Three saved from cruiser on lee shore The rescue of three people from a disabled 25ft motor cruiser, which was only minutes from being driven on to a lee shore in large seas on the Norfolk coast, has earned Coxswain Anthony Jordon of Wells lifeboat station a letter of appreciation from the director of the Institution. The letter warmly thanks the coxswain for his prompt action and exemplary seamanship.

The cruiser had been on passage fromBoston to Great Yarmouth when she lost her steering a mile off Blakeney on 27 June 1988. The wind was NW Force 5 and squally, the coast a lee shore with breaking seas up to 8ft high and visibility was poor.

The station was alerted by the coastguard, and at 1559, the 37ft Oakley Ernest Tom Neathercoat was under way for the 90- minute passage to the casualty.

The lifeboat crew used the VHP radio direction finder to locate the cruiser, finally spotting her at 1714 - anchored by the stern just 60 yards off the beach and dragging towards the broken water of the lee shore.

The tow line was passed at 1725, butconditions were difficult and it was not until 1531 that it was secured and the casualty towed out through the broken water to safety.

The cruiser was able to use some engine power, to speed the tow to catch the tide at Wells, but she was yawing badly in the sea conditions as the lifeboat entered Wells harbour through more broken water.

The tow back took some two hours and it was not until 1931 that the Oakley was able to report that she had brought the casualty in to sheltered waters..