Man unconscious A STRONG south-westerly breeze, force 6, was blowing on the afternoon of Wednesday July 17, 1985, when New Quay's (Dyfed) 37ft Oakley class lifeboat, Birds Eye, launched after the coastguard had reported a fishing vessel with engine failure off Llangranog.

The time was 1425 as Coxswain David Evans, at the helm, steered a course for the casualty in a moderate sea with four foot swell. When the lifeboat finally reached the casualty, she drew alongside and it became clear to the crew that her owner, the only occupant, had passed out. Three lifeboat crew members boarded the fishing boat while the coastguard were asked by radio to organise an ambulance.

Crew Member Gregory Boyle beganat once to administer the kiss of life to the unconcious man. He was successfully revived and as the ambulance had arrived at Llangranog, the coxswain decided to beach the fishing vessel there. The man was taken immediately to hospital in Aberystwyth and the lifeboat returned to station at 1630.

Following this service a letter of appreciation, signed by Cdr Bruce Cairns, chief of operations, was sent to the three men who boarded the fishing vessel, Second Coxswain Idris Evans and Crew Members Gregory Boyle and Bernard Evans, without whose action the unconscious man's life would undoubtedly have been lost..