Norwegian yacht aground IN THE EARLY HOURS of Saturday, June 20, 1987, Ramsgate's 44ft Waveney class lifeboat Ralph and Joy Swann launched in response to a message from Dover Coastguard MRCC that red flares and a MAYDAY signal had been issued by the Norwegian yacht Notus, aground on the Goodwin Sands.

As the lifeboat launched at 0022 the wind was north-north-easterly, force 4-5 with a moderate sea. Visibility was fair but poor in rain squalls. High water was at 0628.

Second Coxswain Derek Pegden, in command of Ralph and Joy Swann, located the stricken yacht on the Goodwin Sands and requested the assistance of Ramsgate's Atlantic 21 rigid inflatable lifeboat, Ramsgate Enterprise.

The latter launched at 0105 in similar weather conditions, carrying CoxswainRon Cannon, Helmsman Alan Bray and Crew Members Timothy Hurst, Stephen Mitchell and Michael Petts on board.

The four mile passage to the casualty was made at full speed and, on arrival, the Waveney class lifeboat was found to be standing off approximately a half a mile from the stricken yacht Notus.

Coxswain Cannon transferred to the Ralph and Joy Swann and assumed command. Crew Member Petts joined him on board the larger lifeboat, leaving Messrs Bray, Hurst and Mitchell to man the Atlantic 21.

Coxswain Cannon closed the lifeboat to within 300 yards of the casualty before lack of water prevented him approaching any nearer. Illuminating parachute flares were fired which showed the 40ft Norwegian yacht drawing 6'/2 feet, hard aground, lying over on her port side and heading in a north north westerly direction. The five persons aboard the yacht were clearly visible.

Weather conditions had deteriorated by this time, approximately 0150. The wind had freshened to north easterly 6 to 7, creating high seas in the vicinity ofthe Sands which run in a north east to south west direction at this point. The tide was flooding and setting south south west at two knots.

Coxswain Cannon instructed the helmsman of the Atlantic 21 to pass a towline to the casualty. This was a difficult and hazardous opertion as the tide and sea conditions caused the 3'/2 inch nylon towline to lay down tide and wind. Nevertheless the tow line was passed successfully but the crew of the yacht prematurely released the heaving line, used to assist the operation, and the line was lost. In ensuring the tow line was, this time, correctly made fast to the port bow of the yacht the Atlantic 21 touched bottom and was driven on to the sands in the prevailing conditions.

Crew members Hurst and Mitchell entered the water and managed, after great exertion, to push the boat into deeper water. This allowed Helmsman Bray to engage engines and to steam the boat clear of the surfline.

With the towline fast Coxswain Cannon slowly took up the weight of the line and maintained a heading of 020° Magnetic to ensure the yacht was notdriven any further on to the Sands. This position was held for approximately 50 minutes during which time the estimated height of sea was eight feet and the main and well decks were constantly awash. The Atlantic 21 stood by throughout this period.

At 0250 the yacht began to roll heavily and engine revolutions were increased aboard the lifeboat until forward headway was gradually achieved and the yacht came clear of the Sands at 0305. Radio contact had been maintained throughout this operation and once it was confirmed all was well aboard the yacht the tow to Ramsgate was commenced.

The return passage to Ramsgate was undertaken at six knots and arrival at Ramsgate occurred at 0350. The Atlantic 21 had escorted both boats until it was established that no difficulties had arisen before setting course for Ramsgate and arriving at 0329.

Following this service letters of thanks signed by the director, Lt Cdr Brian Miles, were sent to Helmsman Alan Bray and the crew of Ramsgate's Atlantic 21 lifeboat and also to Coxswain Ron Cannon and the crew of the station's 44ft Waveney class lifeboat Ralph and Joy Swann..