Two saved from trimaran Lowestoft - East Division The coxswain and second coxswain of Lowestoft's Tyne class lifeboat Spirit of Lowestoft have received letters of thanks from the Chairman of the RNLI following a service on 5 July 1989 in which two people were saved from a trimaran.

The lifeboat had launched at 0057 in response to red flares reported two miles east of the station. The wind was NE Force 7 and after a search along the Holm Sands using radar, white flares and searchlights the casualty was found moving out of control under full sail and travelling at some 8 knots.

Three unsuccessful approaches were made by Coxswain John Catchpole from the casualty's quarter to try to pass a tow line, and on the fourth approach Second Coxswain Coleman jumped aboard the yacht with a heaving line and a tow line was finally secured.

In his letter the Chairman praises Second Coxswain Coleman for his actions in 'jumping aboard the casualty without concern for your own safety.' The sails were hampering the tow of the trimaran so they were cut free by Second Coxswain Coleman, and the vessel with the two occupants was safely berthed in Lowestoft by 0415..