Gas tanker aground A DANISH GAS TANKER, Inga Tholstrup, ran aground on Craig Waugh, two miles south east of Inchkeith in the Firth of Forth, early in the morning of Monday November 10, 1986. Forth Coastguard alerted Dunbar lifeboat station, 20 miles to the east of the accident, and by 0815 the 47ft Watson class lifeboat, Joseph Soar (Civil Service No 34) was heading for the casualty.Although visibility was good a southwesterly gale force 8, gusting to storm 10, was blowing and there were very high seas with 10 foot swell in the whole area. It took two and a half hours to reach Inga Tholstrup, a 2,000 tonne tanker with a cargo of Alphabutylene gas on board. She was firmly aground but it was hoped that she could be towed off by attendant tugs on the next high tide which was due at 2200.

Rescue helicopters from RAF Leuchars were also on scene but the gale force wind was making their task very difficult. The casualty wanted three of her crew members taken off and so Dunbar lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Noel Wright, ran alongside, took the three men aboard and proceeded to Leith where they were landed.

She then returned to the grounded tanker to await further developments.

As the day progressed it became clear that with her cargo of liquid gas, any attempt to refloat Inga Tholstrup would be extremely dangerous. Urgent discussions were held between the owners, underwriters and the port authorities as to the best solution and it was finally decided that the safest course of action was to unload the tanker before making any attempt to refloat her. Because of the prevailing weather this plan was also fraught with danger and Forth Coastguard asked Dunbar lifeboat to remain on scene during the operation. The divisional inspector for Scotland South was informed and he arranged for Anstruther's 37ft Oakley class lifeboat, The Doctors, to provide relief for Dunbar lifeboat and remain on station in the vicinity during daylight hours. Dunbar lifeboat was duly relieved by Anstruther lifeboat at 1200 on Tuesday November 11 and a pattern of watches was established for the next three days.

Two sister ships of the casualty, Elisabet and Tina Tholstrup, arrived on scene and, with improving weather and sea conditions, the unloading operation began and continued throughout Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13. During this period, as indeed throughout the entire service, a total ban on smokingand the use of naked flame was strictly applied and all other shipping in the area was requested to keep well clear of the casualty.

With the successful transfer of her cargo completed Inga Tholstrup was towed off Craig Waugh at 2200 on Thursday November 13 by a tug and safely anchored at Cockenzie at 2235.

At 2345 Forth Coastguard advised that lifeboat cover would no longer be required and both lifeboats proceeded to their respective harbours. Dunbar lifeboat arrived at 0230 on Friday November 14 where she refuelled, remoored and was ready again for service by 0300 hrs. Anstruther lifeboat was home by 0200 and was rehoused later that day in daylight.

Following this service the honorary secretaries of both Dunbar and Anstruther lifeboat stations received letters signed by Rear Admiral W. J.

Graham, RNLI director, thanking the crews for their long and arduous service carried out in very uncomfortable conditions..