the circumstances, it was better not to try and move him.

Instead, all the lifeboat's crew, except the coxswain and wireless operator, sheltered and protected the man on the foredeck with their own bodies, blankets and spare oilskins. During most of the 30 minute passage back to station, the lifeboat was heading into wind and sea and being swept overall.

At 1510 the lifeboat was beached and the maintenance men landed. The injured man was examined by a local doctor and then taken to Ipswich Hospital by ambulance.

Following this service a letter of appreciation, signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, was sent to Coxswain William Burrell and his crew..