Film men rescued BRONZE MEDAL FILMING OF A STUNT for the latest James Bond film at Beachy Head, East Sussex, on Tuesday, December 9, 1986, took a dramatic turn when a 17ft outboard-powered Dory, recovering equipment from beneath the cliffs, capsized, pitching its three-man crew into the sea.

The stunt being filmed involved catapulting a Land Rover from the clifftop into the water and it was at 1400 that Coastguard Sector Officer Graham Russell, present for safety observation, was told to clear the cliff edge for an immediate "shooting".

Within minutes he was informed of the capsize by a film crew member and returned immediately to the cliff edge, where he sighted the Dory's three male occupants in the water and clinging to the upturned boat as it was driven towards the base of the cliffs.

The weather was fine, wind westerly force 4, but a strong breeze force 6 had abated only that morning, leaving a heavy sea and swell. High water was expected at 1729.

Sector Officer Russell tried to alert the film crew's chartered safety launch Trinitas on VHP Channel 16, but was told it was guarding Channel 37 in company with the back-up film vehicle parked some 200 yards from the cliff edge.

While contact was being made by the film crew, Sector Officer Russell alerted Dover Coastguard, asking for urgent lifeboat assistance and at 1417 the Eastbourne honorary secretary agreed to launch the station's 16ft D class inflatable lifeboat, Humphrey and Nora Tollemache.

Unavoidable transport problems delayed the third crew member and so the lifeboat launched from the beach at 1429 with a crew of two, as it was decided that with three people in the water speed was essential.

The lifeboat travelled westward at full speed and VHP radio contact was established with Sector Officer Russell,who made every effort to direct the lifeboat through the increasingly rocky and shallow area—breaking seas and surf making navigation hazardous.

Some 400 yards east of the lighthouse, Helmsman Ian Stringer veered his craft towards the shore. Crew Member Derek Tucker released the anchor and tended the cable, joining on an extra length provided for such services, as the helmsman drove astern into increasingly confused and breaking seas.

Closing to within 100 yards of the shore, the lifeboat struck the rocks twice, stalling the engine, which was then stopped and tilted to avoid damage.

Paddling was found to be impossible and Helmsman Stringer decided to go overside and tow the lifeboat shorewards, while Crew Member Tucker veered more cable.

The three survivors were found to be unhurt but bruised. Despite Helmsman Stringer's appeals to them to board the lifeboat, the owner refused to leave the Dory and so the four men righted the boat and collected equipment.

The incoming tide had now made the narrow beach untenable and after again pleading unsuccessfully with the men to join him, Helmsman Stringer reboarded the lifeboat. Crew Member Tucker hauled in the considerable length of anchor warp until clear water allowed the engine to be restarted.

Following a severe squall warning from Solent Coastguard, Helmsman Stringer moved the lifeboat further to the west for a second landing attempt.

Similar conditions were experienced as the anchor was dropped again and the lifeboat veered shorewards. Foul ground again led to the engine being tilted and Helmsman Stringer once more "walked" ashore, drawing the lifeboat to a position close by the swamped Dory.

The survivors still insisted they would only board the lifeboat if an attempt was made to save the Dory and Helmsman Stringer, concerned with the increasing height of breaking seas—now estimated at six to eight feet—agreed.

A tow was connected and the lifeboat hand-hauled into deeper water before starting the engine. As the Dory moved under tow, a heavy sea washed out all the salvaged equipment and the casualty became jammed in the rocks. Without further reference, Helmsman Stringer cut the tow, but a sea struck the lifeboat and he was thrown across the boat, breaking the VHP whip aerial as he fell.

At 1600, with the emergency aerial rigged, the lifeboat proceeded to the Trinitas and transferred the three survivors, who thanked the RNLI crew. Thelifeboat returned to station at 1620, the boat being rehoused and refuelled, ready for service at 1815.

Following this service, Helmsman Ian Stringer was awarded the RNLI's bronze medal for gallantry, in recognition of his leadership and strength of purpose throughout.

For the support given to his helmsman and for the extreme physical effort displayed in veering cable twice, Crew Member Derek Tucker was presented with the thanks of the RNLI on vellum.

A letter of thanks, signed by Lt Cdr Brian Miles, deputy director and chief of operations, was sent to Sector Officer Graham Russell, for his help during this service..