Four saved from MFV among rocks in hurricane-force gustsCoxswain David Chant of the St Davids lifeboat, Dyfed, has been awarded the Institution's Bronze medal for bravery following the rescue of four fishermen in severe gales on 26 February 1989.

The St Davids' 47ft Tyne class lifeboat, Garside, was launched at 0940 following distress calls from the MFV Stephanie Jane, which had lost power and was dragging her anchor just south of the South Bishop lighthouse.

Michael Vlasto, inspector of lifeboats forthe Western Division said in his report: 'In this long service, in extreme weather conditions, Coxswain Chant showed considerable courage, boat handling skill and good seamanship. The satisfactory outcome of this service was largely due to Coxswain Chant's excellent local knowledge of this notorious area.' For their part in the rescue Second Coxswain Malcolm Gray, Assistant Mechanic David Bateman, and Crew Members Edward Bateman, Michael Morris, Kenneth Broaders and Derek Rees have been awarded medal service certificates.

Dragging Milford Haven Coastguard first alerted St Davids' Honorary Secretary at 0930 on Sunday, 26 February 1989. The 68ft MFV Stephanie Jane had lost power and was dragging her anchor, half-a-mile south of the South Bishop lighthouse, and just ten minutes later the 47ft Tyne lifeboat Garside was launched down the slipway under the command of Coxswain/Mechanic David Chant.

The wind was NW at Force 8/9, with very rough seas and a heavy ground swell. The tide was running north at 6 knots, and visibility was generally good - although heavy spray was being taken aboard.

Coxswain Chant set a westerly course across Ramsey Sound and once clear of Ramsey Island, such rough sea conditions were encountered that the crew strapped themselves into their seats.

The lifeboat maintained full operational speed, adjusted as necessary for large waves which were estimated at 20-30ft.

Despite a careful choice of course through the rocks the lifeboat was thrown over on her beam ends by the strong and turbulent seas in the vicinity of Daufraich.

Coxswain Chant held his course and at0955, as the lifeboat approached Bishop Rock lighthouse from the NE, the casualty was sighted lying at anchor, rolling heavily and dragging towards rocks some 200ft away.

The wind had increased to Force 9 by this time, with gusts of 65 knots (Force 12), and the seas were very rough with waves some 30ft high and a heavy swell from the west.

First attempt The casualty had no power, and would have to slip her anchor cable before a towline could be taken. As she was so close to rocks, it was essential that the tow be passed successfully at the first attempt. As the lifeboat crew prepared the towline on deck underdifficult conditions Coxswain Chant manoeuvred the lifeboat to within feet of the fishing vessel's port bow. Both vessels were rolling violently, but with expert use of the engines, the towline was passed successfully and the tow commenced at 1036, the lifeboat making 7 knots towards Milford Haven.

Progress was slow due to the extremely rough sea conditions, the strong flood tide running north and the need to avoid the worst currents and overfalls.

Landed At 1351 the towline jumped off the quarter post, but the deck crew were able quickly to secure it again.

A tug had been asked to stand by at the entrance to the Haven, in case the towline parted in the very bad conditions off the entrance, but it was not needed, and once in the lee of the Haven the two vessels were able to proceed to Milford dock where the four survivors were landed.

The lifeboat was refuelled, but because of the adverse conditions, was not able to return to station, and it was 1020 on the following morning before the lifeboat had been rehoused, refuelled and readied for service..